Rogue Audio M-120 Monoblock Amplifiers
Rogue Audio M-120 Monoblock Amplifiers
[Mar 16, 2003]
Illoong Kwon
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Very good extension (both to the top and to the bottom). Neutral. Great soundstage and imaging. No need to bias.
Weakness:
Well, they don't look so handsome. Yes, they get hot. This is a review for a magnum version. Since purchasing these amps, I have no desire for the upgrade. Before these, I've been changing the amps every 6 month. This says all. M120 are powerful and detailed. They drive my Audio Physic Libra (4ohm 86db) with ease, even in the triod mode! I completely agree with the recent Stereophile review. They are on the neutral side, not euphonic like CJ amps. However, they do have tube magic. There is no mistake that these are tube amps. Paired with AP Libra speakers, imaging is also excellent. In a well-recorded opera, you can follow the singers every movement. Initially, I had hums both from the amps and from the speakers. Mark O'brien and Mark Walker at Rogue audio were exteremly helpful. They changed a power transformer and also intructed me an easy grounding fix. After that, my system is extremely quiet. I have to put my ears on the speakers to hear any hum or hiss. Similar Products Used: Audio Research VT100II, Bel Canto Evo 200.2, Conrad Johnson Premier 11A, Musical Fidelity A3CR. |
[Aug 07, 2002]
Kiefer74
AudioPhile
Strength:
Listed above great build quality excellent service
Weakness:
Run hot (summers are a bit tough) at this price or anywhere near-nothing The past reviews tell the story. I have owned the m-120 mono's 'Magnum version' for a lil over a year now. I was originally scared sh*tless about buying tubed gear, especially amps. To my suprise and relief the word of tubes is much easier to live in than I had thought. It seems to be a common fear for people before they own their 1st tube gear from my experience. The sound is truly spectacular. They don't have a strong tubey sound like some other brands, their much closer to neutral. I also bought the infamous 99 preamp 'Magnum version' at the same time. It was such an upgrade from my previous gear that I felt pure bliss...that is still here a year later. The more they broke in the beter they sounded. Excellent in the highs mids and lows despite what some people say about tubed gear being slow in the bass. I'd recommend Rogue Audio components to just about anyone and feel I was doing a good deed. A must audition if your in the market. Even if your looking at SS you may just go tubed...that's what happened to me ;-) I use an older Marantz model cd player as a transport, Musical Fidelity A3.24 DAC, Rogue Audio m-120's and 99 going to My Maggie 1.6's. All interconnects and speakerwire is Tara Labs RSC. This makes a special recipe for some sweet soundin music of any style any volume. Similar Products Used: Many different brands...used to spend hours at a few hi fi shops listening and comparing on a somewhat regular basis |
[Apr 17, 2002]
Jerry O
AudioPhile
Strength:
Adds life to the music, and is an incredible bargain.
Weakness:
Significant heat, potential reliability/durability concerns with output tubes, can''t manually bias the output tubes. I recently picked up a demo (standard version/Sovtek KT88 based). I''m amazed at the improvement it made over my beloved Kinergetics amps. It added significant soundstage depth and texture to the instruments. The music is more natural and lifelike. And, the units appear more powerful then their rating. Similar Products Used: VAC PA160, CJ Prem IV, Quicksilver M80, VTL MB150. |
[Apr 02, 2002]
buckingham
AudioPhile
Strength:
Blue LED, faceplate, build quality and of course they sound wonderful
Weakness:
They have taken the place of my baseboard heaters. These things do get quite hot. This is a review for the Magnum version of these wonderful Monoblocs. The model year is actually 2002. I will not echo everything the other reviewers have said, I just wanted to post to acknowledge this product''s quality. I am moving up from the Magnum 66 pre to the 99 pre to hear what the 120 Magnums can really do! Similar Products Used: Rogue Magnum 88, VAC 100/100, Musical Fidelity A3, Sonic Frontiers SFS 80 |
[Jan 18, 2000]
Hector Gutierrez
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Incredible sound,clear,deep,well staged. Incredible price.
