Step up From Rogue RP-5

I owned RP-5 paired with Stereo 100. Great amp but preamps (RP-1 and RP-5) didn’t impress me despite endless tube rolling.
I owned several ARC preamps in the past as well albeit not in the same system and not paired with ST100.
I’d go for Audio Research LS28 or Ref and eventually upgrade the M180 to the ARC as well. Rogue is great don’t get me wrong but Audio Research is Audio Research.

what is your bujet? 

@audphile1 Rogue is great don’t get me wrong but Audio Research is Audio Research

I've owned a couple of AR pre-amps. They have a place. Mostly for systems that play at high volumes, very flat sounding (flat as in good). I listen at low volumes and prefer a pre-amp with a little more flavor. 

Great question on the budget Avanti. I want to stay below $10k if possible. Additional challenge is that I used the built in Phono stage of the RP-5. That means I will have to budget a stage. The Zesto Deluxe was on my radar there, but I think that’s another $8k also. So right there I’m looking at potentially $18k.

You'll be walking on water with that budget. You can buy an end all be all phono with that budget as well.  I'm also considering upgrading from my Primaluna Pre to either an Arc Ls28se or Ref6 as well. I'll be following this closely.