Rowland versus ARC

The tube and solid state difference  will be audible. That being said, Rowland is sweeter (more liquid) than most ss but not quite on the level with tubes whereas ARC has more grip than most tubes but not as much as ss. Two great choices. If you prefer a sublime midrange---go ARC. If you prefer iron fisted grip and slam --go Rowland. Key questions might be what components comprise the balance of your system and what elements of sound would you like to bring to the table with the amp?

Hi Roxy:
The Superscoutmaster was my former tt so I'm quite familiar with that. Also heard Ayon transport and dac at USA Tube Audio in Arizona. Very sweet sounding but faithful stuff. Which tube amp and what speakers? 

IMHO your speakers are fairly efficient and should respond well to a tube amp and preamp. I actually slightly preferred the ARC Ref 40 and Ref 150 over the ARC Ref 40 and D'agostino Momentum stereo amp after an in house weekend long test with Wilson Sashas. I was concerned about the loss of grip and slam with a tube amp, but the loss was so slight compared to the gains in the midrange and high end as well as the height, width and depth of the soundstage that I went all ARC. Of course, Rowland amps will be similar to D'agostino in liquidity and transparency with warmth--so you simply can't go wrong.