I have a Rogue 99 with phono.I replaced the phono tubes with NOS 12AX7 Telefunkins and 12AU7 Radiotechniques.As far as the Audible Illusions3A sounding better than the Rogue 99 thats just plain silly.The 99 trounces the 3A in transparancy,layering,focus,detail and ESPECIALLY WARMTH.JEEZE!!! the 3A sounds cool and uninvolving(like solid state) The Rogue 66 is almost as good as the 3A and warmer also.The 99 trounces the 66 but its the big brother so you have to expect it.Audio Musings compared the baby brother 66 to the 3A and the 66 was prefered over the 3a in warmth,layering and enjoyment.The 3A had better detail(like S.S.) So figure it out your self.Read the Audio Musings review.Check out audioreview.com also.The reviewer rating for the 3A is around 4.4 or 4.6 I cant remember.The 99 is 5.0. The 99 kills the 3A PERIOD!!!!
preamps - vtl tl5.5/rogue 99/linn kairn
i currently use a linn kairn w/brilliant p/s & fono - great transparency/detail/clarity/pace, & convenience. considering toobs, & have narrowed it down to the vtl tl-5.5 & the rogue 99. both have optional internal fono, like the linn. i'm interested in the possibility of better soundstage depth, but don't wanna give up what the linn does well. speakers are meret re's, bi-amped w/a pair of electrocompaniet amps; lo-end is x-over'd at 60hz w/a marchand 24db/octave x-over, to a pair of bridged adcom gfa 555's driving vmps larger subs. any comments/suggestions? max budget is ~$2k (new *or* used). thanks