Jeff Rowlands Amp and Dac vs. VAC amp and DAC

First off, Al's comments are very informative and much appreciated. Secondly, I only comprehend Al's comments at a layman's understanding.

So, with that in mind, I have heard the Sabrina's twice. And both times I was pretty enraptured. The first time was with D'Agostino mono blocks and preamp with a Bricasti M1 DAC. Not sure of wire and other ancillary items, but this absolutely hit the nail on the head for me. This was at The Show Newport 2015. My friend and I both thought it was a very lovely sound. Certainly in the best five or six rooms.

I also more recently heard the Sabrina's with an ARC GSi75 integrated amp. So, different room and supporting cast, but again, wow, what a nice full rich sound. Tube magic in evidence. The ARC has its own DAC, which I think they used, and this was a very nice complement for the Sabrina's. For only 75 wpc, these tube amps had an iron grip on the bass and I was pretty astonished as were others as well. I heard them at at a high end get together and there were a number of people who felt this was one of the best setups in the room; there were 6 or 7 total and they were nearly all Wilson with ARC gear. This particular Sabrina/ARC GSi75 integrated pairing also one of the least expensive at that get together.

I still think a lot about the Sabrina's with an ARC GSi75 integrated or the D'Agostino gear. Very nice indeed. My one caveat concerning the Sabrina's with an ARC GSi75 integrated is that the amp takes 45 seconds to power on and since my system is used with TV/Movies as well, that'd be a no go as my wife would not accept that. Never hurts to dream though.

BTW, most of the time I have seen the Wilson line displayed they were being paired with ARC gear. I have heard most of the floor standing line and I thought the Sabrina/ARC GSi75 integrated was near the best. On that same day I heard the Alexandria XLF with D'Agostino mono' and pre and it was very engaging but to me the cost differential seemed unjustified. Of course, this is just my own opinion. Good luck in your journey, hope it is a lot of fun for you.

Again as I mentioned before, I heard the Sabrina's with the wonderful ARC GSi75 tube integrated. It was just amazing. That integrated had an iron fist on the speakers and am still thinking about it since I heard the setup six-eight months ago. I've also heard the Sabrina's with the new D'Agostino solid state gear and it was also a great match. But I think the point at least several others are trying to make is, you, Rinpoche need to hear the Sabrina's with the amplification you are considering purchasing. Als comments are a good start, but the end of the story is whether you like the sound or not. It makes no difference if an amp can drive a speaker if you don't appreciate the sound they make together.

The comment made by the dealer that a "three way is a three way" is unfounded. For so many reasons included all that were named by Al. Many amps will drive many speakers but if they don't have the magic you are looking for you'll just be disappointed. Make sure, to the best of your ability, that you audition the specific components together you are considering purchasing so that you will know whether or not you are getting what you'd hoped for.

Finally, I heard my exact system in the store I bought from. When I got it home, well, lets just say I had a long way to go to get it most of the way there to how it sounded at the dealer. My room is not as big and most likely the power they had was better too. It is a big crap shoot but at least if  you hear the components you want to run together in the same store at the same time you can attempt to make the best decision you can.

I do wish you the very best in your journey and that you end up with what  your really desire to hear - music!

Charles, that was exactly the point I was trying to make about the ARC tube integrated; it makes sense that other tube product should also be able to synergize with the Sabrina's as well. And Knghifi, just as a data point, the presentation with the ARC GSi75 did not display bloated bass. Maybe setup in the room needed tweaking? When I heard the Sabrina's with D'Agostino Momentum Amp and Preamp, that was very sweet too. I could have been very happy with that setup, but it is well outside my budget. Again, still fun to dream. I hope that while I'm at THE Show in Newport in a couple weeks that I can hear the Sabrina's with some other amps/preamps that also synergize.

Rinpoche, great to hear the dealer will bring over equipment for you to audition; at this price range that is expected really. I hope that includes the DAC or DAC(s) that you plan to drive the amps with too. Then you'll know exactly what you will have when the check is written or the credit card is read! Hope you are having fun. And take Charles' advice, if the D'Agostino gear is not in your comfort zone that's OK, there'll be something that is and you'll be very happy as well.

"Pokey77,  ARC GSi75 is using KT150 and 200iq is 100 wpc with KT88 so my guess it can handle a tougher load??   200iq can roll KT150 and I mentioned to dealer it would be an interesting experiment."

Knghifi, let me say, I'm not all that knowledge about tube gear. I just know what I like. And when I heard that ARC amp the first time, the presenter made a special point of it employing the KT150 tubes; I would guess to imply that the amp is stronger than rated. I can tell you that many at the demo were amazed at the power, grip, resolve, and transparency that the GSi75 demonstrated. To us, it sounded like it had significantly more power than its reported 75 wpc. -I've not heard that much tube gear that really impressed me, and I've heard much more expensive tube gear driving significantly pricier speakers, but the GSi75 integrated with the Sabrina's is, for me, heaven. It has that tube magic with SS resolve and clarity. I have no idea what the VAC and the Rowland in this thread sound like. If I've heard them at a show, I have no real recollection.

Rinpoche

Nice advice provided here. You mentioned Jeff Buckley and a song from Grace. I think that Tracks 1, 2, 3 & 7 are pretty amazing on that record. You also mentioned Lyle Lovett. Check out Joshua Judges Ruth. I think Tracks 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11 are all great demo tracks from that record. But perhaps my favorite track on that record is North Dakota. It is heart-breakingly lovely and it really sounds good on a music making machine. What you'll be auditioning would easily be in that category. So, go have some fun and let us know how it goes. And remember, just take music that you love and know sounds good and then you'll know how each amp/speaker combo sounds.