I have all Jeff Rowland components(625 S2, Corus preamp, Aeris DAC) driving Monitor Audio PL500s. Despite what anyone says, there aren’t any absolutes in Audio; let your own ears decide.
I had the Continuum S2 integrated amp and now the 625 S2. I submit the 625 S2 is a decent step-up from the Continuum S2 that should be easily heard, but relatively expensive. You can use the Aeris DAC to drive the 625 or use a preamp. |
The gain on the Aeries DAC is adjustable. It clearly states how to adjust the volume when using it with a preamp. When I went from the Bricasti M1 DAC to the Aeris DAC I had too much gain, because I didn't read the owners manual. After adjusting the gain the sound was significantly better.
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Al,
The gain can be adjusted on the front panel or via the remote. Rowland recommends that you adjust it so the two blue LED lights on the front panel are of equal brightness when used with a preamp. I have it about 4 clicks up from the recommended setting. I have found that to be optimum in my system...great gain, clarity, and it allows me to open up the volume control. Come to think of it, I just changed speakers that are more sensitive. I'm going to adjust the gain to the recommended setting to see which way I prefer. |
onhwy61,
Please recommend a SS power amp in the $5-7K range |
As a previous owner of Wilson Sophia 2s, 3s, and Sasha 1s, I submit much of the hatred of Wilson is due to "some extent" of Wilson owners. Many, but not all Wilson owners really exhibit the classic clique mentality(they really don't like the thought of someone not liking Wilson's). At one time I defended Wilson Speakers and would argue with anyone who disagreed, I don't own them any more, but I respect their dynamic ability. Just my thoughts. |
I went from a Bricasti M1 DAC to an Aeris DAC. In my system the Aeris is more detailed without being bright, but I agree the M1 is very good. |
Rinpoche,
If your question is technical(based on specifications), I submit Almarg would be best to answer. The Aeris DAC does have a volume control, but I think it sounds better with a preamp. You need to take what I'm saying with a grain of salt, because I'm firmly in the camp of those that believe most systems sound better with a very good preamp in it. |
Al,
Yes, you are correct. I find that more power usually provides a sense of ease to the music. I can't say the JR 725's is significantly better, because I've never had it in my system. I would like to compare the two. I'm very, very happy with my system, but love to talk about audio and the possibilities.
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rinpoche, My current amp is the JR 625 S2. I always like to preface my comments with, no absolutes in audio and one man's medicine is another's poison. To my ears the 625 S2 is simply outstanding. The midrange is produced with a realism that is hard to describe, it's truly a chameleon that's capable of reproducing whatever is on the recording...e.g if the soundstage is wide or if there is no bass in a recording that is what you will hear. The only thing that I would want more of is power because of my room's dimensions and the size of my speakers. If I had the money I would move up the JR line. |
Guido,
I love the Aeris DAC's sound, but dislike the way the gain is accomplished. Per your statement, "If you use a preamp between Aeris and amp, you should set the Aeris attenuation to the DAC's equivalent of unity gain: per the Aeris manual, the right volume LED is lit up solid without flashing." I was originally told to set the attenuation on the DAC so that the left and right volume LED's are of equal brightness. I didn't have enough gain, so I settled on 10 clicks below the right volume LED flashing. I reached out to Rowland three days ago and yesterday Mr. Rowland told me to adjust the gain as you stated. What a difference and I was thinking of selling my 625 S2 and getting the 725 S2's for more power...NOT ANYMORE, THE 625 S2 HAS PLENTY OF POWER now that the gain on the Aeris has been correctly set. |
rinpoche,
I feel your pain. Unfortunately no one can tell you what to buy. Only your ears and wallet can decide what's best for you based on your sonic priorities. It's a pretty easy decision, what sounds best based on how much you want to spend. |
Cables are about system synergy...no such animal as the best. I have an all Jeff Rowland system driving Monitor Audio PL500's and I use Wireworld Platinum interconnect and power cables. I use Wireworld Silver Eclipse 7 speaker cable. There are too many possible combinations, so try a couple and choose what sounds best to your ears. |
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. |
I hear you Guido, but no absolutes in audio. In my system it sounds better with the Corus...better separation, much better dynamics, honestly not even close. |
Daveyf
Have you heard the 625 S2 in your system or compared it directly to a tube amp? |
daveyf,
I’m not concerned about if you like or dislike the 625 S2. I don’t understand why or how you make blankets statements about equipment when you admit that you haven’t compared it to a tube amplifier in your system, because you haven’t heard it in your system. I have the 625 S2 and in my system, if the recording has depth, it reproduces it. I’ve had and heard many amplifiers with music that I’m very familiar and the 625 S2 produces depth equal to or better than every amplifier I’ve listened to. No it’s not for everyone, but to suggest it doesn’t do something that it does is a disservice to OP that either purchased or is considering this amp. |
You're sadly mistaken if you think I haven't listened to tube amps. |
ricpoche,
at some point you just make a decision knowing that nothing is perfect, you will always have people telling you what you should do or what's better(despite the fact they probably haven't actually heard the component). It took me a long time to realize my ears are the only ones that count. I submit it's great to ask for opinions as a way of narrowing down what to listen to, but "your ears and wallet" will make the right decision for you. |
Inna,
Life is too short to argue over audio. My advice wasn't address to anyone, but to say to the OP trust your ears. Arrogant is one thing I'm not, I'm very humble and know this is all stuff, not life and death. |
Charles,
Thanks. It's okay if our opinions differ. With so many products/ combinations there will never be consensus on what component to get. I submit it's so important to remind individuals that every suggestion should be taken with a grain of salt. I love my Jeff Rowland gear, but I'm not naive enough to believe everyone prefers it.
