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Alternatives to Rogue Stereo 100

I've been thinking about adding a tube component to my heretofore all SS system.  I've got the opportunity to pick up a new Rogue Stereo 100 power amp for about $1000 off it's normal $3495.  I'm familiar with its reputation, and I'm wondering if there is anything else in that price range ($2500) I should be considering.  I've got an Ayre pre and PMC TB2i speakers, and my sources are VPI turntable and Mytek DAC for all things digital.  PMC's are 90 db sensitivity.  Currently running a Primare SS amp, but I also have an Aragon 8008MKII.  Between the Ayre and the PMCs, my system is probably a little lean, and I'd like to hear what a good tube amp will do.  Mostly classical and acoustic and "audiophile" stuff on this system.  Save the heavy stuff for downstairs.  Appreciate any feedback.
  
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mac48025's avatar
mac48025
672 posts
 
You might want to check out Raven Audio. I'm loving their Blackhawk integrated amp and switched the power tubes to RCA black plates to get an even warmer sound. It's only rated at 20 WPC but seems much more powerful and drove some Magnapan 1.7i's with ease. Like you I was looking to add a warmer tube sound and while I enjoyed the Odyssey Candela with Kismet Monoblocks, the Raven integrated amp is giving me the tube sound I enjoy with all the dynamics and revealing sound I could ask for. Raven is great to deal with and their made in the USA products. Good luck in your search. 
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educeus OP
26 posts
 
Thanks, mac48025.  The Raven stuff looks great.  I thought about an integrated...but I've got real money invested in the Ayre, and I'd like to keep it in the chain.  It's great to learn about American companies making solid audio gear at "reasonable" prices.  Unfortunately the power amps at Raven are a bit above my budget right now.  Trying to stay around the $2500 mark.  
johnziomas's avatar
johnziomas
41 posts
 
I really, really love the Primaluna Dialogue HP amp with KT150s.  Bought it used from a member here for little more than your budget.  Not many used for sale though..
c_s
15 posts
 
I have a pair of Rogue M-180s, I really like these and I suspect the 100 is of a similar character. IME the Rogue neutrality made these a good candidate for a foundation, a blank canvas, extended and resolved enough to allow for significant shifts via upstream components, tube rolling and cabling. Also, although neutral they are anything but plain or lean; they still have an organic midrange and throw a stage that is layered, tactile, and unmistakably tubey, IMO.

But in terms of potential alternatives, I’ll add a vote for PrimaLuna.
I’ve listened to a Dialogue 2 and an HP and found them to be very musical. I remember the Dialogue 2 in particular as having a particularly natural midrange (which I’m guessing its integrated preamp contributed to).




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educeus OP
26 posts
 
Thanks, c_s.  Just so happens a Primaluna Prologue 5 showed up on my local craigslist for $900.  Has me interested...and it's a fair bit cheaper way to try out my first good piece of tube gear.
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