“Going into this purchase I wanted to try a tube line stage pre amp with an integral phono stage pre amp. This component seemed to fit my criteria and I had seen positive reviews of this and other Rogue Audio equipment.
I must say that I am very pleased with the performance I'm getting. I could immediately hear the tube characteristics with a wide, deep and precise sound stage.
The phono stage is as good as or better than any stand alone unit I have heard at this price point.
The build quality is excellent with solid switch gear.
The two front knobs are dual function rotary/push-button, the left one "display-off/balance" the right knob "volume/Input". Which leads to my only nit I would have to pick with this pre amp: When you turn it on it always reverts to "Line One" input. I would prefer that it start up with the last used input since I mostly use the phono stage which of course is the last "click" in the selection sequence.
Like any tube gear you have to let it burn in when new and you have to let it warm up completely on start up to get the full performance this unit can offer. I'm not much of a tube "roller" so I really cannot comment on the OEM tubes vs. aftermarket. The music sounds just fine to me as is.
Neither can I yet comment regarding reliability but it is robustly constructed and comes with a generous warranty. Service should not be a problem since the company and manufacturing is based in northeast Pennsylvania, USA.
If you are in the market for a tube pre amp I highly recommend giving this one a try. I'm confident saying that you will be impressed.”
“This thing is incredible if you're going from an integrated receiver to separates and making the leap to tube. It instantly had such warmth and clarity the moment I started using it. Definitely worth the price.”
“Extremely impressed the first time I powered it up. Solid bass and extended highs that are bright but not shrill. The midrange seems perfect. It also projects a wide and deep soundstage. It pairs extremely well with my new PS Audio solid state amp. I did try the phono stage and it was solid, accurate and detailed. However, I still prefer my Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 connected to one of the inputs. Playing the reissue of "Music for Bang, Baaroom and Harp" by Analogue Productions (this disc is a must have for serious vinyl collectors) was simply eye opening. Highly recommended!!”
“Instant wow factor upon first audition. The RP1 replaced Sony TAE9000ES, which is also a terrific preamp, but vinyl and cd playback now sounds much more natural adding a much missed analog quality, particularly with vocals. Leading edges of percussion and strings are thrilling in a way that sounds live. Soundstage is uncompromising, equaling the superior soundstage performance of the TAE9000ES. The RP1 outperformed the Sony in every other capacity. Highly recommended.”
“This preamp replaced a Macintosh solid-state C 15. The rogue provides much improved clarity, detail, and clean replication through the entire audible sound spectrum. I have a standalone DAC, and needed inputs and outputs for the DAC, CD player, CD recorder, turntable, tuner, and subwoofer. The rogue preamp RP-1 , With its built-in phono stage for moving magnet and higher put moving coils,fit the bill perfectly. I am very pleased.”
