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
sedond

Showing 4 responses by gmele

I have also heard that there customer service is lacking (Big Time). At this point I have not had to send mine back for any service. As luck would have it my dealer has both AIM3's and just recently added the entire Rouge line. As soon as he gets back from the CES I plan on trying to get a 99 for an in home audiotion. At this point I only use my 3A for a line stage using my EAR 834P for a phono stage, which is a big improvement over the 3A phono stage. I just put in some NOS Tungrams from Upscale Audio, they need some time to break in put I have to say it's sounding great. I look forward to tring out the 99. Best-Gary
David- Give me a break. In your post you had stated that the 99 kills the the AIM3A period. Are you that insecure that you feel the need to make such an extreme statement. From what I have read the 99 is an excellent preamp, I would love to hear one. The 3A is also an excellent preamp (yes I own one) like any thing else I'm sure that depending on everything else you have in your system either one could excel over the other. This constant grand standing is really very High School. I'm glad your happy with your 99, other peoples mileage may differ. Best-Gary
David-I'm not looking to stir anything up here. As far as "grandstanding", don't take that personally, it's more of a reaction to what a lot of people do on this site. At this level of preamp I'm sure that one is better or different than the other but I doubt if it's night and day. I've read the Audio Musings article on the 66 vs AI. In the article it was unclear as to which AI he was listening to, all through the article he keep on referring to the Modulus 3, it wasn't until the end that he mentioned the 3A. There is a big difference between the two. Regardless I'm not looking to win points here or exchange barbs with anyone. From what I've read the 99 seams like an excellent preamp of which I look forward to auditioning. The price is certaily not an issue. All the best-Gary
Second-Just wondering? Have you seen alot of these on the used market? I remeber back in the day that preamp got some great reviews. Do you have any additional info on it, I will check out there web address you had left in your earlier post.Thanks-Gary