McCormack RLD-1 vs Rogue Audio 66 vs TLC-1 deluxe


I'm looking to buy a preamp to go with my McCormack Amp. My budget is around $1500.
My first choice is RLD-1. Also considering Rogue Audio 66 and TLC-1 Deluxe Remote Control. Any suggestions?
I listen to a lot of classical music, some jazz and heavy rock.

My current setup:

McCormack DNA-125
Arcam CD-72
SCE Harmonic Recovery System
Joseph Audio RM-25si (WOW, probably the best speakers in $3000-$4000 range)
Cardas Quadlink 5C speaker and interconnect cables
Nakamichi DR-10 tape deck
Music Hall turntable

Thank you very much.
ilusha

Showing 1 response by soix

Sounds like you're having the classic tube vs. solid state debate with yourself. Obviously the best answer is to demo both in your system if at all possible, then you'll know for sure given your equipment, room, and tastes. That said, in my experience the Rogue is definately the more mellow of the two, meaning it tends to be a bit softer and more lush sounding. On the other hand, the RLD-1 is quite lush sounding in its own right, especially for solid state, and will give you a lot of the spatial and tonal benefits normally associated with tubes but will out do the Rogue with its dynamic capabilities. There's also something to be said for matching an amp and pre from the same manufacturer, assuming you aren't looking to sell the DNA-125. The TLC will probably give you a bit more transparency than either of the other two, possibly at the expense of some warmth--that'd be a good question for Steve McCormack who is pretty good at returning emails. Given that you're obviously considering tubes I would think the TLC might come across a bit lean for what you're trying to accomplish. For what it's worth I don't think you can go wrong with the RLD-1 in your situation, but there's no substitution for an in-home demo. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Tim