Preamp Choice: Rogue 99 Magnum vs. BAT VK30

Peter s

My friend Brian emailed you and told some of the things you mentioned to him.

I went from the stock tubes in my Rogue 99 Magnum, which I do not even know what they are because it does not say, but have been told they are either GE or Russian NOS. Anyway I bought some of the cheaper RCA NOS tubes from Andy at Vintage Tube Services, I asked him for a tube that was not too expensive but musical, with lighter bass response and the RCA is what he sent. He told me they were not the best RCA NOS but still good. I agree with him, compared to the original tubes the RCA has less bass and is more midrange oriented with a more open and detailed presentation. They might be slightly bright for my taste but then again I have Maggie 1.6s which can be agressive if everything is not just right.

I am sure within the next few weeks we will compare preamps (as Brian has the VK 30) and report back.

I hope this helps

Phil

What are the sonic differences between your BAT vs. the Rogue preamp in your setup?

With stock tubes (slight upgrade from Stock on Rogue, NOS RCA's) I find the Rogue to be more transparent with better and more defined bass presence, but more forward vocal range, which can come across as more aggressive. I am very sensitive to a hint of aggressive mid, though my listening buddy thinks it's worth it for the transparency (subjective choice). I figure I can't make a choice until I've put good tubes in both.

Has anyone upgraded the tubes in either unit? What results did you have? I've heard that the BAT really opens up to become more musical ("sweeter, less sterile"). Rogue and BAT users out there, what improvements have you seen? Have you compared these two preamps?

Go Bat!

Which RCAs are in there? Black base, brown base, GTA, GTA?