A vote for the RP-9 here. I find it so quiet and smooth. Very pleasing to my ear, especially with my warmish McIntosh solid state amplifiers, now paired with my Rogue ST-100. It has the tubes and features I find useful, balance adjustable via remote, processor loop, also controllable from the remote, and even Home Theater bypass, which I’m not currently using, but a nice to have. Display can also be controlled via remote.
I applaud your decision to work with a dealer, I think they bring more value to your system than any single component.
PREAMPLIFIER UPGRADE QUESTION
My system consists of the following:
1. Martin Logan Impressions 11A
2. Rogue RP-1 preamplifier
3. Lumin U@ mini streamer with Chord Qutest DAC.
4. Bryston 4B3 Cubed power amplifier
I just purchased the Bryston amplifier and it has brought my speakers to life. From dull and listless to vibrant and alive.
I would like to upgrade my preamp and my three choices are as follows:
1. Rogue Audio RP-9-tubes
2. Bryston BR-19 which is fully balanced.
3. Conrad Johnson ET6 or ET6SE
My cables are Cardas Clear Cygnus
Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.