2. amps-preamps
  3. 149696-102538

Rogue audio RP-7 versus PS Audio BHK preamplifier

I have an old Rogue Audio Super Magnum 99 tube preamplifier that I will be replacing in the not too far future. I really liked the sound of the magnum 99 except for the tube hiss. It’s not audible when playing music but still bothers me, particularly when the volume is low. It also constructs the soundstage, an effect that is evident when I connect the external DAC directly to the amplifier. 

from what I read both of these models should be a significant improvement over the magnum 99. I am wondering if anyone who have heard them both has any opinions/thoughts on how they compare.


benjosef1
ggc
178 posts
 
Rogue Audio RP-7
Audiophiles I know who have flipped their Rogue Pre - Amps have gone on to regretted it. One even tried to buy his back after he sold it to no avail.

Very friendly to Tube Rolling - IMHO highly recommended for optimum performance - will produce incredible sound stage, imagery and detail.
Dare I suggest to feed it with a very good power chord and you will have a unit that will rival others with a MRSP 4X its price.

Try NOS - GE, Mullards, RCA, Siemens, Telefunken, and the European alternative ECC82.  The Siemens ECC82 is my preference - Has the rich mid range of  the Mullard  combined with the  detailed high to mid low of the Telefunken.

verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,525 posts
 
For the BHK you want Tunsgram  PCC88s. Mine shipped with PSVane 12AU7s and was super bright.  The Tunsgrams make it perfect.  
buellrider97's avatar
buellrider97
508 posts
 
Hi , I have played with the lower level Rogue RP-1. I’ve changed the cord and added isolation dampeners, and placed 2 brass weights on top . I have rolled numerous tubes and prefer medical grade Telefunkens. But depending on which power amp I’m feeding and especially which speaker is in the rotation . When I go to more power with 95db speakers or greater , the hiss is pretty noticeable. I’ve spent more on cabling and tubes than the amp cost . So when I’m running higher power tube amps and 95-98 dB speakers I run a SS pre . YMMV, Cheers Mike B. 
benjosef1 OP
11 posts
 
Thanks Mike. My speakers are Triangle signature delta (high sensitivity) and the Bryston 4B SST is 300W into 8 Ohm, so I think I might have the same hiss you are talking about. I have a low level hiss that is not noticeable when you play music with my current Rogue magnum 99 and I certainly would like not to have it in the new preamp. Others have said that the RP-7 is dead quiet, so not sure. Maybe the tubes in the RP-1 are different? or the fact that it is balanced helps?

Edgar
irrenarzt
21 posts
 
RP-7 is dead quiet, I can attest. 
More to discover