Rogue RP-1 Preamp, $1800

(3.2h, 15.25w, 14.4d, 16 lbs)

Rogue’s RP-1 is an American built, tube preamp. It has the endemic tube luster you just might crave after you have a taste.

RP-1 is a serious audiophile grade preamp. To achieve its conspicuous high level of clarity and three dimensionality, it is a pure analog preamp- no DAC or Bluetooth on board. Tubes impart a bit of roundness or mellow character to the music.

Think of it as… you’re looking at a TV picture that is very crisp, but not very warm. The RP-1 will warm up or soften the picture a bit so the hard edges aren’t so evident, or in music, annoying.

RP-1 is made for gorgeous sound quality. It will provide mellow sound with a conspicuously fine phono section. RP-1 is a fabulous start for a budget based separates system.

Featuring two 12 AU7 tubes and a significant power supply built around a toroidal transformer, RP-1 isn’t a flimsy offering with a tube or two just for looks. RP-1 delivers a meaty sound at a fair price. It is built with TLC in Pennsylvania- unlike almost everything else in this price range.

RP-1 has a nice analog volume control and comes with remote. RP-1 even has a balance control- which is an important feature for some customers. RP-1 comes with a fine headphone amp built in.

Inputs include MM/MC phono. Don’t miss … that MC phono option. If you’re a vinyl hound, it’s time to get an Ortofon MC cart. It also has four high level RCA inputs and HT bypass.

Outputs include two sets of variables and one set of fixed. Running two variables is prescient because you’ll be hooking up at least one power amp. You might want to bi-amp or even add a powered subwoofer. With RP-1, you’re all set.

The beauty of RP-1 is that it can replace virtually any preamp from yesteryear- and provide a tangible sonic upgrade due to the current state of the art of semi conductors. Yes, time marches on. RP-1 today, will outperform preamps that ran fancy money twenty years ago. It hardly seems fair, but this is the case… because parts improve over time.

RP-1 provides a tantalizing option as the hub of a high performing, cost effective system.

You might consider pairing RP1 with Rogue’s lovely sounding Stereo 100 tube power amp ($4k, 100X2). If you don’t want to go that high, look no further than the incredible Atoll AM200 solid state amp ($2300, 120×2) that also has warm sound and is built like a battleship. What a fabulous combination!