{"product_id":"rogue-audio-ares-ii-tube-phono-preamplifier","title":"Rogue Audio Ares II Tube Phono Preamplifier","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eRogue Audio Ares II\u003c\/strong\u003e is an all-tube phono preamplifier with three gain settings, custom Cinemag step-up transformers, and a fully regulated outboard power supply. It handles everything from high-output MM cartridges to low-output MC designs, with internal loading options and subsonic filtering. Designed and hand-built in Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eKey Features of the Ares II\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAll-Tube Signal Path:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pure tube circuit topology using 2 x 12AX7 and 2 x 12AU7 for warm, natural sound\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThree Gain Settings:\u003c\/strong\u003e 40dB, 55dB, and 64dB to accommodate any cartridge output level\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCustom Cinemag Step-Up Transformers:\u003c\/strong\u003e High-quality signal transfer for MC cartridges with minimal noise\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOutboard Power Supply:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fully regulated linear design with toroidal transformer, physically separated from the audio circuitry\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInternal Loading Options:\u003c\/strong\u003e Popular impedance values plus 150pF or 0pF capacitance loading\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMono Switch:\u003c\/strong\u003e Combines left and right channels for mono pressings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSubsonic Filtering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Reduces low-frequency rumble to protect speakers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTimer-Delayed Start:\u003c\/strong\u003e 30-second warm-up sequence minimizes turn-on noise and extends tube life\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrecise RIAA Equalization:\u003c\/strong\u003e Accurate phono curve reproduction across the full frequency range\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHandcrafted in the USA:\u003c\/strong\u003e Heavy 2-ounce copper circuit boards, Teflon\/silver-plated hookup wire, machined aluminum faceplate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eTube Circuit Design\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Ares II uses a pure tube signal path with no solid-state devices in the audio circuit. Two 12AX7 tubes handle the initial gain stage, and two 12AU7 tubes manage the output. The tube circuit is flexible enough to accommodate substitutions: replacing the 12AU7s with 12AT7 tubes adds about 9dB of gain, while 12AX7 substitutions add roughly 12dB. This gives you room to experiment with tube rolling and fine-tune the gain structure to your specific cartridge and system without any modifications to the unit itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eCartridge Compatibility and Loading\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith three gain settings (40dB, 55dB, 64dB) and internal loading options, the Ares II accommodates nearly any cartridge on the market. The 40dB setting handles high-output MM cartridges, 55dB covers high-output MC designs, and 64dB reaches low-output MC cartridges that need serious amplification. Internal loading can be set to popular impedance values, and capacitance loading is selectable between 150pF and 0pF. Whether you're running a Hana ML, a Goldring E3, or a high-end Lyra, the Ares II has the flexibility to get the best from your cartridge without needing external loading boxes or adapters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eOutboard Power Supply\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe power supply is fully regulated, linear, and housed in a separate chassis connected by an umbilical cable. This is not a cosmetic choice. Keeping the toroidal transformer and power regulation physically away from the sensitive phono circuitry eliminates the hum and noise that plague phono stages with internal power supplies. The result is a black background that lets you hear detail in your records you may not have noticed before, especially in quiet passages and low-level ambient cues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eBuild Quality and Construction\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Ares II reflects the same build standards as Rogue's more expensive components. Heavy 2-ounce copper circuit boards (comparable to what you'd find in the $7,500 Lamm LP2), Teflon\/silver-plated internal hookup wire, ultra-heavy-duty gold RCA jacks, and a machined aluminum faceplate. Every unit is individually tested, burned in, and auditioned before shipping. This is not mass production; it's hand assembly with quality control at every step.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003e\"Magnum\" Version\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Magnum upgrade takes the Ares II platform and adds premium components in the most critical parts of the signal path. According to Rogue, the Magnum version adds additional gain for very low output cartridges, improves inner detail, and improves accuracy. The upgrades include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCinemag \"blue label\" step-up transformers:\u003c\/strong\u003e Higher-grade transformers for improved MC performance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePRP resistors:\u003c\/strong\u003e Precision metal-film resistors in critical signal path locations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMundorf Supreme inter-stage coupling caps:\u003c\/strong\u003e Premium capacitors known for transparency and detail\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCardas internal wiring and RCA jacks:\u003c\/strong\u003e Upgraded throughout for better signal transfer and connection quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eWhat Changed from the Original Ares\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRedesigned motherboard:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lower noise floor