2. amps-preamps
  3. 1205384005

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

Showing 1 response by french_fries

french_fries
815 posts
 
1st of all i recommend that you buy some vintage rowland components and save money. BUT usually it is advisable to splurge on speakers 1st- buy as far above your price/expectation level as you can without committing a felony. btw, rowland has never made digital equipment so don't count on them doing it now...
as hannibal lecter would say- "marcus aurelius- first principles" of audio- take your time! whatever you buy today will be bettered by something that gets listed in audiogon tomorrow, so it's better to save up a bit and get something a little better at first anyway. at least if you can appreciate rowland gear your hearing is intact and will help you make some good decisions down the road.
there are some excellent cdplayers out there that are inexpensive because they are technologically a few years old. they still sound excellent, and you get a free ride when you buy cd's that are engineered well- stock up on those FIRST instead of blaming your system for sounding terrible.
your analogy of the mercedes and the bentley is puzzling though. an ipod is more like a plymouth valiant than a mercedes; the arcam is a "toyota camry".
although, you could do something totally rash and get the meridian/ferrari table radio for $3,000. LOL!! you're right though- it does "never end"- obviously.
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