Rogue Audio Ares II Tube Phono Preamplifier - Black

A Genuine Tube Phono Stage, Not a Hybrid

The Rogue Audio Ares II is an MM/MC phono preamplifier built with four vacuum tubes: two 12AX7s and two 12AU7s. It's a fully tube-based design, not a solid-state circuit with a tube added for flavor.

This is the standard Ares II, distinct from Rogue's pricier Ares II Magnum. The Magnum upgrades internal parts for even lower noise; the standard Ares II keeps the same core circuit at a more accessible price.

Custom Cinemag step-up transformers handle moving coil gain internally, rather than requiring a separate outboard step-up box. Heavy, 2-ounce copper circuit boards are used throughout for a solid electrical foundation.

A fully regulated outboard power supply sits in its own case, built around a toroidal transformer. A timer-delayed start protects the tubes at power-up, so the valves are not asked to work cold.

Three Gain Settings for MM and MC Cartridges

Gain switches across three levels: 40dB, 55dB, and 64dB. Between them they cover moving magnet through low-output moving coil. Set the one your cartridge asks for and leave it alone.

Internal settings cover most popular loading options, with selectable capacitance at 150pF or 0pF. A built-in subsonic filter helps tame rumble from a warped record or a turntable prone to footfall.

Rogue describes the RIAA equalization as precise. It does not publish an exact tolerance figure, which is normal for a small builder that measures every board by hand rather than to a printed spec.

It measures 17 by 9 by 5.5 inches and ships at 21 pounds. Most of that weight is the outboard power supply and the internal step-up transformers, not the chassis.

Who Is This Preamp Best For?

• Listeners who want genuine tube sound. All four tubes are in the actual signal path, not just a marketing accent.
• Owners of both MM and MC cartridges. Three gain settings and built-in step-up transformers cover a wide range of both.
• Anyone who wants MC step-up built in. Custom Cinemag transformers handle it internally, without a separate outboard box.
• Listeners who enjoy tube maintenance and tinkering. Tubes are user-replaceable, letting you experiment down the road.
• You would rather roll tubes than buy a new box — all four are user-replaceable, so a change of 12AX7s or 12AU7s reshapes the sound without touching the cartridge or the deck.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Run your turntable's phono cable into the Ares II's RCA input, then connect its RCA output to a line-level input on your amplifier or preamp.

Set the internal gain and loading to match your cartridge before you start listening. Give the tubes a few minutes to warm up for their best sound.

Pairs Well With

Building your system? Here are some great companions for the Rogue Audio Ares II:

• Turntables without a built-in phono stage
• Phono cartridges, MM or MC, matched to its switchable gain
• Interconnect cables to connect its output to your amp
• Turntables whose tonearm feeds it, moving magnet or moving coil

Frequently Asked Questions

What tubes does it use?

Two 12AX7 tubes and two 12AU7 tubes. They're user-replaceable, so you can swap in new tubes as they age or to experiment with the sound.

How is this different from the Ares II Magnum?

The Magnum uses upgraded internal parts for even lower noise, at a higher price. The standard Ares II shares the same core circuit and features.

Do I need a separate step-up transformer for a moving coil cartridge?

Custom Cinemag step-up transformers are built in, handling MC gain without any extra outboard box.

How long should I let it warm up?

The timer-delayed start protects the tubes at switch-on, then the circuit settles as it comes up to temperature. Give it a while before you form an opinion, the way you would with any tube gear.

What's the warranty?

Rogue Audio covers the Ares II with a three-year limited warranty, with tubes covered separately for six months.

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Learn More

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