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 undertow

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.
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