Jeff Rowlands Amp and Dac vs. VAC amp and DAC

One thing I realized last night is that I didn't listen to tube amp and tube preamp. I have to go back to the store anyway, and will suggest it. But, to be honest, because of the many hours that I watch film and my family uses it for TV, the ease of use was one of the things that factored into my decision. I hear the difference between the JR and VAC, but as one person asked earlier on 'are there any systems you would not be happy with'? They are both great. Who wouldn't be happy with either one!!! I feel so fortunate to be able to even be in the position to be able to say that. 

I might wear Chanel with Dior? A scarf? Perfume? Eyeglasses? But then who can afford Dior and/or Chanel. I think you are right, though, I will hear tube and tube and hear for myself how that combo is. I owe it to myself to finish the search. So, my friends, we are not at the last chapter just yet.

In terms of power cords, oh no. Actually I do have a Crystal Cable power cord I can use — maybe on the DAC? Thanks for the suggestions on CDs. I will be listening to the Corus pre-amp as well (not tube), and VAC — maybe I should start another thread!!! LOL

Again, I have an all JR system, with the 625 S2, Corus, and Aeris. In my system I did hear a "slight" difference when adding a Wireworld Platinum power cord, but a more audible difference when I added the Torus power conditioner.

Hi Rinpoche,

Congratulations on your decision, preliminary though it may be.

To be sure it's clear, is the Roland you have tentatively settled on the 625S2?

Also, just out of curiosity, which speaker make (Focal?) and specific model was it that you listened to in the recent session?  And if you know or can determine it during your next visit, which tap on the 200iq was used in connecting to that speaker?

Best,
-- Al
 

Here's a thought, maybe do as I do...
own a Rowland ss amp for when you want that ss sound..and a tube amp for when you like the sound of tubes!
The Rowland is an excellent ss amp, having said that, it has all of the typical ss attributes...less depth than what tubes will give you, less purity in the midrange and slightly less definition of timbre. OTOH, the ss amp has better control of the bass, slightly more exact positioning of the players on the stage...although as I said above, the stage is foreshortened and the bonus of being a) probably more reliable and b) giving off less heat. Plus, the ss amp can typically drive a wider range of speakers ( at least the one I own). 
There is no amp that I am aware of that gives the best of both worlds...ss and tube.

Daveyf
Have you heard the 625 S2 in your system or compared it directly to a tube amp?