2. amps-preamps
  3. 1147405378

Audio Research or Rogue

I'm fairly new to tubes and after about 200 hours I am pretty happy. However, I'm considering a new pre-amp to get phono and the potential for even better sound. What are some opinions regarding an Audio Research LS-16 MK2 and a Rogue 99 Magnum? I know little more than the experienc of my Dared class A, and frankly I'm very satisfied with it. My upper end is driven by an SET 845 into original AR9s. Most of my listening is classical. I probabaly like my music louder than most(she never complains)but, not excessive, I also like my hearing.

Thanks in advance for your feedback.
lrozatti

Showing 2 responses by dan_ed

dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
"I heard mixed things about Rogue, but never listened to one myself, so I can't comment on that."

Well, Audphile1, you really did comment on that. ;) I think your idea of adding a phono stage is a very good one.

Lrozatti,

I've not heard the ARC gear and I have only had a Rogue 99 Magnum just a few days. The rouge does have some characteristics that are better than a popular, and much higher priced, component pre and phono stage I've had for a while. It does seem to respond well to the right tubes and you can choose from 3 different tube types in the phono stage. Best thing you could do is try to get both the ARC and Rogue in your system for a demo and A/B them.

I can't find anything to suggest that Dared makes a phono stage so you may half to look somewhere else. I'd suggest looking for a simple circuit design. Don't know your budget but I'll throght out K&K, EAR, Hagerman along with the PH5 mentioned.

Best of luck,

Dan
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Audphile1,

I was just poking fun at the way your comment struck me. "I've heard mixed things" and "but I'm not going to comment". Just sounded funny to me. I'm not offended at all.
I bought the Rogue used for a temp solution while I await another pre and phono I have on order. So, I have no attachment to it. Based on comments here I wish I could a/b with the ARC gear. I love doing stuff like that when possible.

Back OT, I'm guessing that the phono input is designed for a smaller signal than what most digital gear ouputs. Most external phono stages don't, I believe, output quite as strong of a signal. I doubt you would do any damage plugging a phono stage into one of the other inputs but you would probably have to turn the volume up a little more. And I would expect the reverse to be true. Best thing is to consult the manufacturer or distributor.

Best to all,

Dan
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