2. amps-preamps
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Upgrading to Tube; Amp or Preamp

I am currently looking to upgrade my existing system a piece at a time. I currently have a set of Vandersteen 2ce Sigs, VPI mkIII w/RB250 Origin Mod w/Dynavector cartidge, Adcom 565 Preamp, Adcom 555 mkII w/Musical Concept mod, and a Rega Planet CD. I have a rather small listening room, 15x18 w/vaulted ceilings and want to migrate to tube gear. I have heard the Rogue 120 amps and 99 preamp on the Vandersteens and thought they sounded marvelous.

I am into analogue mostly classical, jazz, and some rock. My budget is in the $2000 dollar range and since I want to get as big a bang for the big would it be best to replace the Preamp or Amp. The Adcom gear is a little too bright and the soundstage and imaging are not near (imagine that)what I heard with the Rogue combo. I like the Vandersteens alot but have heard that they get a little too laid back with tube gear. My aim is to put about two to three thousand in my system a year until my wife stops me.

Look forward to the suggestions, oh yeah getting rid of my wife is not an option (ha, ha).
rav1952
vayasteve
171 posts
 
Try to get a PREMIER 3 by C.J.has a great phono stage.Otherwise try to get the PV-5.This would go good with a S.S. amp.Audible Illusions is also a good choice.good luck in your search.
finfinder
73 posts
 
I have Vandies with Rogue 120s and a 99 pre and I used to use a ss amp and preamp. What you won't get is the same kind of bass you get with a ss amp. What you will get is a midrange that will make you not care. You will get coherence, timbre and a soundstage depth that your Adcom stuff just can't do.
Palpable floating images and sweetness will suddenly become adjectives with real meaning in your system. Solid state hardness combined with cd brightness drove me to tubes years ago. I have not missed solid state. 'nuff said.
seldenr
59 posts
 
Count me in the camp that uses a Rogue 99 pre, but currently driving a Plinius SA-100 Mk III (100 wpc SS amp). I did a lot of listening, also during a search for a system for my brother. I am tremendously satisfied with the Rogue, and the Plinius for that matter (and don't get me started about how much I like the new Coincident Super Eclipse).

Anyway, point is that we compared several pre-amps in the same system (mostly BAT, but unfortunately no ARC), and the only thing that topped the Rogue 99 was an Air Tight unit (point to point wiring, but no remote or phono pre) that was about $4,000 used, as I remember. At that it was only slightly smoother around the edges, with the Rogue definitely holding its own in the lower regions. Moral of story: I will eventually replace the Plinius with tubes (although I am in no hurry since I am enjoying this amplifier quite a bit), but I can't say I feel any need to replace the Rogue 99.

Hope this helps, and best of luck.
leafs
414 posts
 
Seldner,add a Rogue 120 to your system with the Coincident,s its a match made in heaven.Rogue and Coincident have showed toghther a few years back at some local shows.They mate very well.I have a 120/66 combo with a Super Conquest from Coincidents.
gwood
4 posts
 
I bi-amp my Vandie 2C's with a 2 pair of lightly modified Svetlana 6550C driven Dynaco MK III's (Caps upgraded to RTX MultiCaps, slightly beefed up power supply, improved Bias circuit) Was very happy with Audible Illusions Mod 3 preamp until I got a great deal on Sonic Frontiers Line Stage & separate Phono preamp. Definitely lifted another veil. Gorgeous mid-range, imageing, depth, width etc!!!! Also very honest bass if not the ultimate in extension. Yeah, the treble is slightly laid back, but a little silver between Turntable & preamp (Kimber KCAG, [or Kimber select if you have a phono hum problem. My Grado Reference cartridge does]) will brighten it up just ever so slightly & give a nice sheen & snap to cymbals on small group jazz which is the only plalce I miss an extended top end.
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