Would There be a Significant Difference

So, my question is, if I spend the money for one of these preamps, ranging from about $2500 to $5500, will I notice a significant improvement in the sound quality? Secondarily, would folks recommend I stay with a tube model

Yes and yes. Preamps are a crucial component in terms of overall system performance, so upgrading it will yield significant improvements. Since you’re already used to having a tubed pre I don’t think you’d be happy switching to solid state — especially hitched to your Benchmark amp the sound may skew too far to the clinical so I’d stick with tubes. Of the ones on your list and if you want to run balanced the Rogue is the only tubed pre that I know is fully balanced from input to output (not sure about the PS Audio) and would obviously be a considerable step up from your RP-1. The other advantage is you already seem to like the sound of the Rogue so you can be pretty confident you’ll like the RP-7 as it just provides a lot more of the good stuff you like about the RP-1. 

Assuming you’d like to stick with a more neutral sounding tubed pre like the Rogue and not go with a warmer sounding unit, I’d also recommend looking at a used Audio Research Ref5SE, used Atmasphere MP3.3 or new MP3 that you could upgrade later. All this said, the most important thing is that whatever pre you choose has the sound characteristics that match best with your tastes and system, so I’d suggest going to listen to all you can or, if that’s not possible, read as many reviews as you can to try and get a feel for their sound characteristics. Hope this helps, and best of luck in your quest.

(ps You can pick up a used iPowerX power supply for your Zen Stream for only $75 at B&H if they still have some left an I’d recommend at least getting that or maybe even a linear power supply — it can make a big difference in sound)

Hi Mike -

What is it that you are looking to improve or is deficient?    

You have nice equipment as it is.  I would not zero in on the preamp as a potential limiting factor.

Rich 

+1 for a great sounding tubed preamp. Makes a huge difference on the whole system. I recommend a used Audio Research, Conrad Johnson, or VAC. Spend the maximum you can and extend with it being used. The companies I refer to build true audiophile preamps worth keeping for a lifetime… or a decade or two depending on your age. 
 

I have owned Audio Research preamps and phono-stages for decades now. Once they went into my system… I was done looking… I would only upgrade when I could afford it. They are natural sounding, detailed, with great midrange bloom and outstanding sound staging. 

I’ve used Tannoys almost all my grown-up audiophile life. You should be set with the Fynes! They look like great speakers. I agree you should explore upstream upgrades, as your Fynes can certainly reap the benefits.

I’ve used Rogue gear for many years. Honestly not a big fan of their RP preamp series. Haven’t heard the RP-1, but a guy I trust has said repeatedly that’s a weak spot in the line; there’s a big performance jump with RP-5. So you could jump to that or RP-7 and do quite well. But I’m also pretty confident a used Rogue Athena or Hera would spank any RP preamp. Those were their flagship preamps before RP series. I really preferred that older preamp line.

The ARC Reference 6 is quite phenomenal and would blow your mind. It’s out of your price range, but the 5SE may brush against your upper limit, and is worth a look too.

Hell yes, an extremely admirable and quality system you put together. 
 

  If it’s only a preamp you need, any descent one will work great, 

check the,parasound  Z series, or the P3 or P5, all are great units 

he newly back together Adcom pre is nice looking, clean.

as far as xlr you may have to do a wee bit of investigating and,research.,… that is what I love to do, go to shops, talk to the car,sal,…I mean audio salesmen. 
check the AG see hear, if you,want tube pre,,Conrad Johnson makes some good stuff, and buying used you will get a great,deal, there is a used McCormack on AG,…think, good stuff. YEARS BACK I FOUND THE ONKYO P-308, for 150$, sent it to a good shop by me,new caps,and many other upgrades for 300$, the Onkyo p-308 is a stellar preamp, quiet,and will add some,warmth and depth to your music.

 Keep checking AG, eBay be,careful, a lot of sheisters on flea bay. Have never bought from reverb, but they have nice stuff at times.

enjoy researching and the hunt/reading,reviews, etc, that is always my favorite pre purchase stuff to do, I read a ton of reviews, …ended up with a great,system!

 Don’t rush, take your time and enjoy,  

 An old company had a great preamp,.. audio source, people or the arrogant “I’m too good for audio source” the pre-1 lasted me,16 years, trouble free, sold it and opened my wallet for the b and k pro-10mc in mid 90’s 

anyway, enjoy the hunt, enjoy the music, take care of your amplifier, she is a keeper!