Rogue RP-7 vs MicroZotl. Reference

Hello big_greg,

     I remember we've had good discussions previously on other threads about the  iTube2 and our mutual use of the Audio Kinesis Swarm DBA system but I forgot the details of your setup.
     I know the  iTube2 is a tube buffer stage but I don't recall exactly why and how you incorporate it into your system.  For benzman and my benefit, could you give a short description again of how and why you utilize it?  
     I was thinking benzman would be able to incorporate his Swarm system simply by connecting it through the Ls 100's left + right unbalanced rca tape outputs, either with or without a couple of rca connector splitters.
     Lastly, I know the LS100 has been discontinued.  I was wondering your opinion on whether he should seek out and buy a used model in very good condition or buy a new version of its replacement model preamp?

Thanks,
   Tim
     

Hello benzman,

     I think a Modwright would be a good choice, new or used it offers excellent performance, has tubes and will likely retain its value.

Best wishes,
Tim Add your response

benzman,

     Yes, you do have a lot of tube preamp choices. I currently use a ss preamp in my system but I previously used a VTL 2.5 tube preamp, with NOS (new old stock) Mullard tubes swapped in for the 4 stock Russian or Chinese tubes, for a few decades with various ss class AB and class D power amps. This provided the 3 dimensionality, warmth and euphony that, during that time, I believed only tubes in the audio chain could provide.
     The VTL 2.5 is a good option if you want to utilize tubes since you can tailor the sound you prefer through tube rolling, it has HT/passthru if that's needed and it has an extra set of l+r unbalanced outputs to accommodate subs and your Swarm. 
     I now believe the qualities of 3 dimensionality, warmth and euphony mainly exist, or not, in the music itself.  The main factors that enable them to be perceived in a home system begins with the use of high quality recordings, continues with the signals being conveyed through very low distortion,low noise,highly detailed and accurate components and cabling. 
     The Benchmark LA4 is another good option for a ss design if you want to try out the low distortion/low noise, highly detailed and accurate approach while avoiding the complications of tubes altogether.     
     The final segment in preserving the fidelity in our systems are the speakers we choose.  Unless one employs highly accurate studio monitors, few other speakers will be as neutral and accurate and this is generally the area where compromises in overall system accuracy, neutrality and fidelity usually occurs.  I don't currently have a good solution for this compromise and typically recommend individuals just choose speakers they really enjoy listening to over extended time periods.
     Personally, I've found it difficult to maintain the strict discipline and commitment required to assemble a low distortion/low noise, highly detailed and accurate system from top to bottom.  I tend to include components and speakers that have a bit of flavor that I really enjoy (currently ML preamp and Magnepan speakers) that stray a touch from absolute fidelity and neutrality. 
     Perhaps you possess more discipline and commitment to a specific approach than I apparently do.

Tim 

Hello benzman,

     I think we may have slightly different tastes in things.  For example, you're a Mercedes Benz man and I'm more of an Audi guy, you're continuing with a preference for tubes in your preamp and I've drifted back to ss with none.  However, I believe these differences are a good thing; it's what makes you you, me me and the world go round.   It'd be a pretty bland and uninteresting world if we all had the same tastes in things, right?
     From what I've read about the Rogue RP7, which amounts in total to just this Absolute Sound review:
  https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/rogue-audio-rp-7-preamplifier/ , it seems to me like you've made a very good and well researched choice. 
     The RP7 is described as a particularly low noise tube design with a more neutral sonic character and it offers the necessary connectivity to accommodate your Swarm distributed bass array (DBA) system.
     Speaking of the Swarm system, apparently we do share the same taste of enjoying near state of the art bass performance in our audio systems.  Prepare to be amazed by the Swarm's overall performance in your custom room.

Best wishes,
     Tim