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Rogue ares II Magnum

Hello,

There is some talk about high noise floor for very low-output cartridges, like 0.45mV and below.   This is a big concern to me because i have several cartridges that go much below, like 0.33mV and 0.18mV. Does this really exist?

Also, how does the tube SQ compare to other similar units (like Primaluna EVO100 for example)?

Lastly, is it recommended using a tube at phono stage? Or solid stage, and a tube in the rest of the system, in case the harmonic distortion on the tube can affect RIAA accuracy?

I’m asking because I haven’t tried a full tube before, only solid state, like to know if it’s worth trying.

Many Thanks!

mard
larsman's avatar
larsman
3,148 posts
 

You might want to pose these questions on the 'Analog' section as well; you might get even more responses. 

mard OP
65 posts
 

Yes, I thought about it, but it's mostly related to the Preamp section.

elliottbnewcombjr
7,744 posts
 

I never heard Rogue Equipment

Noise

I avoided LOMC because they all had noise when I was young with better hearing. I finally tried, in 2019 age 71, an AT33PTG/II with 0.3mv signal, boosted with a Vintage Fidelity Research FRT-4 SUT and find it and a couple other LOMC to be essentially Noise Free.

Tubes

SUT Passive Transformer to MM RIAA Phono in my McIntosh mx110z tube tuner/preamp to my Cayin A88T Tube Amp.

Over 50 years, I have had periods of using less efficient speakers with SS Receivers or Amps, but I have always been happiest, and found tubes to be more Involving, and good tube equipment is also noise free. 

tablejockey
4,403 posts
 

"is it recommended using a tube at phono stage?"

The Rogue Ares is a nice sounding tube unit that will work with your carts. Demoed one years ago. The lowest output- .18mv is low,  but if the Ares is going into a preamp, its additional gain should be enough.

Noise isn't an issue unless you only play at max volume or put youre ear to the speaker to intentionally listen for tube hiss. You will only hear faint noise between tracks, once the music kicks in-not an issue.

The Primaluna Evo 100 mentioned is what I currently use and is quieter than the Rogue. It's a true all tube build. The Rogue uses step up transformer for MC gain and SS rectification.

Comparing the 2, PL SQ and build go to the PL.

Rogue Ares Magnum is about $1500 less than the PL.  Not in the same league as the PL. 

Ares is a solid choice for a tube unit at its price point.

 

 

 

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