Any love for the Rogue Ares


I am considering this phono stage for a low-output, 0.28 cartridge. It is also available with a Cinemag 1131 Blue built in, as an upgrade over the standard transformer. I believe the std built in SUT is another Cinemag, the 3440.
fjn04
What cartridge did you have running in to the A23 std. Is your observation based on comparing the Monbrison vs Ares in the same system? I appreciate and respect your opinion, but am curious about the details of this comparison. Cheers-Don
I have the Rogue Ares with an upgraded transformer and use an Ortofon SPU Royal N with an Ortofon arm on my Technics SP10Mk2.
I LOVE this phono pre. It is transparent, fast and musical and a fraction of of the price of its competitors. I believe it handily beat the phono section on the Shindo Monbrison I had with an Auditorium 23 SET. I bought it based on its review in 10Audio and the recommendation of John Rutan. It is money extremely well spent.
I have been Using the Ares with stock SUT (cinemag3440) and have tried and outboard 1131 from Bob's Devices with debatable results. I use both an Original Lyra Helicon at 0.35 mV and a Shelter 901 at 0.5mV both sound Great The fact that you get several loading choices make it Ideal for those who have multiple cartridges. I'm sure it's not the end all of stages but It easily topped my old Minimax in every area but Air Then again the trade off was attack depth and accuracy. I think the optional Blue Cinemag cm1254 would be a slight improvement but have no experience with it. My thought is that with proper loading the Blue Cinemag would give you better resaults. Just noticed the Date of original Post What did you end up getting and what are your impressions.
I have been Using the Ares with stock SUT (cinemag3440) and have tried and outboard 1131 from Bob's Devices with debatable results. I use both an Original Lyra Helicon at 0.35 mV and a Shelter 901 at 0.5mV both sound Great The fact that you get several loading choices make it Ideal for those who have multiple cartridges. I'm sure it's not the end all of stages but It easily topped my old Minimax in every area but Air Then again the trade off was attack depth and accuracy. I think the optional Blue Cinemag cm1254 would be a slight improvement but have no experience with it. My thought is that with proper loading the Blue Cinemag would give you better resaults. Just noticed the Date of original Post What did you end up getting and what are your impressions.
Thanks Andyprice44- Good to know you have plenty of gain with your .3mv cartridge. Do you think the Ares leans toward the slightly warm side, or more neutral.
I have owned the rogue ares for about 2 years now. It doesn't seem to get much talk on the forum here. You are correct, it does have on board cinemag SUT. I opened mine up out of curiosity. They are indeed red 3440.

I have used mine with both MM and MC. It does well with both as it is very flexible. It is also extremely quiet due to the extarnal power supply. The power supply has 2 umbilical cords that are about 5' long that feed power to the unit. I am using a soundsmith Sussurro Paua at the moment. It is a low output moving iron. Output is .3mv and the ares handles it very well. Plenty of gain. It has been reliable and I have been very pleased with it. Rogue customer service is very good too.