Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Rogue Audio Metis Preamplifier (Tube) by esande

Model:	Metis
Category:	Preamplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$1095
Description:	Tube preamp w/headphone and mm phono stage, remote
Manufacturer URL:	Rogue Audio

Review by esande on December 12, 2010 at 01:23:46
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for the Metis

I was not expecting this unit to be as largely packaged as it was. From Audio Acoustics, it came double boxed and very well fitted. The packaging was flawless. I don't know why I expected a smaller unit but the Metis is a full 17 inch wide chassis, it does not appear to have provision for rack mounting however.

The tubes appear to be Chinese 6SN7s with a Rogue Audio logo, they come packaged separately with a standard IEC power cord. This unit is in black, with silver knobs, one four position source selector marked phono, CD, Aux 1 and Aux 2. There is a center-detented balance control and a larger volume knob which on this model is powered by the remote. The remote is a heavy machined aluminium unit with up and down controls, that's it.

There is a 1/4" standard headphone jack on the center of the front panel.

The power switch is a pushbutton with a blue LED indicator on the panel.

A tube cage is included.

Overall the construction is unobjectionable. It'e fine, nothing special.

It looks good. Not an outrageous expression of art, but a very solid looking design.

That said, let's play. I hooked up my SL-1210 MK5 table with a Shure V15 VMR, my TASCAM CD deck, and sat back to see what I had.

The phono stage, which is SS, does not suck. In fact it's pretty good. More than pretty good. I can listen to this.

The linestage with the CD player is exceptionally good. Very articulate I would say. I'd not compare this unit to an AR preamp, but it's good.

It's not crazy good, but when I say it's good, for the price, it easily makes it into the amazing value category.

The headphone amp is a nice add-on. It isn't the best I've heard but it doesn't detract from the basic strengths of this value preamp.

Definitely a very good bang for the buck item, largely well made, looks attractive and the linestage rocks.

You could probably experiment with the 6SN7s. The ones that come with are pretty good, I think I'm going to stick in some Raytheons and see what happens.

That linestage is all ready VERY GOOD though.

Product Weakness:	It's inexpensive, hey, whaddya want
Product Strengths:	Quality build, USA, looks good, sounds good

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Bryston 4B SST pro
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): This one
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Technics SL-1210MK5
Speakers: Magnestand 1.6
Cables/Interconnects: Generic
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Jazz and rock
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	Bryston 4B SST pro
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	This one
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Technics SL-1210MK5
Speakers:	Magnestand 1.6
Cables/Interconnects:	Generic
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz and rock
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner