2. amps-preamps
  3. 131718-10803

Which Preamp "internals" would you choose? Based on picture only

Please don't let country of origin influence, resale, etc. I'll keep it after I upgrade for a second system.  Just take into account the guts inside  (I'm no electrical guru so I am depending on people in the know). Of course, sound quality is the key. I know the Rogue is a favorite..however..it's still $1600. Is the Rogue really just an $800 preamp in a bigger box? I believe I am going to purchase one of these for short term and save up and get a much higher end preamp next year ($3500 +). I do need a pre for the next 9 or 10 months or so because I need inputs (I'm using my Pro-Ject MQA dac as a pre now, no analog inputs---actually sounds better than my Nova pre that I just sold)

All these have features and most importantly...the ability to switch inputs by remote (sorry Mapletree)

The rogue RP-1 is $1700 http://hometheaterhifi.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/rogue-rp-1-image3.jpg

The Pro-Ject Prebox RS is $650 http://s23.postimg.org/658xi67bv/image.jpg

Schiit Freya $700 (I would guess Saga is similar) http://www.schiit.com/public/upload/general/freya-PCB-1920.jpg

Also This Pro-ject all analog Prebox looks interesting..no internal pics $360.00 http://www.audioaffair.co.uk/pro-ject-pre-box-ds2-analogue-pre-amplifier?

Thanks for any opinions
aberyclark
pbnaudio's avatar
pbnaudio
1,613 posts
 
http://www.libertyaudio.com/products/b2b-2-line-level-preamp-dac

This one :-)  


From its maker

Peter
mulveling's avatar
mulveling
1,874 posts
 
Man, you've been having a rather tough go of this preamp search. I wouldn't touch Pro-Ject gear (especially electronics), and the Schiit stuff elicits a "meh" response from me (and I own a Yggdrasil). Though it's not exciting compared to higher-end Rogue offerings, and priced higher than the other 2 options -- the RP-1 is going to be well put together, will probably sound very good, and easily represents the best option of these 3.

Though it would still be wise to wait for the used market to yield a good deal on something that checks all your boxes. Stopgap measures cost extra time + money, and can be frustrating endeavors. Personally I'd wait (very) patiently for a nice used Rogue Athena to crop up. The 6H30pi tube absolutely rocks in line-stage applications!
c_s
15 posts
 
Disclaimer, I own some Rogue gear inc. an RP-1.  But I'll add a vote for the RP-1 - given that Mark O'Brien has a background in transformer design, that critical component (at least) is likely to be well provisioned. 

OP, re: glennewdick's suggestion on the passive pre.  When you mentioned the Pro-Ject dac sounds better without the Nova pre... would you say it was better in all ways, or were there any tradeoffs? That might help determine whether a passive is the right fit. 
aberyclark OP
1,355 posts
 
The Pro-ject just seems more airy and wide. However, that may be due to the dac sounding better.  I have been in contact waith a rigue dealer hoping to find a nice used Magnum 99
c_s
15 posts
 
Airy and wide makes sense, taking the preamp out.  If you're interested in preserving that kind of transparency (from what I've read, or heard), I think RP-1, used Perseus, or a passive would be worth looking into. 

I haven't heard the 99 - I know it is well reviewed and worth a look.  From what I've read, it won't be as transparent as the aformentioned options... not to say it won't be a good fit... just something to consider.       
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