I had the Rogue RP-5 which I recently sold. The report I read on the RP-1 was that it is 90% of the RP-5. You should be fine. |
If your Super Magnum 99 uses 6SN7's, then it produces a more classic and lush tube sound than the newer Rogue preamps.
You don't say if you have the tube phono section, but the RP-1 uses a SS phono stage which is excellent. I think you'll have to decide between the features and more modern sound of the RP-1 to the sonics of the 99. |
Yes, I have the phono section. To complicate matters further I found a new Metis Magnum that would be a compromise in that it has more traditional sound. It is strange with the tubes protruding in a cage but a highly regarded unit. Given that the Medusa is here to stay I am leaning to the RP 1. Thanks for your help. Rogue just makes too much nice stuff.
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Hi , I’ve had the RP-1, for about 18 months . I changed the 2 tubes to medical grade Telefunkens and upgraded the power cord . I’m only running Tidal and a transport through a Schiit Yiggy . I am satisfied with its performance after upgrading the tubes . I wanted a basic pre with a remote and this meets my needs . My next pre will be balanced , but for today I’m complete . Regards , Mike B. |
After much deliberation I ordered an RP 1. The RP 5 is great but has a lot of features I will never use. Word on the street is that the 1 gets about 85-90% the sound of the other. Both are very well matched to the hybrid Medusa. I could have gone for the less powerful Hydra amp but as a fan of classical music the extra power comes in handy. The RP 1 has everything I need and the price is very reasonable for such quality and performance. The 99 Magnum was wonderful but I am tired of the need to have it warm up and all those inconveniences--the more modern design of the RP series is attractive to me and keeps things nice and simple, sort of plug and play. The "lushness" of tube units strikes me as very pleasing distortion but distortion nonetheless. Thanks all and will report in on the sound factor after listening a while.
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The RP 1 is really amazing. I listen to mostly classical music and the lower notes are really crisp and tight. On many of the period instrument performances one gets a real sense of the often scrappy sounds they make that I never heard before. The sound seems very direct and straightforward. Vocal music is remarkably direct. The 99 indeed had a very rich, smooth, warm plush sound. Once when I was talking to a noted dealer and mentioned how much I like tube components. He responded, "OK, so you like distortion." So I miss the 99 a little but love the direct and what I guess some would call the "more modern" sound of the RP 1. It is very tempting to keep the 99 and switch back and forth to have the best of both worlds. Probably for long listening sessions I would like the 99 but that is not an issue. Thanks for all the advice.
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Glad you like it. Let the tube rolling begin. |
If you want some of that tube magic back, pick up 4 Mullard NOS 12au7. Get the ones made in India, they are the same as the British ones only cheaper. I paid 60.00 each for them when I had the RP-5 and it transformed the preamp. |
Mine has Amperex tubes and I guess I should see what Rogue recommends. There are some Mullard "reissues" out there that are made in Russia; good? I will follow your advice and get a pair as this only takes two tubes. I am getting some noticeable speaker hiss from the preamp and the gain is very different as I have to get the volume pretty high for what I consider normal listening.
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The Mullard reissues made in Russia are not that great. The ones made in England are the best and run 120.00 per tube. You only need2 of them compared to the RP-5. |
Rtorchia,
I have the Hydra and also considering the RP1 - what does the rest of your system consist of? We’re you able to compare balanced vs unbalanced connections? Thanks |
I answered you via e-mail. I forgot to mention that Rogue has a really nice headphone amp, the RH-5, that some use as their system pre-amp. My dealer recommends using it that way, especially if you are into headphones. I think it is Stereophile Class A rated if that is meaningful. For an extra $400 they will add the turntable connection, the same that is in the RP 1. So you might be wise to consider this option. Rogue is an excellent company with great products and customer support.
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Stereo5, just curious why you sold the RP-5?
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I agree with his statement that it sounds almost the same as the RP-1; I didn't hear a difference. The RP-5 has features I didn't need and cost a lot more. For that matter I could have done well with the Hydra instead of the Medusa. I guess I have reached the age where buying the biggest and best isn't necessary, and the emphasis is on practical and realistic. The RP-5 is still quite nice however and was very tempting.
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