2. amps-preamps
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OK, I'm dumb. Does it ever end?

For my first new stereo in 20 years, I wanted simplicity. The Arcam Solo CD called my name, especially with its iPod integration via the Rdock. I bought both the Solo and the dock.

Then I got it into my head that I needed more juice to drive my B&W 683s.

I got a Jeff Rowland 102 amp. At first, as some who contributed to the thread know, I couldn't hear a difference. With each passing day however, I grow more attached to the sound, even through the sonic bottleneck of the iPod.

Now I'm seeing that the iPod/Arcam Rdock is holding me back. The Apple TV, with its optical out holds a certain allure. This of course, would render the Arcam Rdock useless. And since I'm already bypassing the Arcam's integrated amp to use the Rowland 102, AND I don't much use the Arcam's CD/tuner, I am sitting on an overpriced mid-fi pre-amp, and a decidedly odd system. The sound is decent, but the imagery of a Bentley sedan with a Mercedes steering wheel keeps eating away at me. The knowledge that my system is a serious mismatch is keeping me from enjoying the music. And knowing I have a unit (the Solo) whose amp sits idle (I'm not gonna mess with biwiring) is particularly disruptive.

I now realize I bought this stuff with far too little foresight or knowledge, and I'm going to have to take a bath to correct the situation.

I'm mad about Rowland stuff, from the sound to the look, the whole package. My dream machine is the Rowland Concerto integrated, at 250wpc.

My question to you guys is, do I get out of the Arcam and the Rowland 102 while I still can, and pony up the difference for the Concerto integrated (I am NOT a wealthy guy), or "settle" and only sell the Arcam, replacing it with a Rowland Capri pre-amp?

The B&W speakers would be the next axe victim, with Gallo Ref 3s replacing them at some point.

From what I've read, it seems like the Gallos would prefer the 250wpc the Concerto offers over the 100wpc of the 102.

While I'm obsessing, why doesn't Jeff Rowland make a nice silvery DAC?

Any thoughts much appreciated.

-Rob
rkny
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
i suspect your system sounds great. browse all the reselling of end-all products on agon, just to remind yourself that satisfaction is a mindset.
undertow
1,033 posts
 
# 1 yes you are thinking way to far into it, and obviously so due to a comfort level is not obtained from what you have already spent, and now wasting your audio enjoyment time without actually getting it as a payoff.. First off changing everything for simplicity is a mistake in any endevor or investment.. Streamlining is one thing.. Completley disregarding the rules is another. Your best move is to try and juice the best out of the advanced technology (cough, cough) you have already purchased, and go very seriously into finding the right speakers to take advantage of itÂ… You might find the harmony with the equipment you have, but need a different end tone to complete it. See the best recommended speakers for the size you need to match that amp is where I would start, and don't take these recommendations lightly, they can save you in the end from many more mistakesÂ… Not sure if you purchased everything new or not, however if not you can recover a good amount of your investment, but gear like you have accept maybe the rowland will not hold a very good resale value so be prepared. Oh and room acoustic considerations, and power supply from your wall, and yes even some cable changes could help you with little cost if you just try and audition some stuff for free locally.
Good Luck Welcome to the game     
imin2u
392 posts
 
Rob,
Sometimes I seriously think my record collection (1000's of records) and cd collection (even more) shows I've lost my mind.
Then I think about all the equipment packed away in storage (over $5k).
But then I realised I'm not insane because I enjoy listening and just don't have the time listen or to sell the unused equipment.
As for upgrading, what else would you be doing with your time? (I still get to hike every weekend). What else would you be doing with the money? Does you family eat? Will the kids go to college?
Now when it comes to my wife, well, she's had it. But to tell you the truth, I've had it with her. :)
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
Planning with a goal in mind and not just jumping in haphazardly is most important to get away from this constant equipment turning.

I am actually going through the same issues with a cottage system. My wife wants simple inexpensive all in one solution with emphasis on cost and small foot print (no floor standers)and big boxes. My goals are also small footprint while keeping cost down but sound quality is very important to me; so we continue to work the issues.

I am sure it is very frustrating and costly to be searching and not finding what you are looking for. And significant others get very perplexed very quickly as the costs escalate. Like throwing money into a pit.

I would suggest sitting down with her and thinking this out before your next move.

And obviously equipment suggestions from this site are very subjective and may not produce system synergies or be anything close to what you are looking for.

Good Luck
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,412 posts
 
Rob - I have Rowland 102 and use it with Benchmark DAC1 as a preamp (it has a volume control). That way I can use cheap DVD player as a transport (Benchmark rejects jitter) getting benefit of good sound from TV, DVD, and MP3. I could also play DVD-Audio but my DVD player doesn't (some do).
Benchmark is connected with short coax, TV with glass Toslink and one more digital input is free. This setup does not allow any analog inputs (I can run them thru TV's input with a loss of quality). If you need preamp - go with Capri - it is match for 102 (looks and sound). Read AudioENz review of 102/Capri combination. They claim that Capri is a stronger of two but they complement each other (Capri is open, vivid and dynamic while 102 is a little laid back).

I like my setup - great sound and freedom from transport problems. I miss remote (Capri has it) but I need exercise anyway. Use Ipod or MP3 if you like but don't base any system decisions on them. Benchmark came with USB version of DAC1 recently to use it with computer up to 96kHz rate.
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