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Rogue RP 1 or Super Magnum 99

I currently have a Rogue Super Magnum 99 that I use with a Rogue Medusa amp. I am thinking about getting the RP 1 pre because it has a balance control, a better and more conveniently located headphone jack, a good phono section, and is a more modern design with a great display and full function remote. Also, I do not really need the external power supply on the 99 which is hard to place. The RP 5 pre has too many bells and whistles that I will never use. I have no problems with the 99 and really enjoy it. So the question is, would this constitute a move down or be an improvement? I think most people use the 99 with one of the big traditional tube amps like the 100 and possibly the RP 1 has more synergy with the Medusa. The stark simplicity of the RP attracts me. Possibly I am just succumbing to the urge for something new. Any advice from you experts out there is greatly appreciated. 
rtorchia
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
2,766 posts
 
I had the Rogue RP-5 which I recently sold.  The report I read on the RP-1 was that it is 90% of the RP-5.  You should be fine.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
3,018 posts
 
If your Super Magnum 99 uses 6SN7's, then it produces a more classic and lush tube sound than the newer Rogue preamps. 
You don't say if you have the tube phono section, but the RP-1 uses a SS phono stage which is excellent. I think you'll have to decide between the features and more modern sound of the RP-1 to the sonics of the 99.
rtorchia's avatar
rtorchia OP
8 posts
 
Yes, I have the phono section. To complicate matters further I found a new Metis Magnum that would be a compromise in that it has more traditional sound. It is strange with the tubes protruding in a cage but a highly regarded unit. Given that the Medusa is here to stay I am leaning to the RP 1. Thanks for your help. Rogue just makes too much nice stuff. 
buellrider97's avatar
buellrider97
135 posts
 
Hi , I’ve had the RP-1, for about 18 months . I changed the 2 tubes to medical grade Telefunkens and upgraded the power cord . I’m only running Tidal and a transport through a Schiit Yiggy . I am satisfied with its performance after upgrading the tubes . I wanted a basic pre with a remote and this meets my needs . My next pre will be balanced , but for today I’m complete . Regards , Mike B. 
rtorchia's avatar
rtorchia OP
8 posts
 
After much deliberation I ordered an RP 1. The RP 5 is great but has a lot of features I will never use. Word on the street is that the 1 gets about 85-90% the sound of the other. Both are very well matched to the hybrid Medusa. I could have gone for the less powerful Hydra amp but as a fan of classical music the extra power comes in handy. The RP 1 has everything I need and the price is very reasonable for such quality and performance. The 99 Magnum was wonderful but I am tired of the need to have it warm up and all those inconveniences--the more modern design of the RP series is attractive to me and keeps things nice and simple, sort of plug and play. The "lushness" of tube units strikes me as very pleasing distortion but distortion nonetheless. Thanks all and will report in on the sound factor after listening a while. 
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