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Rogue M-150 upgrade to M-180 Questions

So, if you have either done this upgrade, or heard a set before and after, what did you notice? I am wondering if the upgrade is a good allotment of funds (plan B would be upgrading my digital source, currently a Modwright Platinum 9100 Sony) Speakers are Tyler Acoustics Decade D1's, relatively easy to drive.

Things I like about the M150's (tubes are Svetlana 6550's, RCA Clear Tops, and Telefunkens) are holographic imaging, huge soundstage, deep bass. Things that could be improved on: clarity, tighter bass, as it can be a little boomy at times, transformer hum is noticeable.

Do you think the upgrade would make the amp improve in those areas? The increase in overall power would be nice, but I am running it in triode, as my speakers don't require a ton of juice, and UL mode just flattens out the imaging a bit, with no offsetting benefit.

On a side note, has anyone heard the upper-end Rogue preamps? I see one for sale on here right now.
dawgcatching
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samzx12
1,220 posts
 
Have you talked to Mark at Rogue?
dawgcatching OP
139 posts
 
yes, I have. I was just looking for a bit more info from others who have been in my shoes.
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samzx12
1,220 posts
 
Out of curiosity what did he say?
dawgcatching OP
139 posts
 
Mostly along the lines of "it should sound better, more open, better woofer control". I am leaning toward getting it done, but they sound so nice at the moment....
sgunther
187 posts
 
I upgraded my 150 to 180 about 6 months ago and continued to use Golden Lion KT-88 output tubes. As I understand it you do not get the extra 30 watts of power unless you go to the KT-90 tubes. I have enjoyed the upgrade - dynamics improved and soundstage seems bigger and more open. Is it worth the cost - I think so and so does the reviewer at Stereophile (for what it is worth I think they put the 180 in Class A and it was in the running for amp of the year in the most recent addition)but as always YMMV. Also have you tried KT-88 output tubes, I have not used my 6550 tubes in awhile but I do remember the bass becoming tighter and more natural with the KT-88. Good Luck.
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