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What tube preamp is a step up from Rogue Magnum 99

Hi,

I wanted to try a tube preamp as I think my system sounds a little bit lean.

My local dealer let me take a Rogue Magnum 99 for an in home test.

In my system, the Rogue was an improvement because there was higher resolution and a more live presence (probably a lower noise floor with the separate power supply?) and better bass.

However, I am wondering what other preamps excel in providing a great "live" presence and bass.

I have read about the Cary SLP 98 and the BAT VK 51SE but I do not have access to try these out at home. The reviews seem to single these out as being a little bit warmer than, say, ARC equipment, and they are supposed to do bass well.

While I could purchase the Rogue now I want to avoid the upgrade in the future. I would rather spend more now and definitely move up.

I would appreciate any learned comments to help me out with this decision.

My system is:
Ric Schultz modified Oppo 105,
W4S STP SE Preamp
W4S ST1000 Amplifier
Cullen Cables
Maggie 3.6 Speakers

Thanks!
dsper
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I have owned both the Cary SLP-98P and the BAT VK-51SE. I don't know what your price range is, but for me, I would try to find a VAC preamp in my price range. The BAT will do best in the bass department, I haven't heard anypreamp best a BAT in bass performace. However, if you are looking for a "live" presence, or natural sound, I would go with VAC.
winoguy17
1,127 posts
 
I used to own the 99 Magnum. It was a nice pre. In the never ending pursuit of something better I sold it. I also sold its replacement and the next replacement after that one. I have been living happily with a Modwright SWL 9.0 SE for the last 3 years and love it. Best pre that I have owned,and they come up used from time to time at reasonable prices. Good luck with your quest.
mulveling's avatar
mulveling
1,915 posts
 
Get the Rogue Athena. The 99 is nice, but the Athena is way better sounding and well worth the price difference (which Rogue hasn't ever raised, yet). I also prefer the Athena/Hera to the VAC Renaissance III line stage -- however the sonic signature is obviously different there.
goldprintaudio's avatar
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goldprintaudio
502 posts
 
Since you liked the Rogue as much as you did, you may want to check out their new pre's that are coming. The RP5 should be out very soon.
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 
I 2nd the Modwright! Good call Winoguy. But, I find that I like the Manley Labs Jumbo Shrimp even better, (I loved my Modwright SWL 9.0, My dad has it now) or Manley Labs 300B! All of these preamps use a different tube set but they all sound warm detailed liquid with lots of rise and decay and proper TONE, and PRAT too! I do not like the BAT with 6H30's it sounds un- musical and Dry with no top end (at least in my system) to the point where I can't listen to it at all.
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