Weakness:
None that is worth mentioning (cabinet ?) I have had the Rogue's M-120 for five months now and I |
[Feb 15, 2000]
Wayne Wilson
Audiophile
Strength:
The M-120 is comprised of an exceptionally rigid and solid chassis coupled to an extremely handsome faceplate. The whole unit exerts an earthy “down to business”
Weakness:
None I had purchased the M-120 monoblocks and Model 99 Pre-amplifier after only one audition. This is not to say I am an impulse buyer. An exhaustive search had been underway for six months and this was the right product at the right price. Being an Electrical Engineer in a manufacturing environment for ten years and an avid collector of vintage (esoteric) audio equipment, I am very familiar with what goes into a high end audio product with regards to quality versus cost. The point I am making is the big boys, (no name dropping today) should consider reinventing themselves with regard to profit margins. There is now no need to spend 5995.00 for two KT88 based monoblocks. The M-120’s perform as well, if not better, than the over priced amplifiers without question. On all source material, from Gerry Garcia to Frank Sinatra, the acoustics consist of a full, rich, deep, tight bass with a clean, crisp treble response. The M-120’s disprove the transistor vs. tube “soft bass” theory. The low end is delivered with a satisfying “Foreman style” punch that is very commanding. The high frequency response and timber are both clear and precise, unencumbered by any mid or bass range reproduction. Reserve power is definitely worth mentioning here. My M-120’s are currently driving a pair of Krix Euphonics that have a very mediocre sensitivity of 85 dB at 1 watt/meter. With a conservative rating of 120 watts, the Euphonics’ sensitivity was a non-issue for this amplifier. The M-120 amplifier will bring even the most power hungry loudspeaker to symphonic levels and clarity with minimal effort. The owner/operators of Rogue Audio, Mark O’Brien and Mark Walker, are true craftsmen and they obviously have put an enormous amount of time and effort into this product. It is very good to see quality like this! Similar Products Used: Rogue Model 99 Pre-Amplifier |
[Sep 16, 2000]
ken
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Triode mode is sweet,detailed and transparent with quick tight bass
Weakness:
runs pretty hot I bought these monos based partly on reviews here and in TAS. They were right ! For this kind of money these things are amazing. Triode mode is the way to go with these babies if you can. My Vandersteens love these amps. They open up and become more detailed with quick tight bass. Dynamics, soundstage and detail take a giant leap forward. It sounds like the performers are in the room with you. Sweet music flows in layers. This is the best money I've spent on audio in a long time. I don't think you can do better even at list price ! |
[Feb 06, 2000]
BigJim
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Fantastic Valu, These amps have the beautiful sound of tubes combined with a good amount of balls
Weakness:
Stock Tubes perhpas can benefit from a tube roll Fantastic Valu and preformance these mono's are indeed!! Similar Products Used: OTL Super Compact mono's |
[Apr 03, 2000]
eric
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Sweet sound
Weakness:
none Great sounding amps at a nice price...extremely well-built, good looking, that lovely tube sound. The bass doesn't have the greatest 'punch' to it, but these amps do rock. Mids and highs send tingles down my spine. I have never heard as nice a sound in my home! Customer support is amazing...I send email questions to Rogue, and they send answers back the same day. |
[Apr 17, 2001]
David Schiavone
Audiophile
Strength:
Everything , this review is for the Magnum version
Weakness:
None found,Could benefit from nos tubes. How can i desribe these mono blocks, JAW DROPPING.I had been using Rogue M-120 for about 6 Mos and loved them.I needed a new interconnect, so off to my dealer i went.When i got there he was busy helping a customer and said he would be right with me.I started to wonder around, it was then that i noticed the MAGNUM'S.My dealer had finished with his client, now it was my turn.I asked him about the Magnums,He said he thought they were the best amps under 7k. I had to hear them and what a mistake,once i did i knew i had to have them.Took a pair home on loan, hooked them up and it was time for the audition.I was floored!!!!!!!!!!The bass was tight, fast and powerful.The midrange on up through those sweet,engaging yet detailed highs,was absolutley amazing.I spent countless hours listening to solo pianos and female vocals.These amps also do classical like there's no tomorrow, perfect instrument placement,see through transparency,the soundstage was deep-wide-high.The amps are also extremely detailed.I bought a pair after hearing them,my guess is you will do the same.See for yourself,this is the best amp i have heard for the money(actually period).There customer support is among the best in the industry.I cannot say anymore about them,just listen for yourself. Similar Products Used: Too many to list |