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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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).




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.
I think the Stereo 100 is a superb amplifier and it sounds marvelous with their matching preamp. I elected to get the Rogue integrated Medusa which sounds wonderful and is convenient. They make a less powerful Hydra version you may look into. Rogue is a good outfit and hard to beat so I would stick with them.

Got the Primaluna Prologue 5 this week used from Gig Harbor Audio in Washington.  The KT88s have been replaced with KT120s.  It seems a quality piece of kit.  It's quiet and clean, and I'm initially impressed with the quality.  Clearly the base extension does not match my Primare or Aragon solid state gear, but the highs are good.  Although the mids are slightly accentuated, they are definitely pleasant and realistic.  But the most obvious difference is the sound stage, which appears wider than my SS gear and with more separation between the instruments.  I've heard people use the term holographic with tube gear.  Although I'm not sure that's exactly the right word, it does seem to capture the essence of the sound.  More engaging...less flat spatially.  I'm happy with the sound overall, but it is not a night and day difference from the quality SS amps I have.  Also, the power of the amp seems quite adequate with my PMC TB2i speakers.  I don't detect any problems getting adequate volume or any strain in the sound.  It's lovely overall.