Rogue Audio and Audio Research Comparisons

mulveling:

Try the Rogue RP9 preamp with the Apollo Darks... Mark even says that the RP9 is "airier" (his term).  I do wonder what will happen to this model since it is based on the Russian tubes (hope there are other sources).  Do you find the Apollo Dark amp's bass a little less dynamic or impactful?

If I recall correctly, Mark said that two major "improvements" in terms of electronic components  in the Dark version are VISHAY resistors in key locations and more and better capacitors that are Murdorf's best.  He also uses Telefunken small signal tubes and I believe SolTol for the power tubes.. (mine are too hot at the moment to remove and check...been listening for several hours).  According to his site:

Apollo Dark Extended Features: [back to top]
- Ultra Premium coupling capacitors
- Increased power supply storage
- Hex Fred high speed diodes in power supply
- Polypropylene bypass capacitors in power supply
- Nude Vishay resistors in critical locations
- Rhodium binding posts (Cardas)
- Rhodium RCA jacks (Cardas)
- Upgraded signal wiring (Cardas)
- Telefunken and RCA small signal tubes
- Black anodized CNC machined aluminum chassis
- Entirely designed and built in the USA. (which is definitely true since I watched his friendly and skilled staff make them)

I am now driving Sonus Faber Il Cremonese speakers with the Apollo Darks which are in turn being fed by Rogue's RP9 preamp.  

The Apollo's are articulate with tight bass and a beautiful treble and midrange. No bloom, no veil.  Some say Rogue's amps are more SS than tube in character, and in that they are definitely not warm and syrupy, this is probably accurate.  But, not harsh or clinical either.