Rogue Audio Ares II
Top Pick
Rogue Audio
Rogue Audio

Rogue Audio Ares II

4.6

Best high performance tube phono stage for serious vinyl enthusiasts.

This tube-driven preamp is built for the vinyl purist who demands warmth and texture over clinical precision. By isolating the power supply in a separate chassis, it eliminates noise to let the subtle details of your records shine, though you’ll need to clear extra shelf space for the bulky outboard unit.

Who it's for

  • Audiophiles seeking a lush and immersive analog listening experience
  • Vinyl enthusiasts who frequently experiment with different high-end cartridges
  • Collectors who value domestic manufacturing and durable high-quality gear

Who should skip it

  • Listeners who frequently swap cartridges and prefer accessible external controls
  • Minimalists or listeners with limited space in their equipment racks
  • Budget-conscious hobbyists looking for a more affordable entry into tubes

Performance breakdown

Sonic Fidelity

Pure tube topology delivers a rich, expansive, and deeply immersive soundstage.

Excellent

Cartridge Versatility

Adjustable gain settings accommodate almost any MM or MC cartridge configuration.

Excellent

Build Integrity

Heavy-duty copper circuit boards ensure long-term reliability and signal purity.

Excellent

Noise Floor Control

Outboard power supply effectively isolates sensitive electronics from electromagnetic interference.

Excellent

Analog Precision

Custom Cinemag transformers provide exceptional detail retrieval from complex vinyl grooves.

Excellent

Operational Convenience

Subsonic filtering and mono switching offer practical utility for serious collectors.

Excellent

Key Specs

Amplification Type

Vacuum Tube

Cartridge Compatibility

Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC)

Gain Settings

40dB, 55dB, 64dB

Input Capacitance

150 pF

Equalization Curve

RIAA

Chassis Material

Aluminum

Power Supply Type

External

Subsonic Filter

Yes

Mono Switch

Yes

Dimensions

17 inches W x 9 inches D x 5.5 inches H

Know before you buy

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Ask Metto anything about the Rogue Audio Ares II before you decide.