than the original Ares\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMono switch added:\u003c\/strong\u003e Not available on the original Ares or first-generation Magnum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThird gain setting:\u003c\/strong\u003e 64dB option for very low output MC cartridges\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRefined RIAA equalization:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tighter accuracy across the frequency range\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eSystem Matching\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Ares II pairs naturally with any of the Rogue Audio preamplifiers. The \u003ca href=\"\/products\/rogue-audio-rp-1-v2-preamplifier\"\u003eRP-1 v2\u003c\/a\u003e is a strong entry point, while the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/rogue-audio-rp-5-v2-preamplifier\"\u003eRP-5\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/rogue-audio-rp-7-v2-preamplifier\"\u003eRP-7\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/rogue-audio-rp-9-v2-preamplifier\"\u003eRP-9\u003c\/a\u003e offer increasing refinement up the line. If you want an integrated solution with a built-in phono stage instead, the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/rogue-audio-cronus-magnum-iii-integrated-amplifier\"\u003eCronus Magnum III\u003c\/a\u003e includes MM\/MC phono capability, though the Ares II offers more gain flexibility and the advantage of a dedicated outboard power supply.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor a solid-state alternative, Rogue also makes the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/rogue-audio-triton-ii-solid-state-phono-preamplifier\"\u003eTriton II\u003c\/a\u003e, which takes a different approach with transistor-based amplification for listeners who prefer that sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eThe Listening Room Difference\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe're a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on trust, not hype. We've carried Rogue Audio for years because their products deliver real value and hold up over time. Every component is designed and built in Pennsylvania, and we're proud to support a manufacturer that shares our commitment to quality. Whether you're visiting in person or ordering online, we bring decades of experience, personalized service, and honest guidance to every interaction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSpecification\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetail\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eType\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Phono Preamplifier\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGain Settings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e40dB, 55dB, 64dB (selectable)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCartridge Compatibility\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMM and MC (low, medium, and high output)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLoading\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInternal settings for popular impedance values; 150pF or 0pF capacitance loading\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEqualization\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrecise RIAA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTube Complement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2 x 12AX7, 2 x 12AU7 (tube rolling supported: 12AT7 or 12AX7 substitutions for 12AU7)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStep-Up Transformers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCustom Cinemag (\"Blue Label\" on Magnum)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInputs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGold-plated RCA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOutputs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGold-plated RCA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePower Supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFully regulated outboard linear supply with toroidal transformer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMono switch, subsonic filter, timer-delayed start (30-second warm-up)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCircuit Board\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHeavy (2 oz) copper with precision components\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInternal Wiring\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTeflon\/silver-plated hookup wire\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConstruction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMachined aluminum faceplate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePower Cord\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDetachable IEC\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e17\" W x 9\" D x 5.5\" H\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping Weight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e22 lbs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWarranty\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3 years (6 months on tubes)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCountry of Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDesigned and handcrafted in the USA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Rogue Audio","offers":[{"title":"Silver \/ Standard","offer_id":67848808071537,"sku":"RAAR2SI","price":1460.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ Standard","offer_id":67848808104305,"sku":"RAAR2BL","price":1460.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Silver \/ Magnum","offer_id":67848808137073,"sku":"RAAR2SI-Magnum","price":1826.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ Magnum","offer_id":67848808169841,"sku":"RAAR2BL-Magnum","price":1826.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0923\/5215\/1921\/files\/AresIIMagnumphonopreamplifier_06218639-2147-4c96-b66e-65bed94d4ae5.jpg?v=1792519422","url":"https:\/\/sliyden.store\/products\/rogue-audio-ares-ii-tube-phono-preamplifier","provider":"sliyden.store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}