Looking to upgrade my preamp, suggestions?


Decided it is time to try out a newer preamp, have upgraded everything else over last couple of months bar this so...
Present pre is an ARC LS2 with gold lion tube and herbies tube damper.
Rest is Esoteric sa-50, bat vk600se and b&w 804d.
Listen exclusively to rock music, old and new
Important to myself, solid bass, vocals and soundstage, a remote might be nice too...lol
Thinking along the lines so far of bat vk32se, a newer ARC like ls17 or 27. Yes all tubes
Suggestions along solid state lines please?
budget is about 3500 max
Prefer to hear from actual owners of preamps suggested for your actual experiences
thank you all in advance 
128x128uberwaltz

Showing 1 response by jbuhl

I use a premium streaming service DEEZER, 16/48 and vinyl but most of my content is from DEEZER. I listen to old and new hard and prog rock. My system also consists of a older class D Rotel amplifier and B&W 600 series towers. My goal was to upgraded some components to take the edge off at higher volumes and add tube qualities to the sound. I added a Wadia 321 DAC and upgraded my preamp to a Rogue Audio RP-1. I am pretty satisfied with the results. I like the Tube/ Class D combination at this point. Maybe go full tube someday. Rogue also makes an RP-5 that comes in at about $3,500, it’s the next step up in the line from the RP-1. I like the people at Rogue. They answer the phone if you call them and gladly talk about the product. The only thing I don’t like is the remote does not turn on the unit and it does not work with my Furman on/off switch. There are lots of youtube vids about their stuff and reviews out there. Here is the chief designer Mark Obrien talking at Wilson Audio. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lSaMkzqTiA. PS Audio just came out with a new DAC/Preamp combo for $1,500 and I think they have or had a trial program going (solid state option). http://www.psaudio.com/products/stellar-gain-cell-dac/. I have never had any of their equipment other than power cords but their shop is just down the street from my house and they are really nice folks as well and when I called them to talk about the products they invited me down for a tour which I thought was cool.