I'm selling my Rogue Audio Stealth phono pre-amp with factory upgrades...I'm the second owner having purchased the unit here on AC back in July, 2008...The pre-amp works perfectly, is extremely quiet, and has served as a wonderful addition to my analog rig...I've decided to go the tube route and purchased/built a Hagerman Cornet2/Piccolo combo to drive my Zu/Denon 103r cartridge (0.25mV output)....Not sure I'd say the Hagerman is better just different...The Rogue is clearly quieter....Below is the information from the original seller...
Rogue Stealth phono preamp with factory upgrades in excellent condition, well cared for in a smoke-free home. Lists for $795+$180 upgrades = $975. Bluebook on the stock unit is $620; I am asking $650, so you are getting the upgrades for a fraction. According to Rogue, it was originally built with the improved cap and op amps in Nov, 05 (an additional $150 upgrade available for existing units at that time). I had it upgraded further by Rogue for another $180 to lower the already quiet noise floor even more at the highest gain level (65dB). The receipt from Rogue Audio says that this included changing IC chips, some resistors and AC coupled output. I don’t know what all that means, but I do know that the result is a clearer presentation and blacker background with low output MC carts and better resolution at high volumes. These are not DIY or after-market mods; they are improvements by the original designer/builder. I have before and after pix of the innards if you are interested.
The Stealth is regarded in analog circles as one of the best bargains in audio, competing with units 2-3 times its price. I auditioned Benz Lukaschek, Dyna P-75, and Lehmann Black Cube SE and preferred the Stealth, even before the upgrades. It is versatile, with adjustable settings for gain, impedance, and capacitance. I have used it with several different cartridges, low, medium, and high output, including Benz, Sumiko, Dynavector, Ortofon, Shure, and ZYX. It handled all of them well, but I felt it had a special synergy with the Dynavector carts, particularly the Dyna 20x-L, with an output of .25mV. I would describe the sound as crisp and precise, with a wide dynamic range. It really sings with electric music but handles strings, horns, and piano well also.
Anyway, I'd like to get $650 + shipping for it...Its in the exact same condition as when I purchased it 6months ago...PayPal accepted as well as checks (ship when cleared), money orders...
any questions, PM me...
Scott
