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Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Rogue Audio Magnum 66 Preamplifier (Tube) by Doug Schroeder

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REVIEW: Rogue Audio Magnum 66 Preamplifier (Tube)

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Model: Magnum 66
Category: Preamplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price: $1,495.00
Description: Line Stage Tube Stereo Preamp
Manufacturer URL: Rogue Audio
Manufacturer URL: Rogue Audio

Review by Doug Schroeder ( A ) on September 25, 2005 at 13:12:58
IP Address: 24.94.254.223
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for the Magnum 66


The 66 Magnum is a "line stage" tube stereo preamp. There is a "phono stage" version of the SAME model, so do not be fooled! You must determine whether the model you seek is for phono usage or not. Note: The Phono version of the Magnum 66 does NOT have remote! Conversely, the "line stage" version (suitable for signals such as cd, receiver, etc. but not phono) DOES have remote but is NOT phono compatible. Order the wrong one and you'll have an issue on your hands!

It's been said that introducing tubes via preamp is easier/preferable for the sake of convenience/cost to someone just getting into tubes. From my experience in introducing a tube preamp, I must agree that it is very easy and profitable. I previously had used the Meridian 501, as well as the nicer Audio Research LS-9 in my system. Both very fine, but I heard a distinct improvement in richness of tones and a slight improvement in clarity over the LS-9.

I had serious issues with brightness in using my Magnepan 1.6's, and the Rogue preamp helped to tame the harshness. This is a preamp that, if one has bright sounding speakers, could help bring down the harshness significantly.

The blue light on the front is so strong, it could be utilized by the military for defence applications. Even in a well lit room, it dominates the component landscape. It is kind of cool, however, and amazingly enough I have never seemed to notice it during movies, even though it sits immediately below the screen. I have heard of people putting objects in front of it to block the light. Easy enough fix. But, then again, the piercing blue light (so different than all my other components) is neat looking...

The outboard power supply is a mixed blessing. They don't seem (at least the two I tried) to be absolutely quiet, but have a slight hum. One can only really detect it from about 5 feet or so away. From about 12-15 feet one would be very hard pressed to tell it exists. I'm fairly picky about silence in the room on quiet passages of music, and the slight hum has never been detected while listening. To me, it's a non-issue, but may not be for everyone.

Power cords have a big effect on the unit's sound. You may have to try several to see which brings the best qualities to the fore. I'm using Harmonic Technology AC-10's in my system, which seem to explode the soundstage and give wide openness to the system.

It takes about 30 minutes of operation to achieve the best quality of sound from this unit.

The remote is rich feeling, made out of a solid block of aluminum. It only has volume up/down buttons. One might wish to have switchable sources on the remote, but this would also introduce more in the signal path. I prefer to have the cleaner sound over the extra circuitry and less clean sound, since the only time I switch the source is when I'm putting in a game disc or dvd and am right there near the preamp. No extra getting up/down to change it, so why the need for it on the remote?

A significant feature, which should not be overlooked, is that the Tape Out is internally switchable to a second main out. This comes in handy for biamping, actively or passively. For information's sake, I did successfully split all four outs to create 8 outs in order to biamp my "stacked" Eminent Technology LFT-8A speakers. I was concerned that somehow splitting the signal all those times would compromise the integrity/sound of the system. I have detected nothing of the sort.

One should take care, however, if using stiff interconnects; the RCA jacks on the back are succeptible to some movement. Be gentle with un/attatching interconnects.

I seek out excpetionally high performance to cost components. The Rogue is one of the best I have found. I do suggest (based on other's comments on comparing the two) that you bypass the routine model 66 and seek the Magnum version.

Finally, I have also tried tube cd player (Ah! Njoe Tjoeb 4000) and while it was a nice diversion, I felt the tube preamp offered significantly higher return in exploring tubes. If one wants to begin with tubes, I suggest forgoing the cd and start with the pre.


Product Weakness: Confusion between Line Stage/Phono versions; Be careful with RCA connectors, Extremely high value/performance ratio.
Product Strengths: Warmth, but not sacrificing detail; switchable Tape Out/2nd Main Out; construction, value. Clean circuitry- no source selection on remote.


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: Outlaw Audio 755
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Rogue 66 Magnum Line Stage
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Rega Planet 2000
Speakers: Eminent Technology LFT-8A
Cables/Interconnects: Harmonic Technology
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Jazz, instrumental
Room Size (LxWxH): 23 x 13 x 7.6
Room Comments/Treatments: Acoustically tuned HT
Time Period/Length of Audition: 6 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Tice Audio Power Conditioner
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: Rogue Audio Magnum 66 Preamplifier (Tube) - Doug Schroeder 13:12:58 09/25/05 ( 0)