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Preamp Choice: Rogue 99 Magnum vs. BAT VK30

I have both of these preamps, and they both have their plusses and minusses. Both have remotes, which I like! The BAT is chock full of features, the Rogue fewer. I have yet to get away from Stock tubes, and so I don't know how their sound will change when I get some better NOS tubes in them. Has anyone heard the two of them with good tubes? Which is more transparent? Any report of sonic qualities, or good comparisons, would be very appreciated!

OH - and the rest of my system is a Bruce Moore dual 70 tube amp running KT88's, Proac 2.5 speakers, an Arcam CD23 CDP, and a Linn LP12 TT with Denon DL103r cartridge. Thanks.
peter_s
saxo
98 posts
 
Which RCAs are in there? Black base, brown base, GTA, GTA?
peter_s OP
1,313 posts
 
They are NOS RCA 6SN7 GTB tubes, as seen in this ebay ad:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14947&item=2507721191&rd=1
saxo
98 posts
 
Peter,
I have different RCA NOS in mine. Black base, but older vintage. I may like the more upfront sound of yours, as I find mine more laid back. Perhaps we could work something out. Email me.
philjolet's avatar
philjolet
2,305 posts
 
Peters

In a very rough guess I would say my listening impressions are the same as yours. Yesterday I listened to my friends BAT VK30 and VK200 combo on his B&W N803 speakers It seemed very nice, more liquid and laid back than my Rogue Magnum99 and Plinius SA100 MKIII that we had heard on the same system about 6 weeks ago. I would agree my stuff was more detailed and forward also the bass was punchier.

Again this is a preliminary impression of only a few hours listening and weeks of time between actually hearing the first system.

cheers

Phil
keithr
1,305 posts
 
I find both the Rogue 99 and Bat preamps (not amps) to be very veiled. I prefer the Cary SLP98 to both of them, which seemed more transparent in auditions. It also is a piece of eye jewelry ;)

Of course all 3 colour the sound, which may or may not be your cup of tea.

KeithR
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