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Rogue RP-7 vs MicroZotl. Reference

Need a pre to go with a pair of Odyssey Kismet Reference Monos that Klaus just upgraded.  I currently use a Cary DMS 600 streamer/dac and it really sounds good but usually it’s played at -30 to -20 so probably losing a little resolution ( 3 volts out so the scale goes to +8)
I am integrating a swarm sub system w/2 mono block Dayton 1,000 watt  amps. So need something with at least two unbalanced outs. I had a MicroZotl2.0S but it was a little noisy and too much gain and could never get the volume quite right in my previous room  Also had a MODWRIGHT anniversary pre and Odyssey candela prior.  Tubes are not a must but kinda like them paired with SS amps.  Speakers are Persona 5 ‘s which can be on the brighter side of neutral if not paired well   Budget is 3k   Previously owned is fine. Thanks for the input, I know there is a lot out there. Trying to get something that is current model so can sell at a reasonable loss if it doesn’t work out. 
128x128benzman
benzman's avatar
benzman OP
385 posts
 
@gochuchgo    The last 3 pre's in my system were the Candela , Modwright anniversary, MicroZotl 2.0S.  Unfortunately I changed speakers from Merlin MXR, Magico S3 version 1, and now my Persona 5F's
The MicoZotl was the best sounding  vs the Modwright as I had them for the Magicos and the Persona's. I did get the Candela to sound real good with some upgraded tubes and a black SR fuse. The Micro Zotl sounds great if you can live with the high gain. I would try to find a used one of those with the upgraded  Linear PS. Try to get the 2.0S version. LTA upgrades their products along the way. They are awesome to work with.
Klaus upgraded my Kismets as far as he could go. Broken in after 3 weeks and they sound fantastic. Sure wish I could convey how good they sound but they are special. I have friends with Jeff Rowland, Audio Research, The big Krell's and cant wait till they hear these, and that's without a pre in the chain. 
benzman's avatar
benzman OP
385 posts
 
Thanks Tim for your thoughts. I built a 29x17x10 room with audio in mind. Coffered ceilings, angled front wall, 3 dedicated 20 amp  10 ga. circuits,
Double 5/8 drywall w/ green glue, additional grounding, yada. The room sounds so good I probably didnt need to drop 4k on the swarm system that is not even hooked up yet( custom painted by Duke's guy).  I originally was just going to use my Cary DMS 600 Streamer/dac ( which I have been using) but I really need single ended as the Cary has  one XLR and one Single ended.  These Upgraded Kismet amps are fantastic and they certainly deserve a decent pre. 

Just pulled the trigger on the Rogue RP7!!


gochurchgo
892 posts
 
@benzman thanks you sir. I appreciate your thoughts. I agree on Klaus’ amps as well.
noble100's avatar
noble100
2,419 posts
 
Hello benzman,

     I think we may have slightly different tastes in things.  For example, you're a Mercedes Benz man and I'm more of an Audi guy, you're continuing with a preference for tubes in your preamp and I've drifted back to ss with none.  However, I believe these differences are a good thing; it's what makes you you, me me and the world go round.   It'd be a pretty bland and uninteresting world if we all had the same tastes in things, right?
     From what I've read about the Rogue RP7, which amounts in total to just this Absolute Sound review:
  https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/rogue-audio-rp-7-preamplifier/ , it seems to me like you've made a very good and well researched choice. 
     The RP7 is described as a particularly low noise tube design with a more neutral sonic character and it offers the necessary connectivity to accommodate your Swarm distributed bass array (DBA) system.
     Speaking of the Swarm system, apparently we do share the same taste of enjoying near state of the art bass performance in our audio systems.  Prepare to be amazed by the Swarm's overall performance in your custom room.

Best wishes,
     Tim
     
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