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
aberyclark OP
1,355 posts
 
Which amp are you referring to?
teo_audio
2,197 posts
 
There is so much variation in components, layout, parts selection, and so on, that this subtlety can be swamped, if you don't know what to listen for.

What it takes to really hear it and know it... is to complete a new piece of gear with about 3 of the top ROHS complaint solders and then do the same piece again, with leaded solders, the ones considered 'best' in the world of audio. Then burn in, and try the 5-6 items individually...wih the only differences being the solder, in a-b/etc aural testing.

Then you'll learn to recognize what ROHS does. A subtle but pervasive downturn in sonic qualities available, in my experience and that of some others who are willing to do the involved level of testing, and actually make mention of it.

It's one of those things that no one wants to talk about.
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
@teo_audio - that is all very interesting and education about ROHS solder, but what does it have to do with the OP's question about comparing 4 different preamp internal pictures?
aberyclark OP
1,355 posts
 
He must be accidentally posting in wrong forum. I do know more about solder than I ever have
teo_audio
2,197 posts
 
Just a thing that comes up when looking at internal shots of gear, is all. If looking at the guts of gear then it’s about how it’s built and with what parts and the solder is part of that.

Solder was never designed (original purpose) to be an electrical connection, it was designed to be an electrically conductive physical anchor for a metal to metal contact situation.

It was shoehorned into being an electrical contact/co-joining material as technology involving electricity evolved. Solder is far from perfect and varies in sound qualities across the solder formula spectrum. In any given piece of gear that possesses circuit boards and soldered components, the solder is, in sonic terms, one of the most influential components in the given box.
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