Rogue Audio Tempest Integrated Amplifiers

Rogue Audio Tempest Integrated Amplifiers 

DESCRIPTION

Tempest Integrated Tube Amplifier
General Features:

  • Ultra-wide bandwith output transformers
  • Massive high storage power supply
  • Matched quad output tubes
  • User selectable 4 or 8 ohm output taps
  • User selectable triode or ultralinear output
  • (4) KT88, (2) 6SN7, (2) 12AX7 tube complement
  • 6 inputs (phono*, CD, tuner, tape, aux, preamp)
  • *External phono stage required
  • Active outputs for subwoofer or biamping
  • Matched aluminum faceplate
  • Alps volume and Noble balance control
  • Heavy-duty gold plated RCA connectors
  • Heavy-duty gold plated binding posts
  • All precision components
  • Heavy (2 ounce) copper circuit board
  • Metal remote volume control
  • Fully tested, burned-in, and auditioned
  • Integral tube cage
  • Detachable IEC power cord
  • Entirely designed and built in the USA
  • 3 year limited warranty (6 months on tubes)
    Specifications:
  • output power: 90WPC minimum
  • THD: <0.1% typ., <1% at rated power
  • frequency response:
  • 20Hz - 20KHz at peak output,
  • 10Hz - 100KHz at 10 watts
  • input sensitivity: 1.0V RMS
  • dimensions: 18" W x 15¾" D x 7" H
  • weight: 55 lbs. (Magnum version: 60 lbs.)
  • shipping weight: 65 lbs
  • power requirements: 120V/240V - 50/60Hz

  • USER REVIEWS

    Showing 1-9 of 9  
    [Oct 20, 2009]
    HighTech RedNeck
    Audio Enthusiast

    I've bought this used on Audiogon after hearing one at a friend's home and it seemed to fit my needs. I prefer tubes but do not want the complexity of separate components. The Tempest has the openness of tubes without the bloat or sloppy bass of some gear. If anything I wish it had a bit more bottom end and sounded a bit more detailed when listening at really low volume levels.

    A friend suggested I replace the input tube 12AX7 with a 12BZ7 as is often done on some Cary amps. After checking with Rouge to assure it would not overtax the heater supply, I tried the 12BZ7. This was a huge improvement and made the amp much more robust sounding and there were no apparent drawbacks to the switch. I have been running it this way for over a year with no problems. Highly Recommended to owners of the MKI Tempest. Not sure if it can be done on the MKII.

    The sound is open and detailed with a nice tube ambiance. It sounds quick but doesn't come across like solid state gear or have an over etched quality. Imaging is good too with adequate dynamic contrast. Yes, I've heard better, like the Audio Research LS-5 and Classic 30/60/120, but then the Tempest does not cost nearly so much.

    Now for the problems.

    The amp weighs a ton and is not easy to get grip on it when trying to move it around. Decide where you want to put it and plan to leave it there or have some help when you do move it. Even small movements are not easy.

    The fan makes noise that is easily heard at very low volumes if you closer than 6-7 feet away. It’s a bad design in this regard. I have planned to get inside to see if it can be modified to mitigate the sound of the fan but moving it around is such a pain. I’m sure the fan is just rumbling against the metal case and be dampened out.

    It sounds best with Electro Harmonic KT88 tubes that originally ship with the amp. The problem is these tubes are extremely sensitive to shipping damage. I had a terrible time getting a good set from Rogue and The Tube Store simply said they would rather not try and ship them at all. I have heard rumor that EH have improved their KT88 tube in this regard but cannot confirm. BTW, 6550 tubes will work but sound terrible.

    It has lots of protective fuses inside so if you have any tube issues, as I did when trying to get EH KT-88s that survived shipment, it will blow the fuses quickly so have some spares. It does seem to be gentle on tubes as mine seem to be lasting a really long time.

    The amp likes high quality tubes on the front end, not Sovteks or any Chinese junk. That's not a problem really but you need to be aware it will sound harsh if the tubes are not something good.

