Well, I did some more testing. I have a defective pre-amp. I had time to kill. I went and purchased some new JJ 12au7's and the loud Hiss is still audible from back of room. Another audiophile from another forum told me that, even with my amp's gain and speakers, the hiss should not be that loud. Plus, I tried headphones, the hiss is loud WITH buzzing. Again, I'm not expecting SS quiet, especially with my speakers. I plugged in my class D ceiling speaker amp (along with ceiling speakers)---hiss is loud as can be. Same with my older B&K amp and different speakers. Plus, I did all the usual (cables, outlets, power conditioner, power cord, etc).
So I am boxing the amp and sending off to Rogue today. Hopefully, I can get back in the next week. This was my 50th Birthday gift from my wife I'm taking a couple of days off late next week and I hope I get the unit returned by then. Very disappointed :( |
Thanks for the kingko link. I would have never found unless I posted here |
I've got both Decware and Quicksilver Horn Monos. The Quicksilvers are really dead quiet amps and they sound superb. They'd be a great match in your setup.
Which do you prefer and what are the sound charactoristics of each? |
Yes, the First watts have got my attention. Plus, they supply a great low end wheras the pre can add smoothness to highs and mids. The RP-5 did sound great ontop of all the freaking hiss. I took an iphone video of me muting and unmuting the preamp. Ill post it later |
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That still does not explain the loud hiss and buzz thru headphones. If the amo comes back with everything “ok”, ill just sell it and move on |
Wow. The Finale/triode amps are beautiful. |
Hows the low end of the decware? |
well it's not sub worthy but with the de capos good for me
the decware has a line out for a sub or use it as a preamp
We’ll see how the pre comes back from Rogue. I really like the combination tube pre and ss amp due to the deep bass. The firstwatts may be what i need. I love my amp, however, i planned on changing it out anyway and use it for a second system. I love my zu’s too much to get rid of.
there's plenty of people that have tube amps and Zu’s with great satisfaction.
One thing I could also do is go to a high end passive preamp.
There is something not right with my R-5. There should not be beyond normal hiss, along with buzzing thru headphones. Buzzing and hiss are boyh loud thru my AT phones, grado and iphone pods. We’ll see |
Last week one buddy loaned me his First Watt M2, another loaned me his Schiit Freya preamp. Using both now on my Zu. Dead quiet. And I can open the volume all the way (with some quiet ditties) with the louder gain tube option, ergo has a built in governor of sorts. The combo btw sure is tasty. Can you compare and describe the sound characteristics of both amps with your zu's? |
I’m actually quite happy with the first watt. Thanks for all the suggestions
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My RP-5 arrives at Rogue today. Hopefully, they can fix the super loud white noise (plus buzzing in headphone section). My goal is to keep the RP-5 I'm updating my power amp by the end of the year regardless how quiet the RP-5 comes back. I'm keeping my ZU omen defs. I really want a tube power amp. I also understand the firstwatts are fantastic. Anyway, here are the specs for the RP-5: - Tube complement: 4 x 12AU7/ECC82 tubes
- Frequency response: 1Hz – 100KHz +/- 1 dB
- THD: <0.1%
- Gain line stage: 10 dB
- Rated output: 1V
- Maximum output: 27V RMS
- Output impedance: 500 Ohms
- Gain phono stage: 40dB, 50dB, 55dB, 60dB
- RIAA accuracy: +/- 0.1 dB
- Dimensions: 18.5 ”W X 4.5 ”H X 14.5” D
- Weight 30 pounds
- Shipping weight 45 pounds
- Power requirements 115/230V – 50/50Hz For reference, the specs of my current amp: -GeneralPower output80W x2Ch @ 8 Ohm
-Input impedance51k Ohm
-Output impedance30m Ohm*
-Gain34.8dB
-Frequency response20Hz - 80kHz
-Sensitivity0.45Vrms
-Signal to noise ratio100dB
-Total harmonic distortion<0.03%
-Power supply115 / 230V
-Power consumption3.15A/ 1.57A
-Nominal input level0.6V
Now, with the above specs in mind, along with buying blind (I'll make sure there's a good return policy). What amp specs should I be looking at for low noise and good matching with the RP-5 and Zu's? I'm not looking for brands...just specs where I can at least narrow down my choices. I'm not worried about having high power. The 80 (SS) watts I currently have is more than enough for my speakers.
I know my current amp does have high gain (34.8) for my system, however, with my old Peachtree Nova, the amp hiss was only audible if I placed an ear on tweeter.
Here are the Nova Pre specs:
Variable RCA Stereo Output: 7V rms/11.2V peak
•
Pre Out 1 Output Impedance: 50
Ω (discrete class A)
•
Pre Out 2 Output Impedance: 15
Ω
•
S/N at the Variable Analog Output: 96db
•
Jitter Measured at the Master Clock: < 3.0ps
•
Power Supply: 8700µF of filtering
•
Stereo Separation: 94db
• Maximum Power Consumption:
60W, standby less than 1W
Thanks for your help. Looking forward to responses. Once I hear back from Rogue, I will report their findings
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I have read a couple of faverable reviews with the J2 paired with ZU speakers. RENO hi fi has a couple demo j2s for sale |
I wonder if a company could manufacture a pre with a switch to change gain settings. I know I can change phono gain on my RP-5
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Ralph, thanks so much for the info. Of course, one of your amps would be perfect, however, above my budget :(. My brother n law runs one of your amps and pre with his ZU Souls and loves the combo. Ive heard it a couple of times and it sounds fantastic. If my pre comes back still noisy, i may try the passive volume control at the amps input. I really love the Rogue for its remote and input capabilities. Again, i always like hearing your input |
My Rp-5 is on its way back. The preamp needed to get some "op amps" replaced, LED display needed firmware re-install and a ground wire, and they installed new tubes. Rogue did hear the excessive hiss and now its quiet on their system. I'll be curious how much quieter the RP-5 is now in my system. I'll report back |
Can I say quiet as a mouse? I got the RP-5 back from Rogue and no hiss (unless I press my ear up to tweeter). I'm thrilled I can hold off on an amp purchase and enjoy what I have for the time being. Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I will be shopping after the new year. |
Thanks. I will , however, shop for a new amp (my original plan) after New Years. |
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Almost 2-1/2 years later:
1. I ditched the Rogue RP-5 in favor of a BHK Pre (PSAudio). The difference was major. The pre was quieter with my old NuForce amp.
2. I sold the NuForce and purchased a Firstwatt j2. This amp is beautiful and will run you out of the room when cranked. Smooth tube like flavor with a really deep low end. Right now I could not be happier. |
