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Rogue Audio RP-5 v2 Preamplifier
The Rogue Audio RP-5 v2 is a four-tube preamplifier with a Triton II-derived phono stage, MOSFET-buffered headphone amplifier, and refined 0.5dB volume stepping borrowed from Rogue's flagship RP-7 and RP-9. It doubles the tube count from the RP-1 while adding a substantially more capable phono section, making it the natural choice for vinyl-focused systems that need serious phono amplification built into the preamp.
Where the RP-1 uses two 12AU7 tubes, the RP-5 v2 doubles that to four, arranged in two pairs of mu-follower circuits. The additional tube complement provides 11dB of line-stage gain (compared to the RP-1's 7dB) and reduces the output impedance to below 100 ohms. The four-tube topology offers a fuller, more dimensional sound with greater harmonic richness and dynamic headroom. Frequency response extends from 5Hz to 100kHz with total harmonic distortion below 0.1%. The four 12AU7/ECC82 tubes are affordable, widely available, and easily tube-rolled to fine-tune the RP-5's character. Popular alternatives include NOS tubes from Mullard, Amperex, and RCA, with matched pairs recommended for best channel balance.
The v2 upgrade brought the RP-5's phono section significantly forward, incorporating technology from Rogue's dedicated Triton II Phono Preamplifier. Four user-adjustable gain settings (43dB, 48dB, 57dB, and 65dB) cover a wider range of cartridge outputs than the RP-1's two settings, from high-output moving magnets down to very low-output moving coils. Cartridge loading is user-adjustable to optimize the electrical match for your specific cartridge. RIAA equalization accuracy is +/-0.1dB, ensuring faithful vinyl reproduction without frequency coloration. The 65dB high-gain setting is particularly valuable for MC cartridges with outputs below 0.3mV, where the RP-1's 58dB may not provide enough gain for a full, dynamic signal.
The v2 model upgraded the headphone circuit with technology from Rogue's dedicated RH-5 Headphone Amplifier. The MOSFET-buffered output stage delivers more power and current than the RP-1's discrete headphone amp, driving demanding planar magnetic headphones and high-impedance dynamic designs with greater control and dynamics. The tube preamp section shapes the signal before the MOSFET buffer, combining tube harmonic character with solid-state current delivery at the headphone jack.
The v2 revision touched three major areas. The volume control now operates in 0.5dB steps with a lower noise floor, matching the precision of the RP-7 and RP-9. This allows fine-grained volume adjustment, particularly at low listening levels where coarse steps can jump from too quiet to too loud. The phono stage adopted Triton II topology with four gain settings (up from two) for broader cartridge compatibility. The headphone amplifier gained RH-5-derived MOSFET buffering for improved drive capability. The OLED display was also upgraded with improved contrast. For existing RP-5 owners, Rogue Audio offers factory v2 upgrades at their Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania facility.
The rear panel provides five pairs of gold-plated RCA inputs (four line-level plus one phono, or all five as line-level when the phono stage is not in use), two pairs of variable outputs, and one pair of fixed outputs. The home theater bypass input passes surround processor signals at unity gain, and the processor loop lets you insert an external EQ or crossover into the signal path. The mono button collapses the stereo image for mono recordings or troubleshooting. The 10-function remote handles volume, mute, source selection, balance, and mono from your listening position. An optional metal remote upgrade is available.
The RP-5 v2 sits in the upper-middle of Rogue Audio's preamplifier lineup, bridging the gap between entry-level and reference:
The Rogue preamp series splits into two tracks: models with built-in phono stages (RP-1, RP-5) for turntable-centric systems, and balanced line-stage models (RP-3, RP-7, RP-9) for systems with separate phono preamplifiers or digital-only sources.
We're a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on trust, not hype. We've carried Rogue Audio for years because their products deliver real value and hold up over time. Every component is designed and built in Pennsylvania, and we're proud to support a manufacturer that shares our commitment to quality. Whether you're visiting in person or ordering online, we bring decades of experience, personalized service, and honest guidance to every interaction.
| Performance | |
| Tube Complement | 4 x 12AU7/ECC82 |
| Circuit Topology | Four-tube mu-follower |
| Line Stage Gain | 11dB |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz to 100kHz (+/-1dB) |
| THD | <0.1% |
| Rated Output | 1V |
| Output Impedance | <100 Ohms |
| Phono Stage | |
| Phono Gain | 43dB / 48dB / 57dB / 65dB (user selectable) |
| RIAA Accuracy | +/-0.1dB |
| Cartridge Loading | User adjustable (MM and MC) |
| Headphone Amplifier | |
| Design | Tube + MOSFET buffer (RH-5 derived) |
| Connections | |
| Inputs | 4 x RCA line-level, 1 x RCA phono (or 5 line-level) |
| Variable Outputs | 2 x RCA |
| Fixed Output | 1 x RCA |
| Home Theater Bypass | Yes (unity gain) |
| Processor Loop | Yes |
| Controls | |
| Volume Steps | 0.5dB increments |
| Display | OLED (defeatable, improved contrast) |
| Remote Control | 10-function (metal upgrade available) |
| Mono Button | Yes |
| Construction | |
| Power Requirements | 120/240V, 50/60Hz |
| Dimensions | 18.5" W x 4.5" H x 17" D |
| Weight | 30 lbs |
| Warranty | 3 years (6 months on tubes) |
| Country of Origin | Handcrafted in the USA |
"The RP-5 didn't obviously sound like a tubed preamplifier." "I found it a fundamentally neutral and wonderfully musical preamplifier that would easily be at home in an all-tube system, or one in which it's mated to solid-state gear." "The soundstage was broad and deep, extending beyond the Paradigms' outer side panels." "Overall, the RP-5's build quality was very high." "The RP-5 is a preamp that, I, too, would happily buy."
,SoundStage! Ultra · July 2015
"The RP-5 allowed the music to flow with such grace and poise and the perfect amount of liquidity." "The build quality is beyond reproach and off the charts for this price point." "The built in MM/MC phono stage performed superbly as well." "We absolutely loved the way the on board amp sounded. To us it was full bodied, with great tube sparkle, a transparent midrange, with lots of drive." "We believe Rogue has a real class leader here."
,AudioKey Reviews · August 2021
"Tonally, the RP-5 was predominantly neutral with just a very subtle hint of a rose-blush complexion to warm the mids." "The RP-5 especially brings its magic to bear in the areas of color saturation and tonal liquidity." "Bass performance was authoritative, very nicely controlled and musical, yet also adding small amounts of bloom to bass violin, timpani, and cello." "The RP-5 simply presented a natural acoustic clarity that rang truthful." "The RP-5 is a component that should tempt a lot of people to go Rogue."
,The Absolute Sound · March 2016
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