Rogue Audio Magnum 99 pre?

sts9fan · « **on:** 15 Apr 2008, 04:39 pm »

Hi
Does anyone have experience with this pre? I am looking for a pre with pretty high gain (F4 is involved). I would prefer tubes, require domestically made and would like two sets of outputs. This Rogue looks like just the ticket and used units are going for under $1k which is perfect.
Any thoughts?

Kris

PhilNYC · « **Reply #1 on:** 15 Apr 2008, 05:03 pm »

I tried a Magnum 99 pre with a Blue Circle BC202 hybrid amp, and it sounded horrible. Then tried it with a pair of Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks, and it sounded awesome. So synergy is definitely a big factor...

ecramer · « **Reply #2 on:** 15 Apr 2008, 05:50 pm »

I know there is two of us here on audio circle that use them with odyssey mono extrems with good results. They hacve plenty of gain. The only thing i might mention on the down side is that they do run warm. with the f4 you wont have to worry about heat in the winter

Ed

sbrtoy · « **Reply #3 on:** 15 Apr 2008, 06:40 pm »

The Rogue isn't bad for the price, but it isn't the most resolving pre I have heard. It can sound a little dark and perhaps a tad grainy depending on tube choice. My uncle uses one and I brought over the Aesthetix Calypso I had at the time and it blew the Rogue away in most every area with the stock tubes (Rogue had NOS in it).

sts9fan · « **Reply #4 on:** 15 Apr 2008, 06:58 pm »

I am looking for a <$1k used pre. I would hope your $4.5k pre would beat it.

Kris

some young guy · « **Reply #5 on:** 15 Apr 2008, 07:24 pm »

I had a modified 99 with an upgraded PS for a several years. It was a very nice sounding piece stock, but was improved greatly with a few mods. Tube choice will definitely make a lot of difference with it. Btw I ran it with a modified Golden Tube SE-40. I've since gone to the APL UA-S1 and have no further need for it.

sbrtoy · « **Reply #6 on:** 15 Apr 2008, 08:35 pm »

Rogue sells for $2495 new and it also had NOS tubes which brought the total to close to $3k, so not an unfair comparison in my book. Merely stating what I thought of the sound...

some young guy · « **Reply #7 on:** 15 Apr 2008, 08:49 pm »

Quote from: sbrtoy on 15 Apr 2008, 08:35 pm

Rogue sells for $2495 new and it also had NOS tubes which brought the total to close to $3k, so not an unfair comparison in my book. Merely stating what I thought of the sound...

I just went to check on your price as I was thinking that sounded high. Well, you're right. I was thinking of the 66, which only went for about $1500. I actually had both of these preamps at my house at one point. IMHO the modified 66 was far more transparent and natural. The 99 Magnum was very colored and dark... so I guess I agree with your assessment. BTW when I had the 99, I tried out a quad of my '52 Slylvania VT231s and preferred the chrome domes FWIW.