Rogue Audio RP-1 Preamplifier

"Recommended Component" – Stereophile

"It Delivers Music That Lives," Raves Stereophile

Elegantly simple yet technically sophisticated, the RP-1 is a superb sounding tube preamplifier from Rogue Audio based on the innovative RP-X platform. Stunning in both performance and design, the RP-1 provides all of the features you need for a truly high end system. Boasting outstanding specs and remarkable sonics, the RP-1 sets a new benchmark in affordable performance and functionality.

The tube complement of the RP-1 consists of 2 x 12AU7/ECC82 tubes in a mu-follower design. Slow start turn on sequencing and auto mute at turn on/off contribute to the unique, luxurious listening experience that only vacuum tube circuitry can provide.

"A Benchmark For Value-Priced High End Preamps"

"Compared to any preamplifier I know of at anywhere near its price, the RP-1 reaches deeper into the music to excavate a stronger, more precise, more spacious musical presentation," notes Herb Reichert, Stereophile magazine, which honored the RP-1 with "Recommended Component" status. "Most important, it delivers music that lives. Highly recommended."

"It’s a benchmark for value-priced high end preamps. You’ll have to work pretty hard and spend a lot more money to do significantly better," reports Chris Groppi, Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity. "I know I loved it and am planning to keep it. I’ve had my previous preamp for almost a decade, so this upgrade is not taken lightly."

The Connectivity Your System Needs

Providing enough connectivity for a powerful hi-fi system and beyond, the RP-1 gives you four pairs of line level inputs, one pair of phono inputs, two pairs of variable outputs, and one pair of fixed outputs. Also onboard are Home Theater bypass/Unity gain inputs.

MM/MC Phono Stage

Beyond its superb preamplifier capabilities, the RP-1 offers numerous features to further enhance your listening experience. The onboard MM/MC phono has user adjustable gain settings of 43 and 58 dB to accommodate most popular cartridges. A wide variety of loading options also means your favorite cartridge can be configured to sound its very best.

Many manufacturers don't put much effort into headphone listening, seemingly adding a headphone jack as an afterthought. But the RP-1 features celebrated Rogue Audio quality all the way. The discrete headphone amplifier will thrill you with its smooth and refined sound. With its 1-watt power delivery, you will experience nearly any model headphone at its full capabilities.

Additional Features

Other features include home theater inputs for easy integration into your theater system, two pairs of variable outputs and a pair of fixed outputs. The seven button remote allows you to conveniently access volume, balance, selector and mute functions from your listening position, for ultimate enjoyment.

Elegant Appearance With OLED Display

You'll love the sleek, no-nonsense, high-quality look of this preamp. The elegant appearance of the RP-1 is further enhanced by an easy to read OLED display that provides volume, balance, and source information in large easy to read characters. The display can also be turned off if desired.

Designed And Hand Built In The USA

The RP-1 is entirely designed and hand built in the USA. Each unit is individually fully tested, burned-in, and auditioned, assuring you of great sound right out of the box. It comes with a three-year manufacturer's limited warranty from Rogue Audio (six months on the tubes).

The machined aluminum faceplate is available in either black or silver to complement the rest of your components.

Product Specs

Frequency response: 1Hz – 75KHz +/- 1 dB
THD: <0.1%
Gain line stage: 7 dB
Rated output: 1V
Output impedance: 750 Ohms
Gain phono stage: 43dB, 58dB
RIAA accuracy: +/- 0.1 dB
Phono overload: 40mV
Headphone amp: 1W (32 ohms)
Power requirements 115V – 50/60Hz
Power consumption off <1W
Power consumption on: 23W
Dimensions: 15.25 ”W X 14.5 ”D X 3.2” H
Weight 16 pounds

"Recommended Component" – Stereophile

"I believe that Rogue Audio's RP-1 will join the ranks of such preamp folk heroes as the Dynaco PAS, the Hafler DH101, the Conrad-Johnson PV3, and the NAD 1020—and the Apt Holman, the Supraphon Revelation Basic, and the Audible Illusions Modulus. All of these are moderately priced, high-performance models that countless audiophiles have used to step up from receivers or integrateds to separates.

"However, the RP-1 was more effective than any of those classics at preserving a recording's vital energies. I believe that the RP-1 is not necessarily a stepping stone on the way to something better: I see it as a fully worthy final destination.

- Herb Reichert, Stereophile, July 28, 2016

"The Rogue RP-1 is a great preamplifier. For only $1695, it’s a benchmark for value-priced high end preamps. You’ll have to work pretty hard and spend a lot more money to do significantly better. Unless you really demand balanced inputs and outputs, I’m not sure it’s worth it to try. Especially if you have a solid state power amp, the RP-1 might just be the perfect preamp for you. I know I loved it and am planning to keep it. I’ve had my previous preamp for almost a decade, so this upgrade is not taken lightly."

- Chris Groppi, Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity, November 7, 2016

"After intensive listening over an extended period, I can unequivocally say that Rogue Audio’s RP-1 is the best preamplifier I’ve ever reviewed. Its phono stage is to die for -- it may be the one I’ve lusted for all my life! The RP-1 offers four line-level inputs for additional sources that don’t seem to color the sound at all."

"It has incredibly solid bass output, a sweet and singing midrange, and crystalline highs. I imagine it might wash your clothes and make your coffee in the morning, if you asked it nicely."

"Rogue’s products aren’t found on every street corner -- they’re elusive beasts, but worth hunting down. For the money, I think there’s no better preamplifier on the market than the Rogue Audio RP-1."

- Thom Moon, SoundStage! Access, October 1, 2016