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rinpoche,
I which I could say something to reassure that you're going to be happy with Jeff Rowland, but I can't. Components are very personal, so you never know. In my system the 625 S2 is by far the most musical amp I've ever had. After 30 years in this hobby that's the best compliment that I can give. Unfortunately, it doesn't mean you will feel the same. Best of luck to you. |
Rinpoche, I'm happy for you. I'm surprised Guido didn't mention the 625 S2 will sound better and better as it has more hours on it. Enjoy!
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Cables are truly system dependant. I use Wireworld Platinum cables. I have your amp and DAC with the Corus preamp. |
Yes, Transparent Audio Ultra, Shunyata Cobra, and Cardas Clear. Audioquest Wel Signature cables are way more money than I'm willing to spend on cables; therefore I've never auditioned them.
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This was the second time I've tried Transparent Audio. When I had Wilson Audio Sashas I tried Transparent cables. "In my system" they didn't sound natural and I purchased a cable by Silver Audio. Some say Wilson's are great with Transparent and feel they're a natural match because Wilson's are wired internally with Transparent cables. Still many others prefer other cables and that's why you need to audition them!
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Rinpoche,
If you had the JR 625 S2 at home and are still considering other amps, I just don't understand? No, it's not my money, everyone hears differently, and has different priorities. If the JR 625 S2 is played within it limits, there aren't too many amps that will better it. Yes, there are amps that sound different, but after listening to many, many amps I don't understand what you're looking for? |
Rinpoche,
Sorry, I was confused also. I'm glad you settled on the amp. Take your time putting together your system and enjoy the ride. It took me a very long time to get to this point. What helped me was going to RMAF last year. I'm came away with a real understanding of what sound I preferred. Not what was best, but what my preferences were. |
Based on my experience I would limit how much I spent on cables and invest in a preamp. No absolutes, this is based on my system: JR 625 S2 amp, JR Aeris DAC, JR Corus preamp, Bryston BDP2, and Monitor Audio PL500's. Besides speakers, adding the Corus preamp was the most rewarding change that I've ever made. After speakers and the Corus adding the Torus power conditioner had the most positive impact on the sound. |
Rinpoche,
It's funny how we choose to listen to the advice that suits our needs. I understand what Guido said about the 625 and Aeris DAC, but he doesn't have the 625 S2 with his Aeris DAC...I do. I'll be the first to say, it's only my opinion, in my system, but there is a significant difference between the 625 S2/ Aeris DAC and the same combination with the Corus. In my system, with my ears, it isn't close. ..more dynamic, air, and just a sense of ease with the Corus. |
Charles,
You are correct and that's why I stated in "my system and to my ears." My point was that Guido is using a different, more powerful amp that may or may not be a significant factor in why the Aeris is great directly into the amp. Finally, we don't know what we don't know. If she hasn't added any active preamp, she doesn't know if it can sound better. |
Guido,
As much guidance that you have provided me, I'm certainly not saying your wrong. What I'm suggesting is maybe be more conservative with cables, try a active preamp and then make a more informed decision on what has the most impact on her system. |
Look at Aurender and Bryston digital players. The Aurender N10 is a little pricey. I have the BDP2 and use it to stream Tidal and listen to CDs that I've burned. My friend said the N10 sounds better than the BDP2, but I'm happy with it. |
I concur with jond. In many cases the sound quality fom Tidal equals the qualitiesof CD's that I've ripped. It depends on the original recording. |
