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 rkny

rkny OP
47 posts
 
Thanks. I was referring to the Arcam as the Mercedes' steering wheel. I figured Sony would be more akin to a Toyota. I guess car comparisons are subjective...

All I really want is to have a simple cohesive system that sounds great...AND STOP. My girlfriend already wants to kill me for the few purchases I've made in the past couple of months. I was perfectly happy with my old NAD int amp and Allison speakers for 20 years. I want to get back to that level of simplicity and lack of want.

The digital source can be the weak link for a while. Eventually there will be a moderately priced all-in-one hard drive or flash RAM based player, that doesn't require a computer, holds a ton of music and has either optical out or a nice onboard DAC. For now, the Apple TV will suffice. My ears aren't super critical.

I'm as driven by good industrial design as I am by good sound. I feel the Rowland Concerto paired with Gallo Ref 3s will answer my current demands for the forseeable future. Now I just need to figure out how to finance the Rowland/Gallos and make the transition seamless to my S.O.!
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