Sorry to hear that about your preamp. Mine is dead quiet and although my speakers are only 93.5DB efficient, with the gain cranked up to max on my RP-5 and connected to a Conrad-Johnson 250wpc amp, it is dead quiet. I can't hear anything from the speakers even with my ear right against the grills. The JJ tubes supplied with your preamp should be dead quiet as that is one of the reasons Rogue uses them.
Low output gain amplifier for ZU 101db Efficient speakers
I am thrilled with my new Rogue RP-5 preamp. However, like I mentioned before, the tube Hiss is really loud (I can hear back of room). It’s a smooth, non noisy hiss. I chatted with Rogue and they are sending replacement tubes but guess it’s due to my Nuforce STA200 amp with output gain of 34db. I was told that was quite high for having such efficient speakers. Rogue told me they test their equipment on high efficiency Klipsch speakers and the RP5 is quiet.
Anyway, I have attenuators coming today to help until I now find a power amp. I would love to have an Atma-Spere amp, however, they are too pricey for my budget (even used). Maybe a used Firstwatt f3 or these Quicksilver monoblock amps that are made for high efficient speakers http://quicksilveraudio.com/products/horn-mono/
The lower priced Decware amps look nice, plus they have gain settings.
For those who own high efficiency speakers with a tube pre, any other options? I really hate to switch out the RP-5 because it has all the functions available on the remote and it sounds great.
Anyway, I have attenuators coming today to help until I now find a power amp. I would love to have an Atma-Spere amp, however, they are too pricey for my budget (even used). Maybe a used Firstwatt f3 or these Quicksilver monoblock amps that are made for high efficient speakers http://quicksilveraudio.com/products/horn-mono/
The lower priced Decware amps look nice, plus they have gain settings.
For those who own high efficiency speakers with a tube pre, any other options? I really hate to switch out the RP-5 because it has all the functions available on the remote and it sounds great.