Rogue 66 vs Rogue 99


The Rogue 66 has received a lot of attention recently, but I haven't heard much about the 99. The Rogue 99 uses a much different circuit design and complement of tubes. Anyone heard the 99, or even better, been able to A/B the 66 against the 99?
1439bhr

Showing 8 responses by david99

I have a 99 which has been by far, the biggest sonic improvemnt my stereo has seen ever.The 99 uses an all tube mu-follower circuit.It is a bigger and heavier pre than the 66.Both use nobel volumn pots.The 66 has a balance control,the 99 doesnt.The 99 has a headphone jack located on the back right of the unit.The 66 doesnt have a headphone jack.The 99 has a slow turn on to lengthen tube life.The 66 doesnt.Both come with a heavy,machined,aluminum remote but its an option with the 66.Both are avaliable with a phono board which I have.They both are avaliable with NOS tubes but I recommend getting the stock tubes then rolling with NOS.Kevin Deal of Upscale Audio is up on Rogue and knows what sounds the best in them.I have found BDR cones #4 to be mandatory with my 99.I havent heard the 66.Audio Musings has a review of the 66 where it was put against the A.I.mod.3A Overall the reviewer liked the 66 better.In other threads here the 99 is discussed.One owner of the S.F. line 2 has decided to get rid of the line 2 in favor of the 99.In my opinion either the 66 or the 99 will give complete satisfaction as an addition to an already excellent system.The only written review of the 99 I am aware of was in Listener mag. a while ago.I didnt read the review.I heard it was very good though.Mark O'Brien designer and prez of Rogue is very attentive to customers needs.
also is the Rogue "colored" or is it that the SF signature has the well reported "uninvolving emotional"
traits as the "regular" line 2?
Duddy,I still dont know why you had an impedence prob. with a 99,it drives my Pass just fine.Also,I think you may be mistaken about the cost of a line-3.The cheapest used I have seen is $2500.New dudes go for $5000. As far as your music-direct besting the 99? Whats the new cost of a music-direct? Would the price ratio be similar say to your direct verses a BAT VK 50SE.Which do you think would be better? As far as Mark not being upfront about the impedence.Why would he lie about it? Ihave spoken to him and he has assured me his specs.are correct.He designed it,he should know.My 99 sounds killer! Very quiet unit,and superb bass.Im sorry you didnt have a better match.You really are missing out on a great pre-amp!!
Duddy,I have an invitation to extend to you.Meet me in Pa.we will go to the Rogue joint and Mark can run his "tests" on a 99.If his tests show his specs are correct you can buy me lunch.If you are correct you can still buy me lunch.Mark has offered to prove to me his specs are dead on.I have faith in his E.E.ability.I live 6 1/2 hours from Rogue's plant.Your drive is probably closer.At the least we could have a chat and a meal.You can order crow! Let me know :)
Dud,you are none of the above,just telling it the way you see it.Im just a bit confuseds the 99 drives my Pass 3 with ease and the bass is KILLER!! I know people say the Pass 3's bass sucks but I know better.Sorry you cant make the trip.You can still buy me lunch sometime!