Rogue Audio and Audio Research Comparisons

While I love Rogue and have a couple of their pieces  in my system (RP9 and Stereo 100), the best sound I've personally heard was an ARC 160(?) powering a big pair of Wilsons (was it  Alexx or Chronosonic?) at my dealer.  It was effortless and surreal, as if those mammoth imposing speakers weren't there in the room at all.  I think most would agree that ARC, generally speaking, is a step up from Rogue.  

The Ref160 is no doubt a step up (or 2) however,  I'm just curious in general how much difference is it between the ARC amps I mentioned.  Wish I could afford the 160. 

I've rolled in some Amperex Bugle Boy 12AX7 and Brimar 12au7 and those tubes have definitely increased the performance of the ST-100.  While the stock JJs are decent tubes I thought they were a bit thin sounding.  

I know some people with both a Ref 160s and a REF 75se… while the REF160s is an upgrade they just can’t part with the REF75SE because it sounds so good. 
 

Personally I always trade in my amp to reach up the maximum possible… I think folks not being able to give up their REF75SE says it all. They are wonderful amps.

My favorite local certified golden eared dealer sold mainly Audio Research as his reference and Rogue for similar good tube sound for less.

In more recent years the Rogue Hybrid Class D gear took over as his favorite go-to.

@samzx12   Yep, the Stereo 100 does respond well to tube rolling, and I agree that the stock JJs are unimpressive sounding, and on the thin side.  I've done a fair amount of tube rolling in the ST100.   If you can find a pair of CBS 7729 tubes for gain, get them!  The 7729 as gain are probably my favorite for the ST100.  Super detailed, dynamic, completely quiet and neutral.  I have those 7729 in my phono pre right now though, they are perfect there.  Right now in the ST100 I have good old RCA 12ax7 long black plates as gain tube, CBS 7730 as driver. This combo jives well with the RP9.  Amperex "medical grade" long plates sound amazing as gain in the ST100, as does the Tungsram 12Ax7.  I did not like NOS Mullard long plates, though, they seem veiled in the treble.  Anyway, it's all about flavor, it's hard to make this amp sound bad  : )