Pre-amp causing loud hiss from speakers

Veridan, Excellent observation, I missed that.

Zd542, I realize that there can be line noise on single ended connections that may be eliminated using a balanced
system and cable, especially in long runs. But this conversation was not about line noise, it was about 'hiss' originating in the pre-amp which is going to persist when passed on to the amp without change because of cabling and/or connectors. That is my experience. Your comments, without specificity anyway, baffle me, but I'm open to hearing about your experience when you encountered this issue in the past. And the techie stuff to explain it if you are aware. Thanks.............Perhaps we can all learn something.

"This noise was constant even with the volume down to zero and occurred with either balanced or rca connectors."

The OP referred to the problem as a constant noise in the above quote. To me, that sounds like the problem may be something other than a hiss. Sometimes these type of problems are hard to explain in words, and that's why I recommended the OP check his cables.

"That is my experience. Your comments, without specificity anyway, baffle me, but I'm open to hearing about your experience when you encountered this issue in the past. And the techie stuff to explain it if you are aware. Thanks.............Perhaps we can all learn something."

Heres a specific example of a noise caused by improper cable selection in one of my systems. I have an Ayre V-5 which is balanced and a CJ Premiere 18 preamp that is SE. Sometimes I put the CJ in the system with the Ayre. If I use SE cables, I get a constant noise. When I use balanced cable, I don't get a noise. Just to be clear, the sound is a noise, not a hiss.

In my other system, I have a pair of Wilson's that are pretty efficient (94 is I remember correctly). I use a Wadia CD player going directly to the amp. In this system, I can get a hiss related to too much gain using the factory setting on my Wadia. In order to get rid of it, I need to go inside and lower the global gain with the dip switches Wadia puts there just for this purpose.

And that's it. Either way, noise or hiss, its just something I need to be aware of and know how to deal with it. As far as the techie stuff as to why this happens, I really don't know. I'm able to fix the problem and that's my main concern.

Just some updates - the balanced cables I was using were Transparent Audio Balanced Musiclink plus. As for the tubes in the BAT they were purchased from Upscale Audio - 4 Electro-harmonix 6922 and 2 Pope 6V6GT.

I will spend some more time this weekend checking cables etc.

I checked on your IC's. They're fully balanced cables, so there's no need to go further with any checking. Unfortunately, it looks like your fix will be one of the more expensive solutions that some of the others have suggested. But I would still keep experimenting and definitely get in touch with your Rogue dealer. The longer you wait, the more permanent the sale will most likely become.

Wanted to add an update to this: I found a Brent Jesse on these forums and contacted him, he felt it could very well be the 6922's in the BAT causing the issue. I purchased four tubes from him, checked just to make sure the issue had not resolved itself and then swapped in his tubes. Now only dead silence with either balanced or RCA connectors - life is good.

I did add some of those attenuators as well which are working very well. So thanks to all for your help and support.