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Rogue RP 1 or Super Magnum 99

I currently have a Rogue Super Magnum 99 that I use with a Rogue Medusa amp. I am thinking about getting the RP 1 pre because it has a balance control, a better and more conveniently located headphone jack, a good phono section, and is a more modern design with a great display and full function remote. Also, I do not really need the external power supply on the 99 which is hard to place. The RP 5 pre has too many bells and whistles that I will never use. I have no problems with the 99 and really enjoy it. So the question is, would this constitute a move down or be an improvement? I think most people use the 99 with one of the big traditional tube amps like the 100 and possibly the RP 1 has more synergy with the Medusa. The stark simplicity of the RP attracts me. Possibly I am just succumbing to the urge for something new. Any advice from you experts out there is greatly appreciated. 
rtorchia

Showing 6 responses by rtorchia

rtorchia's avatar
rtorchia OP
138 posts
 
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. 
rtorchia's avatar
rtorchia OP
138 posts
 
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. 
rtorchia's avatar
rtorchia OP
138 posts
 
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. 
rtorchia's avatar
rtorchia OP
138 posts
 
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.  
rtorchia's avatar
rtorchia OP
138 posts
 
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. 
rtorchia's avatar
rtorchia OP
138 posts
 
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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