So I went to the local dealer. Of course closed. The web says they would be open. Frustrating. This is why I prefer to order online.
Choices narrowed Rogue RP-1 and Primaluna Prologue Premium Preamps
I'm leaning toward the Primaluna which is $500 more. Both have easy dealer return.
The PL looks to be more of a "lifetime" preamp, heavy build, tubes outside chassis. The RP-1 includes a phono section (I do not need) which leads me to believe corners may have been cut to keep price point.
Both get great reviews....but my gut says PL. The Prologue is 97% of the higher end dialogue model from what I have been told.
My amp (https://www.optomausa.com/audioproduct/sta200)runs at 51K input impedance, which is meets the recommended minimum of 28k (Stereophile review).
I am eventually going to replace my amp (I purchased as a temporary replacement and later use in a bedroom system). However, the amp has such an enjoyable sound, I decided to upgrade my preamp first. I am having some noise issues with my Peachtree Nova Pre.
Anyone else compare the two? Stereophile did and the PL sounds like what I am looking for. I know actually hearing is the ultimate test.
The PL looks to be more of a "lifetime" preamp, heavy build, tubes outside chassis. The RP-1 includes a phono section (I do not need) which leads me to believe corners may have been cut to keep price point.
Both get great reviews....but my gut says PL. The Prologue is 97% of the higher end dialogue model from what I have been told.
My amp (https://www.optomausa.com/audioproduct/sta200)runs at 51K input impedance, which is meets the recommended minimum of 28k (Stereophile review).
I am eventually going to replace my amp (I purchased as a temporary replacement and later use in a bedroom system). However, the amp has such an enjoyable sound, I decided to upgrade my preamp first. I am having some noise issues with my Peachtree Nova Pre.
Anyone else compare the two? Stereophile did and the PL sounds like what I am looking for. I know actually hearing is the ultimate test.
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- 33 posts total
Looks like Primaluna is off the list. The local dealer has no stock....nothing except an integrated in the back room. Everything is special order. I did write UA to let them know so they can take that into evaluation of their dealers. I am just weary about the Rogue RP-1. Very light, plus the inside shot is very "empty" looking compared to the PL. The Dialog here on Audio looks tempting...just out of my budget. The Mystere CA-21 on Audiogon....no remote (which is a must) The search continues |
Take a look at Don Sach's Tube Pre, it is highly regarded... http://www.dsachsconsulting.com/custom%20line%20stage.html Wig |
I'm a big fan of Rogue, running their Apollo Dark/Hera II/Ares Magnum stack. But I agree the RP-1 internals don't look terribly exciting (the RP-5 looks a lot better, though at 2x cost). Though I haven't heard the new RPs, I'm a bit miffed they discontinued the 99/Athena/Hera II (which were superb) and replaced it with 12AU7/mosfet hybrids. Not a big fan of the 12AU7 tube either. You could score a 99 Magnum used for a very good price. Or better yet, wait around for a killer deal to emerge on an Athena -- it's much better sounding than even the 99, and very similar in sound to the Hera. That said, I'm pretty sure the new RP series will have a lower noise floor -- that was the 1 main weakness of the otherwise stellar Hera. |
- 33 posts total