Rogers High Fidelity Integrated amplifiers


I see used models listed for sale at a'gon and other audio sites quite often. However, whenever someone asks for opinions in the forums, the usual suspects are Primaluna, Rogue Audio, Raven Audio, Line Magnetic, Quicksilver, etc., but I hardly see anyone recommending Rogers. I wonder why that is. From what I understand, they're made in the US (I know, doesn't necessarily imply better quality) and the prices are quite reasonable.

The other thing I noticed was that unlike Primaluna or some other brands that get snapped up quickly, the Rogers amps tend to stay listed much longer.

What gives?
128x128arafiq

Showing 3 responses by dz13

I have only heard three different units so I can't give you advice other than to say either (1) try to get some kind of audition with similar speakers and set up or (2) if you are happy with what you have, don't go chasing rainbows.
I have the Rogers High Fidelity 65V-2 for my Spatial Audio Lab X5s (97db efficiency). This is my first tube amp other than a try with an inexpensive Chinese one that I quickly returned. I met another owner of the X5s who was using the Carver Crimson 275 as a power amp with a solid state dsp pre-amp and he also had the First Watt J2 which I compared and thought (along with the owner) that the solid state sounded way too thin. The price concerned me but Rogers also sells demo and used stuff on ebay and I think at Audiogon with the lifetime warranty and a 30 day return so I thought I'd give it a try. I have scoured the internet looking for help and other's opinions and there are about 4 sort of reviews out there mainly for the 65V-1 which Stereophile and The Absolute Sound liked but it also didn't seem to test well which concerned me although I understand that tests are not always indicative. Plus, the owner doesn't really provide the specifications the same as I'm used to. He gives the peak rating so I didn't really know how powerful this SET was. I can say now that with the EL34s in triode mode (which I use most of the time and so which should be the least powerful position) I am in a fairly decent sized room (about 25' square) and I haven't really turned the volume past 9 o'clock. Of course, the speakers are super efficient and have powered subs so the amp only needs to drive mids and highs. When I got it the owner Roger Gobonni was in easy contact via email and I had some stupid errors setting it up but everything got cleared up. The unit has some idiosyncracies I've gotten used to but works fine. If you have an IOS phone or tablet, you can use it as a remote. I thought the EL34s sounded great, especially in triode mode. I had the other owner come by to make sure I wasn't being misled or imaging that it sounded good. One thing I've noticed is that auditory memory is really unreliable so I wanted to make sure. Plus there is always the fear with the unknown but there was opportunity to test it out without concern that I couldn't return it if I didn't like it. So I got it for less than 1/2 price. It is essentially a new unit. The owner is always available to help and answer questions. There is a lifetime warranty. I confirmed with the other owner and other laypeople who've heard it and who all think it sounds great. Most importantly, I am really happy with it and I've stopped looking for either speakers or amps.
Sorry, by three units, I meant two tube integrated amps and one tube power amp. I have heard a few solid state amps. Also, if you search the internet there are discussions whether, if you want a tube sound, it is better to have the preamp be tube or the power amp.