2. amps-preamps
  3. 183983-72674

Rogue Audio. Reliability issues? Anyone?

I recently have been loving an Atlas Magnum power amplifier. I had a tube go bad, a fuse blow, and now red-plating. All of this could be related. But I am trying to decide if I want to pay shipping both ways ($90 each way), pay Rogue’s $175 bench fee (minimum) and then spend ungodly amounts on tubes that are hard to find.

I have friends, two to be exact, inform me that Rogue is notorious for this crap and their amplifiers are money pits. Is this normal tube stuff? Should I go for it or cut my losses and buy something else. I really love the way it sounds amd I really want to love Rogue. 

128x128nickrobotron
johnsonwu
469 posts
 

It’s a very very easy fix. Just one cathode resistor and a new tube. 
amd YES Rogue overbiases their KT88 amps so user beware. 

stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,269 posts
 

Rogue amps use manual bias. 

jwpstayman
391 posts
 

My opinion, for what it's worth is that Rogue builds very reliable products of which I have owned numerous ones over the years.  Customer support when there is an occasional issue is EXCELLENT and fast.  Tube amps/preamps DO need some regular TLC - like checking the bias every 30 days or so to prevent issues like complete failure.  

jeffstrick's avatar
jeffstrick
176 posts
 

Rouge builds great gear. Matched tubes are greatly overrated if the bias is used correctly or you amplifier has a reliable auto bias. I would fix it and quit wizzing away money on matched tubes. 

ghdprentice
6,464 posts
 

While admittedly a long time ago, I recommended Rogue to a friend. He bought a new amp. Within a short time a tube blew taking out some resisters. It was still under warranty, but they would not cover it. My friend argued with the founded. I think my friend ended up paying for it to be repaired. That is not a good way to get a good reputation. But lots of egg on my face. Rogue never gets my recommendation.

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