Rogue Audio RH-5 Headphone Amplifier

Built to order

$2,495.00

Color

Silver Black

Phono

No Yes

Need advice? Want a price match?

Talk to Mike

Third-generation owner

Call or text: 410-239-2020

Yes, that's literally his cell

At this level, every detail matters: your room, your system, what you’re driving it with, what you’re listening to. I handle these orders personally because an investment like this deserves more than an Add to Cart button. We’ll work through system synergy, I’ll make sure the setup is right, and we’ll coordinate delivery so it arrives exactly how it should. A few of our brands require this direct approach, but at this price point, it’s how I’d do it anyway. Use the button above, or call/text me directly at 410-239-2020.

Availability

Rogue builds and tests units to order. We can have this at the shop in around 2 weeks.

See our Terms & Conditions for details.

Family-Owned Authorized Dealer

We're an authorized dealer for every brand listed on this site, so your warranty is valid and fully supported. We're a real brick-and-mortar shop in Chestertown, MD with shelves of actual inventory, not a drop-shipper. Family-owned and run for three generations, since 1978.

*Free Delivery and Shipping

Free shipping for most items over $100! Local delivery up to 500 miles more with minimum qualifying purchase.

See our shipping policies for details. We will contact you after your order.

The Rogue Audio RH-5 is a high-performance hybrid headphone amplifier and line-level preamplifier that combines the warmth of vacuum tubes with the precision of solid-state circuitry. Designed to drive even the most demanding headphones, the RH-5 offers exceptional sound quality, versatile connectivity, and user-friendly features, making it an ideal centerpiece for both personal and stereo audio systems.

Key Features

Hybrid Tube/MOSFET Design: Utilizes two 12AU7 tubes in a mu-follower configuration for voltage gain, paired with MOSFET output buffering to deliver high current and low output impedance, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of headphones.
Selectable Gain Settings: Offers three user-selectable gain levels (3dB, 12dB, 16dB) to accommodate headphones of varying sensitivities, from in-ear monitors to power-hungry planar magnetics.
Comprehensive Connectivity: Features three pairs of RCA line-level inputs, one pair of balanced XLR inputs, one pair of RCA preamp outputs, and one pair of balanced XLR preamp outputs, allowing seamless integration into diverse audio setups.
Versatile Headphone Outputs: Equipped with two ¼" TRS headphone jacks, dual 3-pin XLR outputs, and a 4-pin balanced XLR output, enabling simultaneous use of multiple headphones and catering to various connection preferences.
Optional MM/MC Phono Stage: An optional phono board provides 43dB (MM) and 58dB (MC) gain settings with user-adjustable loading options, offering high-quality vinyl playback through headphones or speakers.
User-Friendly Interface: Includes a defeatable OLED display for volume, input, and gain information, and a multi-function remote control for convenient operation.
Robust Build Quality: Constructed with a machined aluminum faceplate and knobs, gold-plated RCA jacks, and a detachable IEC power cord, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal.

Exceptional Sound Quality

The RH-5 delivers a rich, full-bodied sound characterized by a warm midrange, extended bass, and expansive imaging. Its hybrid design leverages the sonic benefits of tubes for musicality and MOSFETs for drive capability, resulting in a dynamic and engaging listening experience. With a power output of 3.5Wpc into 32 ohms and an output impedance of less than 0.1 ohm, it effortlessly drives a wide array of headphones, revealing subtle nuances and delivering lifelike performances.

Versatile System Integration

Beyond its prowess as a headphone amplifier, the RH-5 functions as a high-quality line-level preamplifier. Its balanced and single-ended outputs allow it to serve as the control center for a stereo system, driving power amplifiers and speakers with clarity and authority. The optional phono stage further enhances its versatility, accommodating vinyl enthusiasts seeking an all-in-one solution.

System Matching

The RH-5 functions as both a dedicated headphone amplifier and a full line-level preamplifier, making it a natural control center for a Rogue Audio system. Pair it with any of the Rogue power amplifiers, from the Stereo 100 for tube power to the DragoN for hybrid authority. The optional phono stage means vinyl enthusiasts can run a turntable directly into the RH-5 without needing a separate phono preamp, though Rogue's dedicated Ares II or Triton II phono stages offer more gain flexibility and loading options for serious cartridge matching.

For those who want an integrated amplifier with a headphone output, the Cronus Magnum III includes a headphone jack, though the RH-5 delivers significantly more power and offers balanced headphone outputs that the Cronus Magnum III does not.

The Listening Room Difference: Your Personal Audio Concierge

The Listening Room is a third-generation family HiFi business with a brick-and-mortar store in Chestertown, Maryland, and a growing online presence. We’re still run by the owner and a small team, helping audiophiles find the right gear with exceptional service, genuine passion, and a commitment to making your experience the best in high-end audio. We’ve carried Rogue Audio for years because it consistently delivers exceptional sound and value. Every component is designed and built in Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania, and it shows in the quality and performance. We’re proud to support a brand that aligns with what we believe in: great sound, real craftsmanship, and long-term joy in listening.

