2. amps-preamps
  3. 131505-10803

Choices narrowed Rogue RP-1 and Primaluna Prologue Premium Preamps

I'm leaning toward the Primaluna which is $500 more. Both have easy dealer return.

The PL looks to be more of a "lifetime" preamp, heavy build, tubes outside chassis. The RP-1 includes a phono section (I do not need) which leads me to believe corners may have been cut to keep price point. 

Both get great reviews....but my gut says PL. The Prologue is 97% of the higher end dialogue model from what I have been told.

My amp (https://www.optomausa.com/audioproduct/sta200)runs at 51K input impedance, which is meets the recommended minimum of 28k (Stereophile review).

I am eventually going to replace my amp (I purchased as a temporary replacement and later use in a bedroom system). However, the amp has such an enjoyable sound, I decided to upgrade my preamp first. I am having some noise issues with my Peachtree Nova Pre. 

Anyone else compare the two? Stereophile did and the PL sounds like what I am looking for. I know actually hearing is the ultimate test.

aberyclark

Showing 15 responses by aberyclark

aberyclark OP
1,355 posts
 
Thanks for info
aberyclark OP
1,355 posts
 
Zu omen defs
aberyclark OP
1,355 posts
 
I hear great things about the Rogue’s. I dont need phono. I wish there were local dealers. There is one that carries PL, never anything in stock. 
aberyclark OP
1,355 posts
 
I’ve had two other people today tell me ( via email) that i cannot go wrong with the Rogue. Its the bargain of the preamp world. I may just order one from needle doctor ( who has a good return policy) and just try the thing out. 
aberyclark OP
1,355 posts
 
I'm really wanting to purchase a new Prologue Premium from Primaluna now. Unfortunately, Upscale Audio cannot sell to be due to a dealer within 100 miles. I'm going to check the place out this weekend. Nothing more disappointing that a store advertises brands but have no inventory...I hope i'm wrong. The store virtual tour shows heavy HT items and I think I could only identify 2 items (looks like amp and pre) that looks like anything like Primaluna. It may not be. There's a nice used Dialog pre that is practically new here for sale on Audiogon for a couple hundred more that what a new Prologue would cost. However, I'm still pushing it with the Prologue price wise. 
aberyclark OP
1,355 posts
 
The Primalunas are built so nice. Im hoping the local store has one. I really wish I could swing a new Dialogue Premium. The used one ( Dialogue)  listed here on AG is tempting
aberyclark OP
1,355 posts
 
So I went to the local dealer. Of course closed. The web says they would be open. Frustrating. This is why I prefer to order online. 
aberyclark OP
1,355 posts
 
Looks like Primaluna is off the list. The local dealer has no stock....nothing except an integrated in the back room. Everything is special order. I did write UA to let them know so they can take that into evaluation of their dealers. 

I am just weary about the Rogue RP-1. Very light, plus the inside shot is very "empty" looking compared to the PL. The Dialog here on Audio looks tempting...just out of my budget. The Mystere CA-21 on Audiogon....no remote (which is a must)

The search continues
aberyclark OP
1,355 posts
 
I’ve seen the web page begore looks nice. Not certain if its what i am looking for, plus remote does not change inputs. I can live without power switch on remote but not Having the ability to change input is a no go for me
aberyclark OP
1,355 posts
 
The Rogue Perseus looks interesting
aberyclark OP
1,355 posts
 
My problem with the Rogue RP-1 is that im not excited about it. I know i need to listen. The inside looks quite bare compsred to others. Am I really getting a Schiit Freya level amp for 2 1/2 times the cost? 
aberyclark OP
1,355 posts
 
Thanks for the feedback. Are you using stock tubes in the RP-1? I actually would not mind a more textured sound presentation
aberyclark OP
1,355 posts
 
I hear the Premium Preamp is 95% of the dialog for $1000 cheaper
aberyclark OP
1,355 posts
 
Well...My new Pre-amp is on it's way. A silverface RP-5. I will receive tomorrow. I figure I might as well spring for a super nice pre. I'll report back once I get up and going
aberyclark OP
1,355 posts
 
Mine sounds great...HOWEVER...my Nuforce amp has high gain along with my 101db efficient ZU speakers, the hiss is really loud. You can hear in back of room (I talked to Rogue). I'm attaching some attenuators tomorrow hoping to tame the gain until I purchase a lower gained, small watt tube power amp
More to discover