Jeff Rowlands Amp and Dac vs. VAC amp and DAC

Yes, I have Crystal 'Diamond' speaker cable and a power cord. I am sorry I don't know exactly what cables (speaker or interconnects) were used. Maybe be 'Transparent'? I don't know but I can ask. I believe the interconnects to the JR were balanced. 

Also, pokey77 — love all the musical suggestions. Joshua Judges Ruth is fabulous and so is Jeff Buckley's Grace. Every track you suggest!!! Lilac Wine is amazing. 

Thank you. I will try them for sure. Get used to everything. Maybe down the road try some loaners to see if there is any substantive difference. In the meantime, I will need interconnects. That I don't have! 

Excellent advice. I will look into them. Thanks!!! A good place to start. 

Thank you jond for looking and sending that listing. My cables are Standard Diamond series which is a bit higher up than the Micro (and thus more costly). If you think that there is synergy in having the same interconnect as speaker cable, I could look around and see what is out there. But, if I am going to change speaker cable down the road, do you think it might be better to start with a different interconnect and work from there? Since with the interconnects I am starting from scratch? Maybe there is a CC Diamond interconnect for sale. It is a bright and lively cable. I did hear it against Nordost, which sounded heavier and darker, if that makes any sense. But I have not heard any other cables. In my 'old' system I had AudioQuest cables (that looked a lot like garden hoses). 

What do you think?

That is an interesting suggestion! I will try the guitars. And get back to you. Thanks!!

See, it is clear, cables are very subjective! Also, within the various brands suggested there are different grades. So that is also a question. 

Also, in terms of cables (interconnects), perhaps I could look for something used? E.g., these are available at a dealer near me (I have no idea how old they are):

Nordost Valhalla XLR 1M interconnects. B-stock cable with a minor blemish, functionally perfect. Top tier resolution from top to bottom with an expansive soundstage. $4499.99 MSRP when current. Asking $1895 (in Canadian Dollars).

Thanks! The suggestion is for an interconnect which I don't have. I will keep the Crystal Cables for now. Used is a good way to go. Maybe once I know what amp I am getting we can talk interconnects? Gotta hook the Aeris to the Amp. A short run overall. 

Okay, I listened to both guitarists. And, here is the thing, I liked them both! Yes, at first I was drawn to Conde, but on second hearing I felt equally involved in Montero. In a way, an ideal test would be if they played the same piece. I see the differences you are getting at. Softer and warm on one hand, or crisper yet musical on the other hand. Very interesting test. Thank you. 

As for the interconnect cables, it just looked like a good deal. I am sure my dealer will also have suggestions. If I could find something good that is used I would save some a bit of money. I will use balanced XLR for sure. I don't think I need more than 1 meter.

I have a colleague who swears by a cable made locally that costs $45.00. He has tried many cables and goes back to this one regularly. He said it might be a great place to start? 

Gotcha! R

Well, used listings for interconnects are a bit daunting, but if you help me de-mystify the field I might be able to pick up something quite decent used.

Here are my questions:
1.) should i try to find a used Crystal Cable to create a synergy with my speaker cable?
2.) should i start from scratch with the interconnect and then use that as a frame of reference if and or when I try other speaker cables farther down the road?
3.) what do you think of these current used cables:

a.  synergistic research tesla series precision reference XLR 4.5 feet $800 
b.  there is a tara labs ISM XLR interconnect for $875 but then in the very next listing a TARA LABS Zero Gold for $8000 (demo). so that is it I am seeing at 875? something very very old?
c.  Silnote Morpheus Reference II for 495

There is this whole combination of things with Synergistic Research (speaker cables, interconnect, etc.) called Galileo -- though the interconnects are RCA, can they be re-terminated XLR or is that a crazy question? And it has bananas whereas I am using spades? ETC. 

Or, any other advice would be so wonderful. Thanks everyone!!!!!!!! You are the best. 

Inna,
Thanks, I will take that into consideration. In Canada, the LAMM sells for $30,000++ depending on the deal. And I will not listen to top of the line VAC or I will never buy anything else. LOL

As for the guitarists, I liked both. But I really liked the piece by Gonzalez. That amp would that constitute?

YOU HAVE DONE MORE THAN YOUR BEST. YOU HAVE 'ALL' BEEN AMAZING. I HOPE TO HEAR THE VAC 200 THIS WEEKEND. AND I WILL LET YOU KNOW HOW IT SOUNDS. I CAN'T WAIT. AS JON2020 SAID, 'A MONTH AND NO AMP, NO INTERCONNECTS, NO MUSIC AND NO INSPIRATION' LOL.

