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Rogue Audio Ares Phono Preamplifier A former Stereophile recommended component. Made in USA, vacuum tube phono preamplifier with separate power supply. 12AX7 & 12AU7 tubes. This model is MK1, current MK2 has an RRP of $4,490. Comes with owners manual & I will include an Audio Principe power cable. All in excellent condition. Open to trades for a quality DAC also. I don’t have the original box so pickup preferred. Reviews may be found here: http://www.10audio.com/rogue_ares.htm https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2013/12/06/ares/ Condition: Very Good Payment Method: PayPal, EFT or Cash Regio
Timing matters here—the original Rogue Audio Ares is an older design, predating the upgraded Ares II Magnum with its extra gain, better detail, and cartridge flexibility, so newer listings lean toward those. At AUD1,900, this strikes me as ambitious for a used original Ares, whose new list hovered around AUD3,000 back in the day; typical clean used examples trade in the AUD1,200-AUD1,600 range on the secondary market, assuming solid condition.
Before biting, verify the tubes—those four 12AX7s and 12AU7s are workhorses but prone to microphonics or hum if aged, so insist on a power-up demo and tube hours. Check for the stock power cord and manual, too; missing bits or rash on the chassis scream neglect. Solid buy if it sings clean.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Rogue Audio was founded in 1996 by Mark O'Brien and two colleagues from Bell Laboratories, establishing itself as a Pennsylvania-based manufacturer of high-quality audio electronics. The company, headquartered in Brodheadsville in the Pocono region, has built its reputation on American craftsmanship, with every product hand-built at its own facility. O'Brien, who holds a degree in physics from Cal Poly and previously worked designing laser systems, brought both technical expertise and a commitment to sonic excellence to the venture. The company's founding philosophy centered on creating audio components that the designers themselves would want to own.
Rogue Audio specializes in tube, solid-state, and hybrid audio components across a focused product range that includes integrated amplifiers, power amplifiers, preamplifiers, phono stages, and headphone amplifiers. The brand is particularly known for its vacuum-tube-based designs, which form the core of its engineering identity. The current lineup comprises approximately 16 to 17 models, each engineered with meticulous attention to circuit topology and layout. Notable products include the Cronus integrated amplifier series, which has become a reference point in the mid-to-high-end market.
Rogue Audio occupies a distinctive position as a boutique, high-end manufacturer that prioritizes value and accessibility without compromising sonic performance or build quality. The brand appeals to discerning audiophiles who appreciate American-made tube electronics and sensible pricing relative to performance. Its commitment to local sourcing and manufacturing, combined with a design philosophy rooted in personal conviction rather than market trends, has earned respect among audio enthusiasts and reviewers. Rogue represents the intersection of engineering rigor, tube-amplifier tradition, and practical American manufacturing.
See all Rogue Audio listings on RADAR.
