Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Rogue Audio Rogue M-150 Monoblocks Amplifier (Tube) by Bazza

Model:	Rogue M-150 Monoblocks
Category:	Amplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$3999
Description:	Tube Amplifiers
Manufacturer URL:	Rogue Audio
Manufacturer URL:	Rogue Audio

Review by Bazza ( A ) on September 01, 2005 at 23:37:50
IP Address: 154.20.45.98

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Although every other component in my system other than my turntable is tube based I always believed that I needed a solid-state power amplifier to deliver the tight articulate bass that I like.
My reference amp had been the BAT VK-500 with Bat Pak that had been upgraded from an Aragon 8008 that had been upgraded from Linn. After buying a pair of Quad 988 electrostatic speakers that replaced my modified Magnepan 1.6 QRs the musical magic was gone. My research concluded that Quads love tubes so I embarked on a quest for a tube amp. I decided on the Rogue Audio monoblocks, with KT88 output tubes, because all of the reviews that I read confirmed that they held a grip on the bass that was untubelike without sacrificing that midrange magic and they accepted XLR inputs which I have learned over many years usually provide a better sound.
Thanks to all who influenced my decision. These are wonderful amps that can be run in triode (75 watts) or Ultra Linear (150 watts). I have had a lot of fun trying out both modes and for most of the music that I play I use Ultra Linear because it is more immediate and subjectively more accurate and detailed. The triode mode is softer and gives a slight euphonic spin on the music that is usually too soft for me except on over bright cds that were mixed for radio. Perhaps if I had solid-state components upstream I may prefer the Triode mode. In any case it is nice to have the choice.
The largest surprise was that the bass is better than the Bat VK-500 both in power and articulation. So much for my belief that solid state is always better than tubes in this regard.
The midrange is accurate and inviting.
The highs are extended.
The greatest compliments that I can give this amp is that it is neutral across the frequency spectrum, involving and dead quiet. I thought that my previous amps were quiet but now the only thing that I hear when music is paused is the fan in my Power Plant. I never used to hear this so obviously there was other noise that masked it. Music plays without drawing attention to any instrument. By comparison, the BAT projected the highs into my room forward of other instruments. The midbass hump that I have is from the Quads and not from the amps.
Soundstage size and depth are on par with the BAT, however, the Rogues are much more transparent. Remember that Quads are very revealing of everything upstream.
Compared to the pricing of competitive products and the raved about customer service, the Rogue Audio M-150 monoblocks seem to be a bargain. I can only say that they are the best that I have ever had in my system and are a wonderful match with my electrostatic speakers.

Product Weakness: loooks a bit "solid state"
Product Strengths: bass, neutrality, price

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Rogue Audio M-150 monoblocks
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Sonic Frontiers Line 3+ with Valvo tubes
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Consonance Droplet
Speakers:	Quad 988 with Mirage BPS-400 sub
Cables/Interconnects:	Cardas/Z-Squared
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	All
Room Size (LxWxH):	19 x 14 x 12
Room Comments/Treatments:	rigid fiberglass
Time Period/Length of Audition:	1 month
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	P300 Power Plant
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	loooks a bit "solid state"
Product Strengths:	bass, neutrality, price