Rogue RP-7 vs. New RP-9 - What's the Difference?

Interesting

Chassis dimensions are identical for both, but that makes sense as they mention their "award winning RP-X hardware and software platform", which indicates to my mind that they are using the same base to work off of.

Audio Research's well received Ref 10 preamplifier utilizes (8) 6H30P's. The RP9 uses four.

Rogue msrp $7500 vs ARC msrp $33,000.

Looking forward to hearing the RP9! Always a great value product.

I had a chance to compare an RP7 to an ARC Ref 6, then I learned a little about the difference between the 6H30 and 12au7. The former is going to have higher transconductance - there’s supporting discussion on the technical side if you search it. I did feel that the Ref 6 resolved better, however in my system the RP7 sounded smoother in the highs - but not as resolving in the highs, and more fleshed out in the lower midrange and upper bass, but lacked the low bass power of the Ref 6 - the Ref 6, like the Ref 10 is much larger and packs beefier power supplies. Perhaps the Ref 6 was more accurate, but I preferred the RP7 overall. So if Rogue keeps the smooth character of the 7 in the probably more refined 9, it should be very competitive with more expensive options, but I wouldn’t expect the low end you get from the ARC models.

I have and love the RP-5. I always thought the RP-7 was a balanced version of the RP-5 without the phono. I'm sure there was more to it than that. I'll be curious how the RP-9 compares to the RP-7 AND Rp-5.

Talked to Mark the owner of Rogue Audio. He said the RP-9 is build for the Russian 6H30P tubes with some different, more expensive parts. He did not quantify the improvement over RP-7. You could upgrade RP-7 to RP-9 for about $3K (with a different circuit board etc.). The real questions for me are (1) how much improvement over RP-7 and (2) how it compares with other pre-amps of similar prices (say $7K-10K). In my experience, may not be worthwhile to upgrade (e.g., I upgraded Schiit Yggy DAC to Analog 2 - but sold it at a loss when I compared the upgraded DAC to Metrum Adagio - the latter is much better).

Anyone hear the RP-9 yet?

Bueller? Bueller? Anyone?

Bump

I’ve had an RP-9, and posted some thoughts before. It’s gone up against the ARC Ref 6 and Renaissance V here - both cost a good bit more (a full 2x more in the case of the Ref 6) - so I’m definitely not putting it up against cupcakes. The Ref 6 has simply been perfectly voiced for my system for most of the past 2 years, and is extremely hard to knock off its roost. I’ve used that Ref 6 so much, its signature must be ingrained in my head - over 2,020 hours on its tube counter from me (and I mostly only listen to the main system on weekends)!

The RP-9 is extremely detailed and dynamic with awesome bass, in some ways exceeding the Ref 6 in these aspects. But its top-end is a little less relaxed than the Ref 6, which is a main reason why the Ref 6 went back in. You’re definitely not going to get any extra tube warmth or "bloom" here. The Renaissance V has the sweetest midrange of all 3 (here’s your tube warmth and romance - it just sounds pretty!), but is less adrenaline-inducing than the other 2 for rock music. Rock & metal is probably my favorite genre. My overall preference has been Ref 6 over the RP-9 and Renaissance V by a little bit. Then I’d probably say the RP-9 by a hair overall, over the Ren V (because of the rock music thing).

I have new amps now (VAC 200iQ monos) so I’m due to give the RP-9 another crack at it. These new amps are awesome (yes they can rock); they had to be to replace my Apollo Dark monos. The Ren V already had its turn, and the Ref 6 won again despite the brand-match in favor of the VAC. To be fair my RP-9 isn’t even fully burned in yet. And after reading some cap threads, I wonder if its top-end energy is due to those Mundorf Evo Silver/Gold/Oil caps. It’s a great preamp though, and I feel guilty for not giving it more listening time. I plan to change that this weekend.

The UI on the RP-9 is good, but the Ref 6 feels a bit more refined. The RP-9 metal remote is sexy as hell, though.

Here's a pic of the RP-9 in my system back when I had Apollo amps. It did look really pretty like this! Ironically, the Apollos have so damn much gain (way lots of gain), and the Tannoys are so highly sensitive, the RP-9 might actually match better to the lower-gain VAC 200iQ amps.

https://i.imgur.com/rVQj8NM.jpg

I really appreciate your input!

Any additional comments would be nice when you feel the RP-9 is fully run-in 🤓

btw, Very nice rig! 

@mulveling Amazing system, appreciate your comments. Its cool to see the Rogue hanging in there with stiff competition. Have you ever considered custom tube pres for example from oliver sayes?
Look forward to how rp9 does as it continues to burn in.

@mulveling Just wondering if you might have an update on the RP-9 with the VAC 200iQ amps and how it compares with the Ref 6 with a change in amp and more break-in.  Thanks.