I’ve had a full stack of current Rogue tube gear (phono + pre + power), have a full current VAC stack, and have the ARC Reference phono + pre. And I’ve mixed & matched these components a lot.
The Rogue tube power amps are excellent (the best components they make), and can absolutely hang with and benefit from more expensive upstream components by ARC or VAC. As far as my Rogue Apollo Darks versus twice as expensive VAC 200iQ monos, the Rogue is a bit dry and SS-like in midrange (VAC more lush and romantic here) but also has decidedly superior bass response. Seriously, the bass is amazing. It absolutely hangs, overall. The Apollo Darks (tons of power and dynamics) with VAC Master preamp (this injects some sweetness and just sounds amazing all-around) and Ref 3SE phono (best phono stage I’ve heard) is a really nice combination. Haven’t heard the ARC power amps in my system yet, though.
As far as the full Rogue stack phono + pre + power - no, that wasn’t my jam. I definitely prefer ARC and/or VAC upstream components. But then I’ve been told the new Ares II makes some good strides forward, and I haven’t heard that yet.