Jeff Rowlands Amp and Dac vs. VAC amp and DAC

Hello -- again,
Someone wrote to ask me how everything has worked out. Well, I got rid of my Devialet and purchased Jeff Rowland 625S amp + Corus to go with the Wilson Sabrina's. I love it. I just added the JR PSU and I am hoping this will provide the warmth that I am looking for. So far, so good -- but I am only at the beginning of the break-in time. All is well here and we are really loving it. Sounds fabulous. Brings out the best of all worlds. I hope this answers your question. There is no way the Devialet can compare, though it is an amazing machine for the price and for what it does -- pretty much everything. But the JR is incredible overall and I am so happy I listened to my own ears plus some practical advice from my dealer and friends (Guido included). Who knows, if I found a used VAC one day I might add it in from time to time. But for every day and all uses, JR is the man. 

In terms of ARC, I don't know -- it just didn't touch me the way that the JR did. It was lovely and I even paired an ARC preamp with the JR amp -- so nice -- but overall I went with the Corus. The VAC was also gorgeous. I am just not sure that for all uses a tube amp is the way for me to go. The 625 does not need a preamp. It sounds amazing just with the Aeris in my opinion. BUT, I wanted the fullness that I think a preamp brings to the system. I was fortunate to receive one as a gift so that was a no-brainer for me. Still, I think I would have gone that route anyway. I stack the 625 and Corus so space is not an issue. Not saying this is a good thing to do, but it is better than not having them -- if I had more space and longer cables I might spread things out a bit more, but I don't. It also has to look good. So, whatever one you decide on is the right one for you. In this line up you can't make a wrong choice (in my opinion). Also, you might start with the Aeris and 625S -- then when your listening plateaus -- add in the Corus (or tube amp). I find the PSU is going to be a welcome addition to this set up. 

By the way, I should clarify that it is the Jeff Rowland 625 S amp that I am referring to. 
all the best! Rinpoche

 OOOPS....JR amp 625 S2

@rinpoche You are in for a great treat--the Aeris+Corus+PSU combo is very good at the beginning and superb after the burn in is completed. I run my combo with JR M925s and couldn't be happier with the results.
Enjoy!
Al