Rogue Audio Ares II
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.
More Ares options
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.
Cartridge Versatility
Adjustable gain settings accommodate almost any MM or MC cartridge configuration.
Build Integrity
Heavy-duty copper circuit boards ensure long-term reliability and signal purity.
Noise Floor Control
Outboard power supply effectively isolates sensitive electronics from electromagnetic interference.
Analog Precision
Custom Cinemag transformers provide exceptional detail retrieval from complex vinyl grooves.
Operational Convenience
Subsonic filtering and mono switching offer practical utility for serious collectors.
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
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