Specifications

Tube Complement	2 × 12AU7/ECC802
Frequency Response	5Hz – 50kHz ±1dB
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)	<0.05%
Gain (Line Stage)	Selectable 3dB, 12dB, 16dB
Gain (Phono Stage)	Selectable 43dB (MM), 58dB (MC)
Power Output	3.5Wpc into 32 ohms
Output Impedance	<0.1 ohm at 1kHz
RIAA Accuracy	±0.1dB
Phono Overload	40mV
Inputs	3 × RCA line-level, 1 × XLR balanced
Outputs	1 × RCA preamp, 1 × XLR balanced preamp
Headphone Outputs	2 × ¼" TRS, 2 × 3-pin XLR, 1 × 4-pin XLR balanced
Display	OLED (defeatable)
Remote Control	Multi-function remote
Power Consumption	31W
Power Requirements	120/240V - 50/60Hz
Dimensions	15" W × 4" H × 13.5" D
Weight	19 lbs (shipping weight: 25 lbs)
Warranty	3 years (6 months on tubes)
Country of Origin	USA

Sound: 9/10 | Value: 8/10 "The sonic signature of the RH-5 was to the warm side of neutral, with very slightly rounded edges, full bass, and big aural images." "the RH-5's lush midrange gave Fitzgerald's voice a golden glow." "Rogue Audio's RH-5 is a great choice for the headphone aficionado who also cares about freestanding speaker listening. It has enough inputs and outputs to serve as the centerpiece of most systems. Its selectable gain, high current capability, and balanced output should be able to drive most any headphone model." "If you hear it, you may well be one of them."

S. Andrea Sundaram,SoundStage! Solo · November 2019

"Much like the build, the RH-5's sonic presentation is incredibly refined. This is a gentleman's amplifier through-and-through: there's no extra bloat or slam in the bass, no extra dryness or thickness in the mids, and no extra brightness in the treble." "But there is one area where the RH-5 really leaps out, and differentiates itself. And that is in the absolutely massive soundscape it offers. Of all the amps I've heard, the RH-5 is probably easily in the top five in terms of the expansiveness of the stage." "The sonic images are especially tall when listening to the RH-5, and everything felt that much more epic and grandiose when I was evaluating it." "It should really come as no surprise at this point that this is an absolute dream amp to pair with the HD800, especially with classical music."

Dave Hanson,Enjoy the Music · September 2017

Stellar Sound Award "Rogue Audio has taken the traditional HP amp circuit applied a bit of custom, hybrid circuit magic, and netted a fantastic-sounding, HP listening path that you would not believe is tube; it is that quiet." "Couple the great sound with its massive drive capability, full array of connection options and a top-tier line stage (plus an optional phono stage), the RH-5 is all that most HP-focused audiophiles will ever need." "I had not one single complaint about the RH-5, through the 100 hours or so of listening." "I nuzzled up to it, immediately, with my Austria-manufactured AKGs and never looked back. I guess I liked it. Stellar Sound Award? You betcha!"

John Gatski,Everything Audio Network · November 2017

Can the RH-5 drive planar magnetic headphones like the HiFiMAN or Audeze?

Yes. The RH-5 delivers 3.5 watts per channel into 32 ohms with an output impedance of less than 0.1 ohms, giving it the current delivery to drive demanding planar magnetic headphones with authority. Three selectable gain settings (3dB, 12dB, 16dB) let you match the amplifier to headphones of varying sensitivity, from efficient in-ear monitors to power-hungry planars.

What does the optional phono stage add to the RH-5?

The optional phono board adds a high-quality MM/MC phono stage directly inside the RH-5. It provides 43dB gain for moving magnet cartridges and 58dB for moving coil, with user-adjustable loading options and RIAA accuracy within 0.1dB. This lets you connect a turntable directly to the RH-5 without needing a separate phono preamp.

Can the RH-5 be used as a preamplifier for a two-channel stereo system?

Yes. The RH-5 functions as a full line-level preamplifier with both RCA and balanced XLR outputs. You can use it to drive a power amplifier and speakers while also having access to its headphone outputs. It has three RCA line inputs and one balanced XLR input, a volume control, input selection, and a full-function remote control.

What headphone outputs does the RH-5 offer?

The RH-5 provides five headphone outputs: two 1/4-inch TRS jacks for standard headphones, two 3-pin XLR outputs for balanced headphones, and one 4-pin XLR balanced output. The dual 1/4-inch jacks allow two people to listen simultaneously with standard headphones.

What tubes does the RH-5 use and how does the hybrid design work?

The RH-5 uses two 12AU7/ECC802 tubes in a mu-follower configuration for the voltage gain stage, paired with MOSFET output buffers for current delivery. The tubes provide the tonal warmth and musicality, while the MOSFET buffers deliver the high current and low output impedance needed to drive a wide range of headphones. This hybrid approach combines tube sound quality with solid-state drive capability.