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

Rogue RP-1 was reviewed about 6 months ago in Stereophile  I have not seen any other reviews. Does anyone own or have auditioned  this pre-amp. 

 If so,  is this just another solid pre-amp, or punches far above its price ($1695.00) and qualifies as a high end product worthy to be placed in systems between $5000-$15,000   Thank you

sunnyjim
smrex13
645 posts
 
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
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 

Scott, Thank you for the recommendation.  The remote and phono add about $600 to the retail price of $1899.  I have not seen or read any reviews on the pre-amp .

However, I have considered it.  Van Alstine is a great designer, but his add-on like those of  Balanced Audio Technology, (I think ) cripple many potential sales. BAT 's phono  and remote add $1000 to the bottom line 


To mtbrider, Thanks. I just got the AA catalogue, I will check it out

twocrows
7 posts
 
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.
danielinvermont
21 posts
 
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.
cedargrover
302 posts
 
I did try the phono stage.  It was good considering it was part of ~$1700 preamp.  But I have an Ayre P-5xe, which I adore.  No comparison; with the Ayre, you are there.  

One thing that my dealer told me which you might want to investigate:  The RP1 inverts polarity, but that the phono stage adds another level of inversion so polarity is "normal" when you're using the phono stage.  I am a Vandersteen guy, so I take this phase stuff seriously.  YMMV. Moving around speaker wires each time to use the phono stage would annoy even me.


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