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Choices narrowed Rogue RP-1 and Primaluna Prologue Premium Preamps

I'm leaning toward the Primaluna which is $500 more. Both have easy dealer return.

The PL looks to be more of a "lifetime" preamp, heavy build, tubes outside chassis. The RP-1 includes a phono section (I do not need) which leads me to believe corners may have been cut to keep price point. 

Both get great reviews....but my gut says PL. The Prologue is 97% of the higher end dialogue model from what I have been told.

My amp (https://www.optomausa.com/audioproduct/sta200)runs at 51K input impedance, which is meets the recommended minimum of 28k (Stereophile review).

I am eventually going to replace my amp (I purchased as a temporary replacement and later use in a bedroom system). However, the amp has such an enjoyable sound, I decided to upgrade my preamp first. I am having some noise issues with my Peachtree Nova Pre. 

Anyone else compare the two? Stereophile did and the PL sounds like what I am looking for. I know actually hearing is the ultimate test.

aberyclark
c_s
15 posts
 
@aberyclark  I am using the stock JJ tubes in the RP-1. I did try some Psvanes and Raytheons. They did bring the mids a little forward, but out of those at least the JJ's seemed like the overall best fit for the RP-1.
aberyclark OP
1,355 posts
 
Well...My new Pre-amp is on it's way. A silverface RP-5. I will receive tomorrow. I figure I might as well spring for a super nice pre. I'll report back once I get up and going
mulveling's avatar
mulveling
1,913 posts
 
Awesome! Hope you enjoy. I'm really curious how the RP-5 and 7 compare to the prior line; wish my dealer will get a unit in, but that may be a long-shot. One advantage of this new line is that it should be quieter.
jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
990 posts
 
I is also a very happy RP-1 owner.  As other posters have noted it's nice to call up a company and get a enthusiastic person on the phone to talk about the product.  I can't say much about sound details but the unit was a huge improvement over my old solid state Rotel unit.

The only knock is the light weight cheesy feeling remote, but the thing has survived repeated drops on to hardwood floor and still works fine.

I also just purchased a PS Audio S300 amp.  They are just down the street from my house and going there, getting a tour of the site and meeting the owner and other friendly staff made the experience even better.  Product support means so much to me.

Let us know your out of box experience.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,405 posts
 

@aberyclark 

I am a proud owner of an RP-5.  I wasn't too thrilled with the stock JJ tubes and on Rogues recommendation, I purchased 4 NOS Mullard 12au7 tubes from Upscale for 60.00 each.  The sound is now to die for.  My only complaint is the plastic cheesy remote.  I would rather have paid a little more$$ if Rogue had offered a metal remote.  Enjoy your new toy.

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