Jeff Rowlands Amp and Dac vs. VAC amp and DAC

Rin,

I use a single VAC Phi 200 to drive some TAD CR-1's that are a challenging load, and they handle it well - - been enjoying this match for 18 months now.  The VAC has drive and pretty good bass grip for a tube amp IME (easily better than the EAR 890 I was using before with 8 KT-90's).  Looking at the impedance and phase curves of the Sabrina, I'm thinking the Phi 200 would drive them well, too (using the 1-2 ohm tap, like I do for my TAD's).

Regarding tube upkeep, I did have a couple of the Shuguang KT-88 tubes die on me prematurely, where it seemed that their internal structure fatigued apart due to the on/off thermal expansion.  No drama or troubles other than having to get a replacement.  This happened in my first of four years of use.  I moved to Gold Lion KT-88's matched beautifully by TC Tubes and have had just solid performance, no troubles, and slightly better overall sound for my system (a bit richer in tone, while still being extended - - TAD's like that).  Setting the bias on the tubes is really simple with the VAC system, takes only 60 - 90 seconds, and I have experienced virtually no drift over time.

I listened to a lot of SS amps, but I keep coming back to tube amps because of that same magic that you are hearing!  I'd easily go with the VAC, but you certainly should hear them in your system and home first.  Any dealer selling equipment of this cost level should get behind a home audition, IMO.

I'd be very interested to hear your comments after auditioning the iQ version of the VAC, so please post your experiences.  I'd love to get a good audition of one.

knghifi,

Those are some good points.  I have a VAC Ren Sig II that is a very nice sounding tubed preamp that plays happily with any amplifier setup, and I have tried SS amps, but I always come back to tube amps.  They just bring me closer to the palpable sense I get at live music events, and as much as I would like the convenience of SS, it doesn't do the same for me.  Of course, I haven't tried anything close to all of the SS contenders, but I'm too happy with my tubes right now for that.  It all gets down to our personal reactions as to what is sonically important, and there is no accounting for that - - we like what we like.

Interesting that your TAD E1's are not too fussy in placement.  I was captivated by those at the Zesto Audio demo at RMAF 2014, and that is what got me investigating the TAD line and eventually ending up with the CR-1's.  The E1's are a great speaker.  I find the CR-1's to be quite dependent upon placement for issues of imaging and for harmonic fill in the upper bass, lower midrange, so they seem to be less forgiving - - kind of their reputation!  But when you do get them right, boy, do they sing so sweetly and so true!

I'm curious, what amp are you driving your E1's with?

I am using a biwire set of Elrod Gold Statement speaker cables between my VAC Phi 200 and a pair of TAD CR-1's.  I will admit they are stupid expensive, but they improved my system sound in ways that I appreciate enough.  Before that I was using a true biwire of Clear Day Double Shotgun cables, which I think are fantastic cables, in general, and crazy good for the money, IME.

Rinpoche,
I had to smile when you mentioned seeking inspiration from music to fuel/assist your writing process for your book.  I find music essential for both writing and mathematical calculations - - I just find it helps bring my mind to better focus (I'm a bit ADHD, so it is nice to have music exciting and activating some itchy brain circuit to steady me down).  And I find I can do both with great simultaneous involvement, truly having some ecstatic experiences in just such times.

I am a VAC Phi 200 owner that wrote about them a bit earlier.  I have heard that the iQ is a very nice step up in sound quality, so I think you are wise to wait for that audition before making a decision.  I will bet that it tips the scales!

I have changed from the stock VAC Shuguang tubes for sound that I find better:  Gold Lion KT88's for the power tubes and Shuguang Treasure CV181-Z tubes for the input and signal tubes.  And actually I have lately mixed the original Shuguang 6SN7 tubes back into the driver station for my favorite overall affect in my system and to my tastes.  My basic point is that there are better (different?) current production tubes to try, and mixing and matching can dial in the "flavor" a bit to suit.  And they don't break the bank, by any means.

Keep enjoying the journey, and I am sure you will end up with a musically satisfying system.  (And, yes, cables make a difference, too, but let's defer that topic for now...)