Rogue 66 or AES pre?

PS there was a dealer in Florida who offered me a new 99 for $1325 drop shipped from Pa.I still cant figure why some dealers wont budge and others offer deep discounts.

dud,that dead concert in 75 has warped your mind.ROGUE RULES..... PERIOD! :) Mark and I want a "conference" with you in Pa.!

Dud- Melos/Rogue... all I know is I have one killer preamp that I got new for less than the price of the used Melos (except phono which came later with an even trade for my Black Cube)its been a while,but I think he wanted $1500 (sound right?) for the melos and I got the 99 with added NOS 6SN7's for just < $1400(plus a non $$ favor) and I couldnt be happier.With the right speaker placement and some additional room treatment my 99 and Aleph-3 combo SMOKES on metal and rock which is 75% of what I play.I've read other Aleph-3 owners felt bass was lacking with this fine amp.Also "heard" lack of bass with the 99 :) not here in my treated 15x24x8 foot room! My system is KILLER and Im very happy with my sound.

Actually Dud,my first choice when I was looking to buy a pre was a Sha-Gold.....my dealer had a used one in stock but steered me to the 99 instead.He said "no contest"Just his opinion of course.I will give you your well deserved negatives in due time!!!How dare you voice your opinion here!!!!

If you knew a little about Rogue then you would know how many amps and preamps they sell.Trust me,they are in the big leagues now and only after a few short years.The dealer I got the 99 from is a personal friend who I do favors for including spreading his business on the internet and e-mailing people who post "wanted" ads for gear he has in stock.I work for my discounts and am happy to help him out too.
As far as arguing here....We arent! You aint seen nuttin yet if you think this is arguing!

Bradz-Tell me how your conversation went and what his lowest price is.He is (usually) very easy to negotiate with...what Rogue pre also 66 or 99?

Brad-sorry about you being unable to negotiate a decent discount.I bought my 99 about 1 1/2 years ago and I guess the current demand is keeping the prices near retail.If I were you I would post a "wanted"for a used 99.The 66 is a very good preamp,the 99 a KILLER preamp.Wait for a used 99 to come along.I saw one a few weeks ago on audiogon for $1400.Get a 99 and invest another $100 or so in some smokin NOS tubes and you will have a top notch preamp.

Brad-excellent plan! I bet you end up keeping the 66 for a very long time.I saw a review in Audiomusings where the 66 was put up against the very popular and solid Stereophile class A Audible Illusions MOD 3A.To make a long story short,the reviewer preferred the 66 over the 3A
You have to keep us updated!! Good luck! Dave a.k.a. "Tube Rush"