@curiousjim "ARC if you can afford it": this much I've known since c. 1978, and could be I'll wind up with the LS28 if the right deal is out there (REF series would require a total system upgrade). Rogue RP-9 uses the same tubes, price is $2500 less new. Wish I could hear them alongside, which at Overture I guess I could. Trouble is, those guys never reply to inquiries.
@atmasphere Figured as much. Your critique of ARC LS28SE/Rogue RP-9 welcome if offered. I admire your Mk3 but need silver and a remote.
Balanced Line Stage Tube Preamps
A recent balanced tube preamp shopper asked for opinions on Rogue vs ARC, ending up with a strong verdict for the Cary -05. Just wondering where the PrimaLuna EVO 400 might fit in this discussion. Functionality is pretty much identical across the board for all: 2 XLRs, 3 RCAs in, and both out. I don't need Cary's headphone section but do really need a remote. Question is all about the sonics. Fellow tube sound fans say Rogue is too dry and clinical. But what about PL? I wouldn't expect it to match Cary or ARC (or C-J) in an ideal room, but is it more tube-y than Rogue? (I do need 2 XLR and 3 RCA, so less versatile candidates need not apply).
- ...
- 30 posts total
@hickamore ARC has never supported AES48. So that means to get the most out of them you have to audition cables and be careful about ground loops. This isn't any different from using a single-ended preamp. I'm not sure of the Rogue, but it appears to have single-ended outputs in tandem with the balanced outputs and there's no switch involved so this suggests that it does not support the standard either. In both cases this says nothing about the 'sound' of the preamp, just that you have to be careful about cables and ground loops, neither of which should be a thing with balance operation. FWIW remote and silver front panels are available for our MP-3. |
@atmasphere Appreciate the helpful clarifications. To date I have had success with XLR cables and avoiding ground loops (using other tube equipment). In any event, information gleaned here helps me quickly narrow my search range. |
@hickamore Andy Tebbe is extremely responsive and easy to talk to, and will answer all your questions. |
@twoleftears Good to know! Will prepare my list before calling. |
- 30 posts total