New to Preamp - Preamp suggestion around 10k

Thank you all again!

I would like to share some of my experience with RP-7 and RP-9 last week too! Turns out a preamp does improve the sound a lot, compared to only T-8000. Especially with RP-9, my SR-009 was starting to sound like a little speaker and it felt so real! Resolution upgraded signifcantly, and dynamics improved as well. The sound is more laid back, and a little thinner (might be because of increase in resolution). As for sound signature, I have yet distinguished whether it was "warm" or "cold" (the dealer who was quite familiar with tubes actually said RP-9 was more tubey than RP-7🤔). RP-7 in comparison has less resolution and extension, and a "thicker and more rounded" sound. The dealer said that with some burn-in, RP-9 would sound sweeter and more dynamic. So I might go for another audition! (I was sitting there for 7 hours lol)

The friend who accompanied me (and likes IEM like Fitear 333), said the preamp took away the "musicality" of my setup, while I was still jamming to the instruments played by both preamps, even more so with RP-9.

That makes me wonder, what feelings should I get if a machine sounds musical/warmer and sweeter? I wonder whether I am blown away by the upgrade in quality (resolution, dynamics, extension, etc), or the sound signature (sweetness, passion, warmth). What do you guys think would hint at the sound signature of a machine?

Either way,  just want to share my experience and say adding a preamp did bring some changes to my setup!

@cming0038 Nice! If you’re happy with the resultant sound, that is what matters.

Having a reference system (or systems) and comparing gear over time will develop your ability to quickly pick out a specific component’s sonic disposition (warm & sweet or dry and analytical etc).

For me, the RP-9 was not warm nor sweet compared to the ARC Ref 6 or VAC Master or VAC Renaissance III (or even the older Rogue Athena and Hera). However, I did like its bass punchiness, and overall clarity & detail. To be fair, I may never have burned it in "fully". But the VAC's were sweet from hour #1 lol. Maybe Rogue should do some initial burn-in and auditioning like VAC does (if a VAC component doesn't make the cut in audition, it goes back to the line). 

Your post is making think I should experiment more along these lines -- since I have a few nice preamps, headphone amps, and headphones at my disposal :)

+1 Backert Labs Rhythm 1.3 linestage tube preamplifier

@mulveling hope your ARC & T2 combo will bring good result! 

So I finally found a place to try VAC, though it only has Master preamp for demo...still want to try it! The Renaissance Mk V is priced at 13-14k (which is a bit out of my budget). Could you share more of your experience with VAC, espeically compared to RP-7 & RP-9?

@kennyc regarding Backert Labs, I emailed Andy a few days ago, and he told me about the 14 day refund (kinda) policy. That's one way to audition haha. And it turns out they will release Rhythm 1.4 soon. I am looking forward to what upgrades it brings

Also, what do you guys think about Accuphase? There's a shop which could import it's preamps at a rather low price (e.g. their latest flagship model at 17k). Heard it offers a sweet sound as well!