Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Rogue Audio Stealth Phono Preamp by Dr. Drib

Model:	Stealth
Category:	Phono Preamp
Suggested Retail Price:	$800.00
Description:	MM MC capable phono preamp
Manufacturer URL:	Rogue Audio
Manufacturer URL:	Rogue Audio

Review by Dr. Drib ( A ) on May 12, 2004 at 11:55:58
IP Address: 206.17.170.50

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for the Stealth

This is my only experience with a â€œhigh-endâ€ phono preamp. What I would like to express in this review is the difference between the Rogue phono and the Rotel phono â€“ a fine budget-priced phono - that I owned for 9 months and thoroughly enjoyed. I highly recommend the Rotel unit when shopping within that price point.

The following review will be limited to discussing these two phono preamps.

Sound:

The Stealth has been in my system now for 4 weeks. In that time, however, I hear differences that I would describe as subtle, rather than as earth-shattering. The Stealthâ€™s sound is somewhat lean compared to the Rotel. But this leanness, however, is more than compensated for due to the rich articulation and sound stage presented by the Stealth. The highs are more pronounced (hence, perhaps contributing to the unitâ€™s leanness). Cymbals, for example, have greater attack and decay. Instruments possess greater space within and around the surrounding speakers.

The bass is more subdued on the Stealth, as opposed to the Rotel. This does not mean, I hasten to add, that there is something lacking in the presentation. It is certainly there, but on the Stealth the bass becomes an integral part to the surrounding music, blending in rather than standing out, as portrayed by the Rotel preamp. I would describe the Rotel as a warmer sound, but with less articulation throughout the spectrum. The Rotel is certainly a worthy and pleasant-sounding unit to own, and is popularly priced to compete with other entry-level phono stages. The Stealth â€“ with a list price of $800 â€“ is positioned at a different price-point than the Rotel. Overall, the Stealthâ€™s sound is less congested, with a slightly better sound-stage than the Rotel.

The Stealth (like the Rotel) can handle MM or MC cartridges. The Stealthâ€™s top needs to be unscrewed in order to change the settings. Much more convenient is the Rotel (and with less options, I might add, as one simply needs to press a button on the back of the unit).

Build-Quality:

The Stealth has a thick silver fascia, thus complementing the look of my Classe SSP-30 (a preamp/surround sound processor). It looks handsome sitting on its own shelf beneath the Classe, and has the look and heft of an actual stereo component used in a real-world setup, rather than as an after-market afterthought that merely adds a phono stage to an already existing system.

I like the thinking behind that kind of concept; that is, the thinking that views a phono stage as an actual stereo component. The Rotel, too, I might add, shares this same philosophy. Wheras the guts of the Stealth is housed in a black rectangular metal, the Rotel is black all over and is only slightly dimensionally smaller. Since I am currently in the process of switching from black to silver, I find the Stealth better complements the overall look of my system.

The Stealth is a heavy unit and feels solid. The Rotel, although less heavy, also feels solid. The Stealth has a detachable power cord and, perhaps due to the differing price point, has a more solid build than the Rotel.

Conclusion:

I can heartily recommend the Stealth. The Stealthâ€™s sound is dignified, yet exciting, and adds that extra dimension of control that I find most apparent on jazz, but less so on rock. The music is clear and musical, and has slightly better separation than I found on the Rotel. I am quite pleased with my purchase.

Equipment:

Thorens TD126 MKII Turntable

Thorens TP16 Arm (arrggghgghgh â€“ yes, next purchase)

Cartridge Grado Prestige Green

Classe SSP-30 Preamp/Sound Processor

Arcam CD72 CD Player

Rotel RB-976 Six-Channel Amp (Bi-amped)

Paradigm Studio 80 Loudspeakers

Grado RA-1 Headphone Preamp

AKG K240DF Headphones

Cables various

Additional Equipment:

Linn LP12 Sondek w/Basic and K-9 (Do not own â€“ but being looked at due to buzzing/humming)

Thorens TD125, no armboard (sits in a closet, unused)

Product Weakness: Bass is unassuming, perhaps not as suited for rock. Switches are a nuisance to get to if you engage in much cartridge switching.
Product Strengths: Rich sound at moderate price. Excels on Jazz. Excellent build.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Rotel RB-976
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Classes SSP-30
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Thorens TD126 MKII
Speakers:	Paradigm Studio 80s
Cables/Interconnects:	various
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, Rock
Room Comments/Treatments:	none
Time Period/Length of Audition:	4 weeks
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	none
Type of Audition/Review:	Home Audition

Product Weakness:	Bass is unassuming, perhaps not as suited for rock. Switches are a nuisance to get to if you engage in much cartridge switching.
Product Strengths:	Rich sound at moderate price. Excels on Jazz. Excellent build.