    Associated Equipment: California Audio Labs CL-15 CD Player / JM Lab 826s Speakers / V-Cable Power Cords, Interconnects and their magnificent X-Link which helps stabilize the ground plane of audio gear.

    Hope this information helps. I’ve been very critical here so don’t get the impression I’m saying this is a bad piece of gear, because it is not. I tend to be the glass is half full kind of person and focus on the negative. I’ve had the Tempest for over 4 years now. If it were bad I would simply say that or would have gotten rid of it.

    The best advice I can give to any Tempest owners is substitute the 12BZ7 tube for the 12AX7, use EH KT-88 Tubes and pickup a V-Cable X-link.

    Cheers,
    Charles

    OVERALL
    RATING
    4
    VALUE
    RATING
    4
    [Jun 11, 2003]
    Joe
    AudioPhile

    Strength:

    Uncanny depth. Sound does not appear to come from the speakers. Great bass for all tube design

    Weakness:

    you can hear the internal fan from several feet away (it is very quiet, however)

    Had this one since September 01. Great product, similarly, great company to deal with. The depth, width, size of the stage is incredible. Sound is articulate, but not overly HYPER detailed. I guess that's bad to some people, but I prefer a realistic sounding system, and not a "hifi" sound. This has been the single best product I've bought. IT's been through many competitors, including the highly touted Cary SLI-80 Signature, the Unison Research SR-1, Audio Refinement Complete (excellent for an all solid state amp). I can't comment on the Magnum version, but the stock version is A-OK by me. Good Job Rogue!

    OVERALL
    RATING
    5
    VALUE
    RATING
    5
    [May 25, 2003]
    Joe France
    Audio Enthusiast

    Strength:

    As life-like a presentation as reproducted music can provide. A mega experience especially for the price.

    Weakness:

    Not much. The name is kind of wierd, as is the bird. What's that all about?

    My continued search for the perfect integrated amp. finally brought me to the Rogue Tempest Magnum, which I listened to for as long as they would allow at Sound by Singer (about an hour). This is a wonderfully engaging amplifier. The sound is very smooth, rich and life-like. I loved it particularly on vocals, although it fulfilled all of my expectations in classical and early jazz--from sols voices to orchestral presentation. Out does the VTL by a significant margin.

    Similar Products Used:

    Copland, VTL, C-J tube integrateds. Many solid states as well-- Musical Fidelity and Krell to name a few.

    OVERALL
    RATING
    4
    VALUE
    RATING
    4
    [May 06, 2003]
    yohjo
    Audio Enthusiast

    Strength:

    Everything

    Weakness:

    None that I have heard

    I bought the Tempest Magnum and could not be happier. This is my first venture in tubes and I love the sound. The Tempest is so good I see no reason to "upgrade." The only thing I am going to do is buy the 88 amplifier and semi bi-amp my speakers. Mark O'Brian, the owner of Rogue is great. Any emails with questions are promptly and happily responded to. The only knock I have read about is it is soft on the low end. I do not find this problem at all with my equipment. This is a superb product at a reasonable price and is made entirely in the USA. I run a Cal Audio cl10 as a transport feeding a Bel Canto Dac 2 with Nordost & Homegrown Audio cabling. Project Perspective turntable with Clearaudio Virtuoso cartridge. Speaker cables are Analysis Plus Oval 9's feeding Meadowlark Audio Shearwater Hot Rods.

    Similar Products Used:

    First tubed amp but serveral solid state amps

    OVERALL
    RATING
    5
    VALUE
    RATING
    5
    [Feb 19, 2002]
    Alan
    AudioPhile

    Strength:

    As before but better still.

    Weakness:

    None!!

