Step up From Rogue RP-5


Hello, first time poster here. 
My system currently consists of Rogue Audio RP-5, Rogue MP-180 Monoblocks, denafrips Venus II DAC with Focal Sopra n2 speakers. That upgrade itch is there :)  I’m curious about the ARC LS28SE  also its big brother the 6SE in comparison. I like the price of the LS28SE more of course, but wonder what you give up from the 6SE. 
Love to hear your thoughts. 
Cheers!

 

robnpg

How do you like your Focal n2 speakers.  I just looked at their specification sheet and they certainly are high performance speakers.  I am thinking about the Kanta 2's or 3's.

What improvements are you looking for and what sound characteristics are most important to you?  Without this critical info you’re just gonna get recommendations on personal preferences that may or may not have anything to do with what you’re looking for. 

Hello Soix, as my original post stated; I didn’t randomly say hey folks I need Preamp suggestions :) I said that I have the itch and those were the upgrades I was considering, who has experience with them. I want what we all want right? The full midrange, better resolving, tight bass etc etc. 

Larry, Focal Sopra 2’s are kick ass! Now I’ll tell you this, I heard some Rockport Atrias the other day and they were a different level, but they are still nice!!

I used a ARC Reference 6 (not SE) for a while with Rogue Apollo Dark monos - it was great in that role. I preferred it to RP series Rogue. So a LS28SE or especially Ref 6SE might be a good move. To @russ69 ’s point, I do listen at louder volumes.

The Rogue power amps sound more "solid state" than most tube amps. The RP9 6H30/MOSFET hybrid also sounded much more "solid state" to me than other tube preamps. I also feel that Rogue’s tube power amps are more accomplished than their preamps. Match accordingly. The ARC Ref 6H30 phonos and pres sound very well balanced between the traditional tube and SS sonic archetypes. They hit the balance just right. If you need more tube flavor, you can go with a 6SN7 or 6922 based tube preamp.