Which Preamp with JC5? Rogue Audio RP-9 or Parasound JC2

I disagree with avanti1960. I have an RP-7 and I find it to be very detailed, dead quiet, great imaging and spaciousness, but lacking in tube warmth. I called Nick at Rogue and had a very frank discussion with him asking directly about if I should upgrade to the RP-9 as it has the same 6h30 tubes that are found in ARC gear. He told me that the RP-9 is even cleaner and more accurate than the 7. He added that with the 9 tube rolling is nearly impossible as there aren't many (barely any) alternates to the stock tubes. I've since put a pair of BugleBoys in my 7 and it's giving me a bit of that tube warmth. I've got a pair of mullards on order to see if I like those better. Having said all that, my feeling is stick with the 7 if you want options. If you want the greatest detail and accuracy go with the 9. 

Separately, I run mine with rogue M180s into vandersteen Quatros and my volume when listening to vinyl is often in the 140 out of 200. The unit is dead quiet though so it's not problematic at all.

I can confirm, I had an rp-9 and it had no warmth, so take care with system matching on that. The older Rogue 6H30 preamp line of Athena / Hera had more warmth (not a traditional tube warmth to be sure, but still there). The rp-9 actually had fantastic bass, to go with great detail and dynamics. But not warmth. The ARC Reference 6 is warm by comparison. I kind of wonder how the rp-9 would sound with different coupling caps than those Mundorf gold/silver/oil EVO.

Many thanks Avanti1960, jdub39, lowrider57, rmdmoore, mulveling! These are all excellent suggestions and points. I forgot about the Cary SLP-05 preamp in this discussion. I’m definitely going to consider it too. Stereophile didn’t drool over the balanced input measurements on the SLP-05 taken by JA. Also, I’m not sure if the $1,600 upgrade will be significant/needed?…

I know I can’t tube roll on the RP-9 with the 6H30 tube, however, I have a surplus of 6SN7, 6SL7, 12AU7, 12AX7, 6922, etc. when considering different tube preamps, like the RP07. Mundorf EVO are not the most mature PP caps. I could try different coupling caps like Jupiter Cu which are lush, dimensional, warm, and detailed for the RP-9. I’m wondering if the RP-7 can also benefit from upgrading the coupling caps - the EVO Oil is not a super cap...

I make my own speakers, and I use Mundorf Supreme Silver Oil, Duelund Cu, Jupiter Cu caps in the crossovers, and I find that they render a more mature sound than EVOs.

I’m wondering if the RP-7 can also benefit from upgrading the coupling caps - the EVO Oil is not a super cap...

I make my own speakers, and I use Mundorf Supreme Silver Oil, Duelund Cu, Jupiter Cu caps in the crossovers, and I find that they render a more mature sound than EVOs.

Interesting! I’d also upgraded from the Rogue Apollo monoblocks (plain white M-Caps) to Apollo Darks (EVO silver/gold/oil caps), and I’m not sure I really enjoy the Darks any more than the standard version. When their top 6H30 preamps were Rogue Athena & Hera, they used standard Mundorf Supreme caps and I really liked them! I’m definitely suspicious that I simply don’t dig the EVO’s voicing. Don't get me wrong, I still love the Apollo Darks - they can rock like crazy - but they do better with warm partner gear. The pairing with RP-9 was way on the other side of that lol. 

I also have VAC gear which uses a mix of Genteq and Jupiter / Beeswax coupling caps - and for numerous reasons including cap selection, I’m sure - these components always sound warm and sweet.

I have sizeable stash of vintage 6922 / 12ax7 / 12au7 / 12bh7 tubes here too. When the 6H30 sound is "right", I love it and am content to not roll.

Hey @88man, I own the JC2 BP and JC5, and have absolutely no complain on the sound.  Very neutral and musical, and tiny touch of warmth.   It's dead quiet.   Make sure you use quality cable between the 2.   I've been using Kimber Kable Hero XLR, and had recently upgraded to Kimber Kable Select KS-1116, and wow, what a difference did it make.  Especially with better and tighter bass.   There has been a $500 price drop on the JC2 for awhile, and it's probably going to be here to stay.

Having said that, I actually just ordered the Cary SLP-05.  I've always been very curious about tube preamps, and have read so many positive comments here.  I feel that I've got to try it out for myself even though I like my current setup.   Now I can't wait to listen to it.

Anyway, good luck with your search.  Feel free to ping me if you have questions on the JC2.