Modwright LS-100, Rogue RP-7, Aesthetix Calypso

Thank you all for the comments. I have requirements I did not disclose all of which influenced my shortlist. 1st is HT Bypass, 2nd is Balance adjustment on the remote, 3rd is XLR i/o (SWL 9.0AE is the only exception), 4th is ease of purchasing and selling in the used market, 5th is not overly tube-like or overly solid state, 6th is price. I had Cary SLP-98L on my radar but it misses too many criteria.

A few months ago I bought three preamps as part of a preamp shootout to help determine what type of preamp I wanted. I was moving from a very good integrated amp back into full separates again after many years. The Rogue RP-1 (hybrid design), a Parasound P5 (solid state), and a PrimaLuna Prologue Premium (tube). I know this is obviously an imperfect method, but I had to do what I could as I have no high-end stores around me to borrow gear from. The Parasound was much too cold and clinical, the PrimaLuna was too laid back, and the Rogue was the best balance out of the three to my ears. Having lived with the RP-1 for a few months and done a fair amount of tube rolling, I am now looking to upgrade hence this thread.

The preamps I shortlisted I believe, based on my research, fit more into a modern tube preamp design category that incorporate the benefits of tubes while avoiding some of the tradeoffs or being overly "tube-like".

I will be making my decision which preamp to get next based in some part on the comments in this thread so i appreciate any and all feedback. Also via interweb magic, whatever info is fleshed out here will help someone else in the future as I am definitely not the only gearhead seeking answers to the preamp question.

Hi , I have a Rogue RP-1 and a Rogue Hera. I’ve milked all the performance from the RP-1 with Tekefunken G-73r tubes vibration footers and quality cables.  The Hera is a whole different beast but has the house sound. My only experience with Modwright was a KWI-200 integrated 7-8 years ago. It was very nice and well built and extremely smooth for SS. In your position I’d consider the LS-100 based on the superior tube set and that it’s tube rectified. Take my rambling with a grain of salt as I’ve never heard one. Both Rogue and Modwright have nice gear and great support. I’m a Rogue fan but I think Modwright offers a superior build quality. Thanks for allowing me to ramble and Happy Hunting, Mike B. 

With regard to the tube rectified aspect, just how important is that to the sound quality? I am not that versed in the design of tube gear. What is the thinking around the rectification aspect?

I had the Rogue RP-7 followed by the Modwright LS 36.5 in my system. Both are amazing preamps. Well built, sound similar and had similar features. I see that the RP-7 is a V2 and the LS36.5 is discontinued. The current Modwright offering that meets your criteria is the LS300 as it is true balanced design. The LS100 has XLR input but is single ended. 

+1 rrboogie as to the Modwright not being fully balanced an oversight on my part.  Also to the op rrboogie has been able to convey an opinion from actual experience. In the various tube gear I’ve had , some with tube rectification allow more than one value of rectifier tube. My experience is that rolling various rectifier tubes has allowed me to tailor my sound and also overthink things. Cheers , Mike B.