Which Preamp with JC5? Rogue Audio RP-9 or Parasound JC2

Hey @88man, I own the JC2 BP and JC5, and have absolutely no complain on the sound.  Very neutral and musical, and tiny touch of warmth.   It's dead quiet.   Make sure you use quality cable between the 2.   I've been using Kimber Kable Hero XLR, and had recently upgraded to Kimber Kable Select KS-1116, and wow, what a difference did it make.  Especially with better and tighter bass.   There has been a $500 price drop on the JC2 for awhile, and it's probably going to be here to stay.

Having said that, I actually just ordered the Cary SLP-05.  I've always been very curious about tube preamps, and have read so many positive comments here.  I feel that I've got to try it out for myself even though I like my current setup.   Now I can't wait to listen to it.

Anyway, good luck with your search.  Feel free to ping me if you have questions on the JC2.

Mulveling, your view of the EVO Oils mirrors my experience. Mundorf's Supreme line is the best, only excelled by Duelund Cu or Jupiter Cu. I have the Jupiter Cu in a Don Sachs Model 2 Preamp, and it sounds stellar with  Kootenay 120 KT88 amp.

Xcool, Please share your experience with the Cary SLP-05 and JC5. I'd love to know how it works out. As far as IC and spkr cables go, I make my own using the Duelund DCA-20 and DCA-12 Oil impregnated wire from PartsConnexion.com  -- warmth, detail, extended, spacious. I'll look into the Kimber Kable Select KS-1116 for the XLR IC. Great experiences!

So, I gotta ask — what are you looking to improve upon over the Sachs pre?  I’d think that’d deliver everything you’re looking for. 

@88man 

Thanks again for your thoughts regarding coupling caps! Definitely got me thinking again on the modern Rogue gear.

This may not be helpful due to the cost involved, but since you mentioned this your opening post:

I like to fuse the euphonic tube characteristics with the extended frequency response, detail, and dynamics of solid state.

The Audio Research Reference 6 is the line stage which comes by far closest to this sonic ideal, imo and experience. The older top Rogue 6H30 preamps Athena & Hera also succeed at this, to a lesser degree. 

Regarding the Rogue Stereo 100, it is far from dark. I’ve had one for a few years powering Legacy Signature SE (before that Tannoy X8TF), and it is dynamic, transparent, extended and accurate in the treble, and accurate and tight basswise (for a tube amp.) Avanti1960 issues with the ST100 was likely system specific. I abhor "dark" amps and I’ve never heard anyone describe the ST100 as dark. On the RP7, I’ve recently sent mine in for an upgrade to an RP9, so we’ll see how she goes.