YOU ARE SUCH AN AMAZING COMMUNITY OF KNOWLEDGE AND MUSICAL INTELLIGENCE. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR THOUGHTFUL AND KIND ASSISTANCE. I HAVE LEARNED SO SO MUCH. APPRECIATIVELY, R

Hello,
I went to hear the VAC 200 iq system today. It is very beautiful. I think you would all agree it is engaging and warm and in a word gorgeous. However, I also listened to the JR with a tube preamp and I must say it was even better. So, I think the way to go is the Rowland for now and add a preamp when I can afford it down the road. The preamp with the Rowland completed the circle. It gave me a VAC sound with the ease of solid state. I think this is going to work out just fine. Your help and advice and suggestions have been fabulous. Oh, by the way, I recommend a piece for you to play. It is called Prayer Cycle and the track is called Benediction with Linda Rondstadt and Nusreh Fateh Ali Khan. The words are 'made up'. Not a real language, and it sounded so so beautiful today all three times I listened to it, but the fullest was the JR and tube preamp (ARC). So so so nice. I think I am almost at the finish line -- for now (LOL). R

What would a purist audiophile do?

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

Hello to all of you. Just got all of your fabulous posts. I don't know any of you, yet I feel a kindred spirit-ness. Guido — no offence taken whatsoever. Your amps are definitely better. And, if I could afford more I would go that route without question. And, just to let you know Angie spoke so highly of you and she remembers you well. I gave her your regards and she returns your best wishes.

Next, inna — I didn't entertain the LAMM because in Canadian dollars it it still way out of my budget. Would that it were other wise I would be listening to the M1 whatever # they are and travelling to visit the Quebec dealership. Alas, admittedly, I do listen to digital and I take your observation to heart. I am sure this is the WEAK link in the whole chain. I agree totally. But, again, convenience is a high priority. It is clear that I will (probably) never go vinyl. CDs might happen. I have a fabulous CD collection but no CD player presently. If and when I have some extra cash (LOL) I might get on and will return to you to get your advice. As you have already provided excellent advice on CDs — thank you so much. 

Also, I will run the Aeris directly until I can save up for the right pre-amp. I don't want to hurry things too much just because I am impatient. The Aeris and 625 S2 (yes it is the S2) will work for now and make me very happy. When that plateaus, as we all know it will, then I will add in the pre-amp and be in listening nirvana again. 

But no tweaking. No rolling tubes. No two amps and changing wires. Just a great sound with a nice aesthetic. That is okay, isn't it?

And Chanel vs Dior is very subjective. I prefer Chanel!!!!

Yes, both can be great. But if choosing just one, we agree — Chanel wins. 

If you see or hear of a used CD player that you think would be good for not a lot of money, let me know. 

Okay, just hearing this all makes me a bit nervous. I think I will stick to the plan and develop the system one by one. Preamp then CD -- but thanks for letting me bounce the idea around to get a feel for it. Sometimes it just helps to hear things back. 

Hello everyone and especially Inna,

I have not yet taken the plunge. The price of the JR is very high. However, I am going to decide very soon. But this morning as I was browsing some sights I found a LAMM M1.2 that I could afford. It is in the US so I might not be able to hear it (???) unless I go on a short trip (which I could do given my brother lives not far away). It is used so well priced. Any thoughts on this? R

Never mind. Between writing you and emailing the dealer, the LAMM sold. Back to the drawing board. R

Thanks, it seems I am courting the right products. Again, since I wrote, another ad for LAMM M2.2 has come to my attention. A friend sent it to me. I am inquiring about its age and so on. I would love to know more from you about LAMM, since you were the first to recommend it. I am still leaning very much toward JR as you know, but don't want to make the wrong move since this is an expensive and hopefully long term committment. I would be able to spend up to 15-16,000 USD. But why not spend less if I can!!!!! Then I could add preamp and cables and just listen to Sarah Mclaughlan and be happy. 

I love the 625 S2 so that is what this is all about. Making sure this is where I want to be. The goal is to be happy. I don't know if you have heard the Vac 200, it is lovely. But for me it is the amount of time it is in use (given it is also for my work) and the playing around with tubes. The JR is lovely. I am in the final stretch now. Thank you all. 

In my opinion, Sarah singing Angel with Emmylou Harris is a great track. One of my all time favourite go-to songs. 

I love Loreena too. Yes, they are both Canadian. 
As for the Continuum, I heard it and passed. I think (at least to my ears) the 625 is better. And down the road I can add a pre-amp. Thanks you for letting me know. Wilson likes JR with the Sabrinas too. Could it be I have decided????? 

All suggestions are most welcome!!!!!! I will try. 

I have learned from all of you. In the end, it will come down to 'my ears and my wallet' -- and your advice has helped a lot. This gave me a forum to discuss and learn. 

