Rouge Audio RP-7

I had the RP-7 for several years until I had Rogue upgrade the unit to the RP-9.

The RP7 was very good, a bargain for the price.  Low noise level. Good dynamics, sound stage. Bass was not fuzzy or thick.  Treble was not bright.  Midrange solid.  I did not use the phono stage. I had it feeding initially the Rogue ST100 (modified as "dark") and then the Rogue Apollo Darks amps. I listen to classical and jazz through Sonus Faber Amati Tradition speakers with Nordost Valhalla cables.  I had Rogue do the upgrade to the RP9.  The RP9 is a significant step up, although at first you might not even recognize the change. The RP9 has an even lower noise floor.  The treble is more open (Rogue calls it more airy) and smooth or silky not harsh or bright.  Midrange is even more distinct and the bass is more dynamic, differentiated. Sound stage even better in that it is definitely deeper and somewhat wider.  (RP-9 is feeding the Apollos.)  Dealing with Mark at Rogue has been a pleasure. His knowledge is remarkable, his designs show the spark of genius, and he is really willing to educate and help the customer. Just a very personable, nice person.

I been running the RP-1 for years.  After the stock tubes got noisy I replaced them with matched Mullards and its been sounding nice ever since. Rogue always answered the phone when I called and was always helpful. I think the phono stage is really good for a $1.7K pre.  Rogue helped me dial the MC settings.   Just wish mine had XLR. 

I used mine to front a PSA S300 class D and enjoyed the combination for a couple years.  Not a problem out of either unit.

As stated the remote is embarrassingly cheap

Do they come in any other color?

I had a RH-5 in house for a couple of weeks.  I think it represents Rogue's best value.  You get a full preamp, balanced in and balanced out, AND a headphone amp.  It has three levels of gain, adjustable from the front panel.  I think the display could be nicer looking and the remote is cheesy.  Still it costs exactly half the RP-7. Narrowly beaten out by a Backert.  BTW it was utterly quiet on all three gain levels.

Ha. I realized I misspelled it soon after I posted. It's there forever now :)

I appreciate everyone sharing their experiences with the Rogue preamps. I didn't realize they all have a phono stage. Was hoping they had a pre without one. I enjoy what my present seperate phono pre can do.  Would the RH 5 be a good way to go if I wanted to get my foot in the door? Example, if I didn't enjoy it...the rp7 or rp9 prob wouldn't improve my impressions 2 much? Or are they not even comparable on any level?