Rogue Audio RP-9 Preamplifier

A New Benchmark in Vacuum Tube Preamplifier Technology

With the RP-9 vacuum tube preamplifier, Rogue Audio's award winning RP-X hardware and software platform has been taken to a new level. From the outset, the company's overarching design goals were directed at maintaining near-perfect signal integrity along with an ultra-wide bandwidth, low distortion, and a vanishingly low noise floor.

The flagship RP-9's innovative and proprietary circuitry is designed around the Russian military’s 6H30P tubes in a balanced configuration that stretches the bounds of modern preamplifier technology. The results translate into amazing detail, smoothness, and refinement which has effectively redefined the level of performance that can be expected from a reference caliber preamplifier.

"I decided to do an RP-7 to RP-9 upgrade," reports reviewer Ylee at audioaficionado.org. "Immediate impressions so far is that soundstaging is considerably more three-dimensional with individual instruments easier to follow as a result."

All the Features You Could Ask For

Rogue Audio's driving design goal for the RP-9 was to set an entirely new benchmark in vacuum tube preamplifier technology, and they have certainly succeeded. While sacrificing nothing to sonic integrity, the RP-9 includes all the features you could ask for from a feature rich preamplifier, and more. Included in the design are a home theater bypass, processor loop, mono button, and an elegant easy to read (and defeatable) OLED display. A machined aluminum 10 button remote provides further convenience.

All The Connectivity Your System Needs

Delivery enough connectivity for a variety of audio sources, the RP-9 gives you two pairs of XLR balanced inputs and three pairs of RCA line level inputs. Two pairs of balanced outputs and two sets of RCA variable outs allow for a wide range of output connectivity. Also onboard are Home Theater bypass/Unity gain inputs.

Tube-Based Headphone Amp on Board

Many manufacturers don't put much effort into headphone listening, seemingly adding a headphone jack as an afterthought. But the RP-9 features celebrated Rogue Audio quality all the way. The tube-based headphone amplifier will thrill you with its smooth and refined sound. With its highly capable 2-watt power delivery, you will experience nearly any model headphone at its full capabilities.

Designed and Hand Built in the USA

The RP-9 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). A high quality detachable IEC AC power cord is included.

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

Product Features

Overview

Vacuum tube line-stage preamplifier
RP-X hardware and software platform
Ultra-wide bandwidth, low distortion, and a vanishingly low noise floor
Four 6H30P tube mu-follower design
Tube complement: 4 x 6H30P tubes
OLED display (defeatable)
Mono button
Tube based high power headphone amp
Massive power supply
Slow start turn on sequencing
Auto mute at turn on/turn off
Ten function remote control
Detachable IEC power cord
Fully tested, burned in and auditioned
3-year manufacturer's limited warranty (6 months on tubes)
Proudly hand crafted in the USA

Connections

Three pairs of RCA line level inputs
Two pairs of fully balanced XLR inputs
One pair of fixed outputs
Two pairs of RCA variable outputs
Two pairs of fully balanced XLR outputs
Processor loop
Home Theater bypass/Unity gain inputs
Heavy-duty gold-plated RCA inputs

Product Specs

Frequency response: 1Hz – 170KHz +/- 1 dB
THD: <0.1%
Gain line stage: 14 dB (20dB XLR)
Rated output: 1V
Maximum output: 30V
Output impedance: <10 Ohms
Power requirements 115/230V – 50/50Hz
Dimensions: 18.5" W X 4.5" H X 17" D
Weight 30 pounds

Product Warranty

Parts & Labor

3 Year Warranty on Product

6 Month Warranty on Vacuum Tubes

Rogue Audio Warranty Information

"Rogue Audio's RP-9 vacuum tube stereo preamplifier is magical! I was a very satisfied listener to the RP-7 for the past three years and could easily have continued. However, once I heard the differences of the RP-9, I was sold. The RP-9 is dynamic, transparent, and revealing. My sound stage took on a greater sense of depth, width, and height.  The attack and decay of notes had a greater and speedier delivery with more articulation.  There was a greater sense of resolution and the details seemed to appear from a darker and quieter background.  I like being involved with music. I especially feel an intangible emotional response to the musical recreation and portrayal of a beautifully designed stereo that enables the recreation of performances with the distinct sounds and voices of renowned artists. The price of admission into the realm of the RP-9 is justifiable given the payoff."

"Mark O'Brien of Rogue Audio and his listening friends got it right!  The 6H3P tubes have a fascinating and clear singing sound.  Mark has made the music sound Sweet. The topology and parts revisions have contributed to creating an impressive preamplifier that takes the Rogue sound another step forward of leading the heart, mind, and soul to the happiness of musical involvement. I have a greater sense of music enjoyment relative to putting up a larger expense to buy the RP-9. My verdict is a definite positive endorsement.  Bravo to Mark and his accomplished crew!"

- Bob Grossman, enjoythemusic.com, May 17, 2021

"I decided to do the RP-7 to RP-9 upgrade… Immediate impressions so far is that soundstaging is considerably more three-dimensional with individual instruments easier to follow as a result."

- Ylee, audioaficionado.org April 15, 2019