Thanks, but I think I am about to take the plunge. Will let you all know. R

I will let you know. I am looking forward to finding out. THANKS

Okay, what does SWCRABVHWI mean? And, there will be a TV in between. High ceilings (12' with wood slats). Brick wall on one side, open on the other. And 10 feet between speakers (equidistant to the couch of course). Probably not ideal but it is what it is. There is only so much I can do, but I am hoping it is okay. I could cover the TV when listening to music? Oh, and there are 96" glass doors, a wall across from the speakers, and completely open space to the other side -- very open overall. With rugs, and furniture, and dare I say it looks great!!!!!

One step at a time!!!!

Hello Everyone, 
Last night a friend emailed me about a (used) DarTZeel for sale (NHB-108). Any thoughts on this? 

So, overall this might not be a good fit based on the specifications of the amp vis-a-via the speakers. I hear you. There is no way at all of hearing them together. That is for sure. So it would have to be a sure thing. Thanks — I have no idea about the technical aspects. I just trust my ears and they have not heard the amp. I would have to travel to hear it and why bother if it is not advised. Okay, back to JR. So happy I have something wonderful to keep coming back to!!!!!

Thanks Heymikey. I appreciate hearing that. If the JR doesn't work out — VAC is the next choice. 

I am going with JR!! Home audition with the Sabrina's tomorrow morning. Yipee. Will let you all know. THANK YOU for your advice and support. R

Does anyone know of a system for $3000 or less (for a friend) that would be okay? 

Again, excellent advice!!!!!!!

Okay, will do. Thanks. 

I am having the best time!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love it. I tried not to (inna) but I do. Wade in the Water by Sweet Honey and the Rock was spectacular. I will look into a media center (a J River type of thing??
Tomorrow is my birthday and this is the best gift I could imagine. Until next year when I look for a preamp. So, it is Jeff Rowland 625 Series 2. Thank you all for your encouragement, your kindness, your support, and help. It really was the best!!!!!!! Wish I could meet all of you face to face. Happy listening. R

Jon2020 was right! SWCRABVHWI!

You are a great bunch. In a way you all held my hand and walked me through what seemed like a difficult but exciting journey. I really value your input and support. It was like having really good friends who I could talk to. All through the process you were kind and thoughtful. Once again, THANK YOU ALL very much. And thank you for the birthday wishes. July 4th was a big day for me here in Canada.

I am now a proud owner of a JR 625 S2 amp and Aeris DAC. It is a great amp. I am very happy. This is something I can live with and build upon. Maybe add a tube amp or the JR Corus down the line. I will start a thread when that time comes. LOL. 

So, I guess this thread comes to a happy ending — and everyone lives happily ever after. R

These are all very good suggestions. I will ask around and keep my eyes open. I do hear good things about the Shunyata Zitron line up. And will also consider Purist. However, there seems to be quite a range of cables in their line? R

Another good idea. When the time comes, I will bear that in mind. Thanks. 

I kept the demo. It was new and is still breaking in. This is it. 
Hope that helps to clarify. 

There is a Wel used on Audiogon. Wilson likes Transparent. Okay, I will figure this out too. many thanks, Ellen 

Will do!!!!!! 

Guido, That was very funny. Luckily, I don't think I have Audiophrenia Nervose but given that it is all about the music, it is hard to know if I have upgraditis? I mean, what I think happens, at least to me, is that my listening plateaus and I want to go deeper and deeper into the music. I am a professor of Indian philosophy and I use music as a way to open to writing and to meditation. So, it is very important to me. But, the technology is a means not an end. I must keep that in sight. Still, I have to say I do want to keep growing and sometimes that means upgrading and tweaking — just not YET. R

The speakers are fabulous. And they really fit with the JR amp.

During this whole process I contacted a JR dealer in the US. He said, "I think the Sabrinas are the absolute best speaker on the market in their price range." Now you might not agree and that could cause a whole other discussion (and maybe even a contentious one). Also, I can't say since I don't know that many speakers, but from the things I have heard while auditioning the various amps, they are (to my ears) excellent.

Also, so far they sound wonderful with the JR. They might be small and of course I could go bigger, but size is an issue in my home. For now, they sound really really really good. I am very happy with them.

Of course there are always better pieces out there, but I really need to just settle in to this for now and be happy. And I am!! You should hear them. They are very sweet. Thank inna. 

Thanks. I am still on the hunt for interconnects! Anybody know anything about the Audio Quest Wel? or Wild? or Blue Yonder? with DBS?

Ricred1, have you tried other cables?

I understand. The problem is how do you try out various cables, especially if you are trying to buy used to save some money? I take your recommendations seriously. Thanks, R

Hello,
I don't really have interconnects yet between the Aeris DAC and JR amp. I totally agree that when the amp comes (next year?), I will consider seriously adding tubes or at least hearing the system with tubes. As of today, however, I need an XLR interconnect from the DAC to the amp. I only have this older Transparent as a loaner or I have to purchase it. I think I can do better. But what is the question?