In For Review; The Rogue Audio Stereo 100 (KT120) Power Amp

In For Review:

Just arrived: The Rogue Audio Stereo 100 power amp.

It uses 4 KT120s to provide 100 wpc. The introductory price is $2995.

Early impressions indicate this may be one of the best sounding Rogue amps
I have heard to date.

 

I'm looking to your review on this. It is beautiful looking amp.

 

Thanks. It really is a beauty. Just with a few hours on it, but already tons of bloom.

 

Very interesting. Been really curious to hear impressions. Announced just weeks after I got the Super Magnum upgrade on my Stereo 90...

 

If the supply of KT120s runs out can it be retrofitted with, say, KT88s?

 

It is early days yet but so far I am pretty

I doubt the supply would run out..plus the KT120s are supposed to last a LONG time. However, I think you can use any tube
in the 6550/KT88 family, although I would have to verify this with Rogue.

 

nice one

 

Became a member just because you are going to review the Stereo 100

"...may be one of the best sounding Rogue amps
I have heard to date."

You listened to the 150 mono blocks and can compare? I am looking at the Stereo 100 but am thinking that it is somewhat expensive compared to the 150. I get two monoblocks and "just" have to pay 1500 more, there must be a sonic difference in someone's favour?

Are you going to switch tubes and see what difference that will make?

Going to be an interesting read when you finish your review.

Cheerio!

EDIT - Forgot to ask: Is it 100WPC in triod setting or ultraliniar? END

 

Looks like we have multiple manufacturers supplying the KT 120 now.

 

Gack! I just saw a retailer selling the M180 for almost the same price my local dealer wants for a stereo 100.
Should I just bite the bullet and buy a pair? It's with the KT120 too.

 

Welcome aboard..I think you will enjoy it around here..especially the music forum.

I have heard every Rogue amp, but NOT in my system of course. Also, I did not hear the other Rogue amps with KT120s.

Of course there are benefits to mono blocks..stellar channel separation, more power etc..

I am not sure about tube rolling..that is TBD.

According to the manual, there is the least amount of distortion in Triode mode and the most power output in Ultralinear.

The differences are subtle and speaker dependent according to Rogue.

The review should be complete and published in Positive Feedback in November. Stay tuned!

 

Wow. Can you audition both? It really tough to say.

 

Well, nobody around my parts here in Sweden carries the Rogue Audio line and I got to spend all my time reading math. I'm an old geezer.... well maybe not that old; trying to do some university stuff again and I can tell you the prep course I am going is more input than the real thing latter on. So no time to go anywhere.
But I sit all spare time studying math, physics, stuff and listening to music, so a new amp seems just like the thing.
I have almost decided to buy a pair M180 because even if I later on feel I can't really afford them I can sell them and maybe even turn a profit.
And I am wondering how much power they will draw, I really only got 2200W to distribute on a whole system of electronics. I only got one socket (on one fuse) that is grounded so I want all expensive stuff plugged in there.
Hmm, and I guess these amps have no trouble with zero inductance cable speakers? I got a pair of Supra Swords.
Sorry for the rambling, I'll go back to the math now....

 

Are bias adjustments easy to do?

 

Bias is very easy on Rogue amps.

 

That's what I heard. I suspect it is the same on this one.

 

Well, if your logistical resources are limited, for sure a stereo amp would be the safer bet.

 

The actual biasing is a snap. The only pain in the ass is taking off the ten screws on the top cover and then
putting them all back.

 

The new Stereo 100 is the amp I lust for, the dual binding posts are a nice touch also. Looking forward to your thoughts and write up.

 

Thanks. I am definitely enjoying the early stages of my time with the amp. Tune in for more!

 

Today i am picking up my new rogue st 100 plus a new perseus preamp! Let's see, i am coming from a nice int cayin a88t!
Double the watts and different kind of tubes... i'll let you know

 

Definitely let us know...I think you will be happy. What speakers?

 

I'll be interested in how it compares to the ARC VSi60 with KT-120s.

 

I have a VS55 w/ KT120s. The Rogue is more muscular, with better bass articulation and it paints a bigger sonic picture overall.

The VS55 is slightly more midrange dominant.

 

I am using ML esl for now, I just got it, man i work out and lift but this thing is heavy and solid as a rock, while doing the bias ( never done it before, cayin was autobias) i moved the amp by mistake while looking for the screws and puff it got unplugged and music was on for a couple of seconds... when i get home i will let you guys know