Tube Amps from Cary, BAT, & Rogue

audiocr381ve
audiocr381ve Posts: 2,588
edited June 2014 in 2 Channel Audio
Something is wrong with me. I'm loving the tube thing right now and have decided more of it would be a good thing. I'm deciding between three tube amps in the $1500-$2000

-Cary v12R

http://www.caryaudio.com/products/classic/V12R.html

-BAT VK-60

and I am also considering the Rogue Stereo 90 Super Magnum in the FS section.

Of course the best possible situation is to get my ears on all three but obviously that's not possible with these sellers being so far away. I have a Rogue Perseus tube preamp with Totem Hawk speakers but am currently loving my SDA CRS+ 4.1 TL's after removing the Solen's from the high pass and replacing them with Sonicaps.

I much prefer an involving sound over pinpoint accuracy. Bass is extremely important to me. If you can comment on any of these, I'd really appreciate any type of feedback. Please try and refrain from over recommend the Rogue just because one of our is selling it ;)

Thanks guys
Post edited by audiocr381ve on
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Comments

  • GlennDog
    GlennDog Posts: 3,120
    edited June 2014
    I'm in a similar boat . . .

    Robs BAT VK-150SE was driving me crazy, but out of my budget at this time

    "What the hell is wrong with me" is right!
    AC Regenerator PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
    Source Lumin U1 Mini into Lampizator Baltic 4 DAC
    Pre Cary SLP-05
    Power Rogue M180 Dark monos
    Mains Salk HT2-TL
    Rythmik F12
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited June 2014
    Shane, I've tried to refrain, but the hot rod Stereo 90 in the flea market would be a PERFECT partner with your preamp. just sayin' :biggrin:
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  • audiocr381ve
    audiocr381ve Posts: 2,588
    edited June 2014
    Mike Reeter wrote: »
    Shane, I've tried to refrain, but the hot rod Stereo 90 in the flea market would be a PERFECT partner with your preamp. just sayin' :biggrin:

    Haha, I get that they're both from the same company but the Cary & Bat seem to have quite the reputations. And the Jaguar Red color of the massive Cary amp is drawing my attention more than it should :P
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  • GlennDog
    GlennDog Posts: 3,120
    edited June 2014
    There is something to be said about visual synergy, too. In low light, my Jaguar Red Cary preamp matches almost perfectly with my Salk Song Towers. In bright light, the song towers really pop, almost neon like . . . It is a very cool effect
    AC Regenerator PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
    Source Lumin U1 Mini into Lampizator Baltic 4 DAC
    Pre Cary SLP-05
    Power Rogue M180 Dark monos
    Mains Salk HT2-TL
    Rythmik F12
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  • audiocr381ve
    audiocr381ve Posts: 2,588
    edited June 2014
    GlennDog wrote: »
    There is something to be said about visual synergy, too. In low light, my Jaguar Red Cary preamp matches almost perfectly with my Salk Song Towers. In bright light, the song towers really pop, almost neon like . . . It is a very cool effect

    Absolutely. And the Rogue Stereo 90 is just ugly to my eyes.
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited June 2014
    There is no question about the quality of the amps you have mentioned, the Cary, in red is gorgeous. I'd have to take out a second mortgage to re-tube that thing!

    Good luck with your choice, I don't think you can go wrong with any one of the amps you're looking at.
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  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    edited June 2014
    The combo I would like to try someday would be the Rogue Athena II or Athena:
    http://www.audioasylumtrader.com/ca/listing/Preamplifier-Tube/Rogue/Athena/Sale-pending/111334
    http://www.audiomart.com/details/294/rogue-audio-athena-tube-preamplifier.html

    and the Medusa tubeD hybrid amp:
    http://www.audioasylumtrader.com/ca/listing/Amplifier-Tube/Rogue-Audio/Medusa/Tube-Hybrid-Power-Amp/113128

    I thought the Athena II sounded great in some pretty pricey rigs. Not sure if or when I will make it to that level of gear....but I've read more than once how the Athena/II are supposed to be the sweet spot product of Rogues offerings....but I guess its all relative to what's connected to it.
    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2
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  • audiocr381ve
    audiocr381ve Posts: 2,588
    edited June 2014
    Thanks a ton guys. I'm gonna take Mike's amp in the flea market! Not in love with the look but it matches my preamp so it'll work :)
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited June 2014
    audiocr381ve wrote: »
    Thanks a ton guys. I'm gonna take Mike's amp in the flea market! Not in love with the look but it matches my preamp so it'll work :)

    Good on ya Shane, You will soon get past the "look" of the St-90 when you've had a chance to get your listen on!
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  • Dawgfish
    Dawgfish Posts: 2,554
    edited June 2014
    Thats a great choice! I love my Stereo 88 Magnum.
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  • audiocr381ve
    audiocr381ve Posts: 2,588
    edited June 2014
    Mike Reeter wrote: »
    Good on ya Shane, You will soon get past the "look" of the St-90 when you've had a chance to get your listen on!

    Thanks gents & I couldn't be more excited!
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,963
    edited June 2014
    Good choice, though any of them would have blown your skirt up. Bat-Cary-Rogue....you kidding me, all fantastic. The only problem I have with the Cary is the small fortune to tube roll in that monster. Let us know when the Rogue is up and running and throw out a short comparison to what it replaced.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • GlennDog
    GlennDog Posts: 3,120
    edited June 2014
    cre831ve, Congrats! I hope you dig the SQ & power . . .

    I've gone Rogue, too.
    Pulled the trigger Thursday about 12:00 am.
    Brewskis may have been in charge, but no regrets. I'm looking forward to pairing it with the Cary. Details to follow . . .
    AC Regenerator PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
    Source Lumin U1 Mini into Lampizator Baltic 4 DAC
    Pre Cary SLP-05
    Power Rogue M180 Dark monos
    Mains Salk HT2-TL
    Rythmik F12
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter