2. amps-preamps
  3. 1066837705

Rogue Magnum 99 question

I have just purchased a new Magnum 99 to replace a AES AE-3. With only 2 days out of the box I honestly dont know if I like its sound; given it is new and needs time to break in and the cheap NOS russians need to go. I was using a pair of Sylvania chrome dome in the AES and loved their sound.
Did anyone feel the same as I do? How long did it take for the 99 to break in? What tubes did you roll and find good results with? Are the russian 6sn7's a very poor link in this piece of equipment that they hinder the preformance? In what order do you start rolling.....front pair,rear, or left, right....instuctions really dont say. I also have a pair of KenRad VT231 blackglass that I really didnt quite care for in the AES.
Any helpful suggestions or comments would be appreciated.The 99 is mated to a Bryston 4Bst.

thanks, kek
kek23
nlebow
8 posts
 
Kek,

I was pretty happy with my Rogue Magnum 99 right out of the box and it has only improved with use (~100 hrs now). I didn't perceive any significant sound change after ~25 hours of use. There was some tube break-in apparent over this time. My unit came with Electro Harmonix 6SN7s that many people claim to be one of the better currently manufactured tubes. I have not tried NOS 6SN7s yet in the main preamp but have rolled to Mullard 12AX7 and Amperex 12AU7 tubes for the phono stage and they made a significant difference. If you do some 6SN7 tube rolling, I would be very interested in the results.

Nolan

P.S. The rest of my system is Magnaplanar 1.6 speakers, CJ MV50 amp, Audio Aero Mk 1 CDP, Nordost Quattro Fil interconnects, Acoustic Zen Satori speaker cable.
troutki
40 posts
 
I wish I could help you more, but I loved the sound of the Magnum 99 out of the box. However, this may be due to this being my first piece of tube gear and the fact that it was such a gigantic step up from my Pioneer A/V reciever based system. I have yet to start tube rolling, but I would love to hear about whatever decision you ultimatly make.

As far as break in period, I thought I could really notice a change somewhere between the 50-100 hour mark. I must again however say that I am not sure it was just the preamp breaking in as I upgraded so many pieces at once. (M-120's and PS Audio Statement IC's)

kevziek
323 posts
 
Kek, just put some other NOS in it. You are used to the sound of the Sylvania 6SN7. It is different from the NOS Russians that Rogue includes.

I own a Magnum 99. I am similar to the other repliers, in that I noticed such an improvement over my former tube preamp, that I didn't notice the break in changes. However, I do believe there were improvements. The Rogue 99 is a great preamp.

Worse case scenario, it doesn't match your other equipment, but I wouldn't judge that yet. Play a CD on repeat, or FM station for 72 hours, then you should have it broken in. Let us know your findings.
More to discover