Rogue RP-1 pre-amp. Just another SS pre-amp, or high end caliber??

If it fits your budget, Audio Advisor has the Parasound P7 on sale for $1699. Balanced in and out, MM/MC phono, headphone amp. 

Would highly recommend the Van Alstine Fet Valve CF preamp - under 2k for the basic model with some available options and higher cost (phono stage, silver faceplate, remote).

Best, Scott

I have an RP1 paired with a Channel Island E200S feeding Harbeth Super HL5+. Much as I like solid state amps, I wanted an amp I could lift (bad back). I am extremely pleased with the combination. I use a low output MC and the sound is exceptional and smooth. A relatively inexpensive combination with great sound. As for balanced vs unbalanced, in most environments you won't hear a difference over short runs.

Another major advantage of both manufacturers is that you can call and get a knowledgeable person.

I'm a happy camper.

I demoed an RP-1 in my system and ended up returning it due primarily to insufficient gain for my main source component, which has a relatively low output voltage.  The dealer from whom I borrowed the launch-version RP-1 told me at the time that Rogue had just made some tweaks to the gain stage to give it more gain.  He offered to let me ship it to Rogue for the update and then try it again, but I passed.  In the right system I imagine it could be nice, but it was not a good match for mine.  I tried a total of four preamps and settled on the Mark Levinson 326S, which is so great in so many ways that I have no desire to search out an elusive potential upgrade.  The ML326S cost way more than the RP-1 and the other two preamps I tried, but the end-game nature of it could make it a relative bargain in the long run.  Good luck with your search.