VTL Deluxe pre amp

Thank you guys very much now I know what tubes to buy however, the reason I ask if any of the tubes are more important is because on my Rogue 99 Mark O'brien told me the phono tubes on the left (when looking from the front of the unit) actually contribute to 90% of the sound and the other tubes are not nearly as important. I wonder if the Deluxe pre is the same way, I was just trying to save money for my friend as he is not used to paying $200 to retube a unit.

BTW Asterix, how do you like the Super Deluxe? I heard they were really nice and always wanted to buy one when I had the Deluxe. Was it a big step up?

My Rogue 99 is a pre amp with 4 6sn7's and if you buy the phono stage there are 2 12ax7's and you can put 2 of either (the usual) 12ax7, 12at7 or 12au7, depending on the gain you need. Mark told me only one tube in the input and output (I believe that is right) stage handle most of the sound.

Thank you for the helpful comments and I will talk to my friend and see what he wants.

As far as the Super Deluxe goes I am betting my Rogue is better yet (at least I hope so for $3000) and it has remote control. The phono section is supposed to be especially good and it sounds that way to me. I am sure your VTL is very nice and probably a better deal as far as the diminishing returns law goes.

thanks again, these details are not always easy to find.
to enhanced listening...............

WOW I did not know it cost that much. I thought the Ultimate cost around $3000 and that the Super Deluxe was farther down. I am sure it is very nice. Have you heard the Ultimate?

The phono stage in the Rogue is supposed to be about as good as the EAR phono that cost about $900.

I have been told the Rogue 99 Magnum that I have is about as good as the Audible Illusions 3A. I have not heard that many different pieces but can say this is clearly better than my old CJ PV10A.

cheers

I have a Plinius SA100 MKIII. I just replaced Rogue Magnum 120 monoblocks (3 12AX7's and 4 6550's per side) and the Plinius loses a little in the midrange and is more detailed top to bottom and far better bass definition and nuance. Overall the Plinius has better tone but has the slightest amount of a quality I associate with solid state (slightly thin maybe).

I have Maggie 1.6's which I think live up to their hype.

I am about to buy some Alpha Core MI2 speaker wire and need to find IC's. I have Nordost Blue Heaven speaker wire and IC's right now. I might buy some Innersound IC's their speaker wire is amazing, I just do not want to spend $600 right now for it.

I agree the CJ is boring, too smooth, but a lot of people like it and I still have to sell mine.

take care
Phil