Rogue 99 pre vs. BAT vk30

If you purchase a Rogue, purchase the CBS 6SN7 tubes (not expensive $20/pair on ebay) for the preamp. They work magic in there. I onced owned the Bat VK-30SE and found it sounded like SS to my ears so I then went with a better SS preamp, the Pass X-1. Your taste may be different.

Happy Listening.

I owned both. The BAT was a little dark and grainy in my system. However, I never tried rolling tubes, so that might have resolved the issue. I bought it new and kept it less than a year. Build quality and ergonomics were excellent.

The Rogue 99 magnum was part of a system with the M150's. I loved it, although it was a little more noisy than the BAT. I used the internal phono for a while, but then upgraded to the Stealth. The Rogue gear is very responsive to tube rolling and the guys at Rogue can help you with best tubes based on the rest of your system.

I would own Rogue gear again. It's well made, can be easily upgraded with better parts and tubes, and is very reliable. Plus Rogue customer service is legendary.

thanks a lot, guys - VERY informative

I've owned a Rogue 99 Magnum and current own a BAT 3iX. I had 60 cycle hum problems with the Rogue, and overall I prefer the sound and build qaulity of the BAT. However, when it comes to power amps, I think I'd give the edge back to Rogue.

Bizango1.
You are partially correct about the noise of the volume control in the Magnum 99.however the noise is strictly coming from the servo motor controlling the volume pot and IS NOT coming through to the speakers,at least not in my system.I can hear the motor noise when adjusting the volume with the remote control and I am seating about 8 feet away from my system head on,but when the volume is higher it's hardly noticeable.
Rogue makes great gear and the magnum 99 is an exceptional pre in my opinion.
George