Rogue Audio and Audio Research Comparisons

I want the Apollo monoblocks so bad, just can't quite justify getting them right now!  I have no doubt they sound fantastic.  To me the Rogue sound is detailed, a bit muscular (for tube amps), with sweet, yet accurate not overdone treble.  My previous amp was a Parasound Halo, and my Stereo 100 has more defined bass, and less (zero) treble grain.  If the Apollos are like the Stereo 100, but better, then sign me up!  The value that Rogue provides is simply excellent taboot.  Figure within 5 years I'll have the Apollos.

Thanks for replies on the apollos, wanted these for long time when I saw them at upscale, didnt hesitate and picked them up in person,

Pretty much a rogue guy. First thing I listen to recreation of space and even better lowend then the M120's or Zeus  fomr the Apollos

Guy who had them before me did the caps to dark level, which im very happy with to say the least. Upscale didn't know, have the receipts for the parts and its substantial.  Happy

Curious to know which caps the Dark upgrade uses? Were the caps the only upgrade performed? As far as the Dark upgrade I doubt Upscale really gave 2 poops lol.

If I recall correctly, Mark said that two major "improvements" in terms of electronic components  in the Dark version are VISHAY resistors in key locations and more and better capacitors that are Murdorf's best.  He also uses Telefunken small signal tubes and I believe SolTol for the power tubes.. (mine are too hot at the moment to remove and check...been listening for several hours).  According to his site:

Apollo Dark Extended Features: [back to top]
- Ultra Premium coupling capacitors
- Increased power supply storage
- Hex Fred high speed diodes in power supply
- Polypropylene bypass capacitors in power supply
- Nude Vishay resistors in critical locations
- Rhodium binding posts (Cardas)
- Rhodium RCA jacks (Cardas)
- Upgraded signal wiring (Cardas)
- Telefunken and RCA small signal tubes
- Black anodized CNC machined aluminum chassis
- Entirely designed and built in the USA. (which is definitely true since I watched his friendly and skilled staff make them)

I am now driving Sonus Faber Il Cremonese speakers with the Apollo Darks which are in turn being fed by Rogue's RP9 preamp.  

The Apollo's are articulate with tight bass and a beautiful treble and midrange. No bloom, no veil.  Some say Rogue's amps are more SS than tube in character, and in that they are definitely not warm and syrupy, this is probably accurate.  But, not harsh or clinical either.

Love the Apollos.

"Dark" caps are Mundorf EVO Siler/Gold oil