Pre Amp Question. Old or New?

I personally have had much better luck with reliability and service with Audio Research. But ultimately it is the sound quality that may make the difference for you. I find AI to often do a good job of comparing and contrasting. I haven't heard the Rogue. 

The ARC SP-14 and Rogue RP-5 are both tube-based preamplifiers, but they have distinct sonic characteristics.

• ARC SP-14: Known for its neutrality and transparency, the SP-14 delivers a highly detailed and refined sound. It has a fast transient response, ensuring clarity and precision in the upper frequencies. The midrange is smooth and natural, while the bass is tight and controlled. It leans towards an analytical presentation, making it a great choice for those who prefer an uncolored sound.

• Rogue RP-5: The RP-5, on the other hand, embraces classic tube warmth while maintaining modern refinement2. It offers a rich and full-bodied midrange, with a slightly rounded treble that avoids harshness. The bass is deep and authoritative, providing a more organic and musical experience. The RP-5 is designed to smooth over graininess and add bloom and warmth, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more engaging and immersive sound.

In short, if you prefer absolute neutrality and precision, the ARC SP-14 is the way to go. If you enjoy tube warmth with a touch of modern refinement, the Rogue RP-5 might be more appealing. Which sound signature aligns more with your taste?

@rsa777 get the Schiit Kara F - https://www.schiit.com/products/kara-f

@rsa777: Look at the Schiit Freya+ F tube preamp $1249 with tubs. 

Mike

Pairing the Rogue with another Rogue product should be a solid move. 
 

Looking at the previous posts, I’m unsure what the point of a “tube” preamp with a neutral sound would be. There are a plethora of solid state preamps with a “neutral” sound. 
 

Go with the lush tube sound. If it pains your ears, grab one of the million solid state “neutral” preamps for sale. 

By far the bedt quality performance built 

Is Linear Tube Audio now New Version 3 

Not 1 company even at $10k+ have all brand name 

Premium parts throughout, and yes absoletely it matters 

Its under the hood that counts most

I have 40 years into Audio and go to many Audio get togethers 

Compare yourself  David Berning, Mark

And enginners put a Lot of time and testing into 

Thier latest effort, and s 3year transferrable warranty

And 30 day return policy , no one else does that !!

Personally I’d take either this LTA MZ3 or Backert Rhumba 1.3 over the RP-5 just for a couple alternatives and suspect either would perform more inline with the RP-7.  Best of luck. 

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650198006-linear-tube-audio-mz3/

https://tmraudio.com/components/preamplifiers/backert-labs-rhumba-1-3-stereo-tube-preamplifier-1/

Different models than you are asking about, but I had a Rogue RP-1 into a Rogue Stereo 100.  I then bought an ARC LS7 preamp.  I thought it sounded much better, more detailed than the RP-1.  My experience is similar to what the AI answer from @ghdprentice  was above.  Then I bought a LTA Microzotl preamp (level 2), which was a large upgrade from either of the other two preamps.  Much bigger soundstage, detailed, beautiful.  I have had the LTA for 2+ years and think I will keep it forever, though I may upgrade it to the new level 3.

OP it seems that a few of the replies read as adds for one product or another. 

Read carefully....

To OP, just be aware that member “Ghdprentice“ is a huge ARC fan so his comments mostly lean towards that brand.  I owned version 1 of the Rogue RP5 preamp and found it quite neutral which wasn’t what I wanted.  I wanted the rich tube sound which I did not get.  Changing the tubes to ones recommended by Uncle Kevin at Upscale helped out.  Rogue matched with Rogue is the way to go IMHO

@stereo5

Yes I am. Guilty as charged. Also of Conrad Johnson, Wilson, and Pass. 

@ghdprentice  +1

Call Rogue on the phone and talk to Bill. He has the 100 Dark paired with small Maggie’s and loves it. I did not inquire as to which pre he has. He commented that the Dark upgrade on the 100 made a huge difference. I have the RP-1 with the absolute best tubes I could source and for an entry pre it’s nice. I also have a Hera and the M-180’s that I just did the Dark upgrade to. Bill is very cost conscious and will give you good advice. I’ve not owned the RP-5 or the 7 but tube rolling will probably make a huge difference. I’ve tried NOS Mullards as recommended by the shop and I’m not a fan. Also I would source tubes from Arizona Tube supply, Vintage Tubes, or Brent Jesse before I’d use Uncle Chester. With all that said, I’d look HARD at the LTA ! Will they allow a demo ? BTW IF your 100 is used have it upgraded, it’s well worth it. Happy Listening, Mike B 

+1 on the Stereo 100 Dark upgrade. 

Sorry, I forget to mention that my Stereo 100 is the Dark version. Lots of people mentioning the LTA. Not familiar with that unit at all but it seems to have a following. Thanks to everyone for your recommendations. I have much to decipher going forward. 

LTA offers something like a 15-day trial period just fyi. 

looking for a good pre amp. Benchmark LA-4 , made in NY, 30 day free trial. Rory, great to deal with. Look up the reviews. I have 2 systems, one in each. Robert TN

LTA makes nice products but be warned they are not True balanced preamps despite them having XLR connectors. If you require this look elsewhere.