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In Reply to: RE: Rogue Audio vs BAT posted by samzx12 on April 20, 2015 at 12:27:08
I upgraded my Rogue Stereo 90 with V-cap and Mundorf Supreme capacitors, better diodes, resistors and wiring. The result was a significant improvement in the sound. Not sure what the Magnum upgrade entails, but if you like the Rogue I would upgrade it. Cheaper than getting a new amp that you may or may not like better.
Follow Ups:
Mendel I do like the Rogue and pondered whether to upgrade it to Magnum status. I've had it for approx 3 years and you know how this hobby is? Time for a change. I've had fun tube rolling with the Rogue :) A BAT VK55 popped up on Agon and I borrowed this amp a few years ago and loved it but I have no preamp right now. Of course I could purchase another one but along with that comes more powercords and interconnects.
However, I just ordered a PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium integrated from Kevin Deal as I think I'm ready for a change. Hopefully I made the right decision as the PrimaLuna has garnered some seriously good reviews on Positive Feedback, Stereophile and The Absolute Sound.
The PrimaLuna looks like an interesting amp samzx. Let us know how you like it. The one thing that would bother me is that the PrimaLuna uses 12au7 drivers (I think) instead of the 6SN7 drivers in the Rogue and I have (probably you also) too much invested in 6SN7s. Much prefer them to 12au7s don't know why Rogue switch to them in their new amps.
Mendel from my understanding the reason for using the 12AU7's is it improves the dynamic range or at least thats what I read. A quick review of the Dialogue Premium is even though it has half the power of the Rogue it sounds much more powerful. Also hate to say it the PL beats the hell out of the Rogue in pretty much every department so far. I only have maybe 25 hrs on it, but even in stock form it sounds very very nice. I haven't even put the KT120's in yet.
I'm not sure either Mendel but maybe its cheaper? The Dialogue uses 12au7. Three per channel. I do have a few $$$ wrapped up in 6SN7's but not an obscene amount. I will probably hang to them in case I get another piece that uses them.
I still think you can get more for your money with improved parts.
How old is the OP amp again?
It could be a consideration to have it upgraded and tweaked out by Mike Samra or Jim McShane. Two guys that can really do an amp RIGHT!!!!!
Airtime I am not sure how old or the build date of my Tempest 2. I can find out from Rogue or look on the unit to see (if its there). I am guessing around 2009-2010. The Tempest 2 evolved into the Tempest 3 and currently The Pharoah which is a Class D amp with a tubed preamp. There is no doubt I can get better performance if I sent it back to Rogue for the Magnum upgrade. Never heard of Mike Samra but Jim McShane of course I have. I have tube rolled quite a bit in the Tempest but don't have a fortune wrapped up in tubes. The 6SN7's made the biggest difference in the amps sound. Mark at Rogue did send me some KT90's which also improved slam over the KT88's but the 6SN7's had the most impact.
Go over to the vintage forum and look for Mike. Don't be worried about dealing with Mike. He is honest, straight forward and a damn nice generous guy!!!! Also he will not steer you down a "long bad road" burning up your time, money and your amp.
In the end, all good tube amps are dependent on design, iron and good quality parts. Nothing else (like hype) matters. With Rogue you already have to first two and most important parts covered.
Email mike or just post over at the vintage forum. He's ALWAYS there giving free advice. The man really does love doing this stuff.
He rebuilt my Sherwood S-5000. And about a thousand other amps as well. He knows his stuff.
+1 on the Mikey Samra recommendation.
Meat; It's the right thing to do. Romans 14:2
Thanks for the information Airtime. I appreciate it. I will venture over to the vintage forum. Better quality parts would be my next step because I think I have the tubes covered.
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