    Following my previous review I contacted Rogue for advice on upgrading (to upgrade to the Magnum is not easy in UK). On his suggestion I changed the KT88''s to Electro Harmonix 6550''s and the 2 X 12AX7''s to Mullard ECC83''s. On my own tinkering I replaced the power lead with the high current Kimber and placed very soft sorbothane pads under the feet. As I said before I was absolutely delighted with the Rogue but with these changes it is staggeringly good. My Guarneri''s really sing - the bass is more open and the transparency is truly walk through - no area of the audio spectrum offends and this is the first time I have ever been able to say that in 32 years of buying HiFi. I did try replacing the 12AU7''s with Mullard ECC82''s but it pushed the soundstage too forward (for my ear). This is definitely my final amplifier purchase!!

    OVERALL
    RATING
    5
    VALUE
    RATING
    5
    [Aug 17, 2001]
    Alan
    Audiophile

    Strength:

    Power, Ambience, Transparency, Lucidity, Soundstage

    Weakness:

    None

    I was amazed when I heard this amplifier after the valve burn in period. The sound is so believable. All the features listed in 'Strengths' this amplifier has in spades.
    I found it was a little soft in single end and the dynamics were lost making the sound a bit too cosy. But switching to push pull everything opens up. The soundstaging is eerie and one feels wrapped up in the ambience. This is true high end at a bargain price. Another plus is that if you want to know anything regarding the equipment Mark O'Brien at Rogue answers your e-mail by return - brilliant!
    My other equipment: Acoustic Precision Eikos CD, Sonus Faber Guarneri's speakers and Ecosse (Scottish) cabling.
    Take enough monet with you because once you audition this amplifier you'll be sold.

    Similar Products Used:

    Krell 300i+150a, Lavardin IT, Exposure Pre/Power

    OVERALL
    RATING
    5
    VALUE
    RATING
    5
    [Jan 14, 2002]
    Craig
    Audio Enthusiast

    Strength:

    Details, smoothness, soundstage, power

    Weakness:

    A little bloom in the midrange

    I've paired the Rogue with a Rega 2000 CD Player and Harmonic Technology cables. The result is simply amazing. This is the best sound I've ever had with my system and the price is quite a bit more reasonable that a lot of components I've auditioned. The ability to change the sound of the system by simply changing tubes is also very attractive. I'd highly recommend auditioning this piece!

    OVERALL
    RATING
    5
    VALUE
    RATING
    5
    [Nov 22, 2001]
    David
    Casual Listener

    Strength:

    Enough power to drive most speakers yet price wise, an incredible bargin in this world of under powered over priced tube amps

    Weakness:

    Still looking for one

    Want to spend big bucks on a tube integrated amp? If so, skip this review. The Magnum version of Tempest integrated is Rogue Audio's Hot Rod version of the Tempest and from what I have heard, it is worth every penny of the extra $500. This integrated gives you what you expect from tubes in the mid range, while providing real power to drive real speakers (Rogue gives you both 8 and 4 ohm taps). Bass pitch and control are exellent. Currently, the Tempest is drivering a pair of Audio Physic speakers no problem. The amp looks great with the black face plate. It's nice to know that when you call Rogue Audio, you speak with one of the owners of the company. So, if you feel the need to spend lots of money on one of those esoteric low powered set integrated amps that can't drive their way out of a paper bag let alone most speakers, enjoy. But if you want a tube integrated that delivers the goods at a reasonable price, I highly recommend the Tempest magnum version.

    Similar Products Used:

    Creek 5350

    OVERALL
    RATING
    5
    VALUE
    RATING
    4
    [Nov 22, 2001]
    Peter Lorien
    Audiophile

    Strength:

    Amazing detail, soundstage with great power and deep tight bass. "MAGNUM VERSION.

    Weakness:

    none

    This is a review of the MAGNUM version of the Tempest which retails for $2695. I had owned the standard version for a while before I upgraded. The standard version was fabulous and handily beat the Soundstage reviewers choice Audiomat arpege that I had previously owned. After switching my speakers to to the great Audio Physic Virgo's I heard about the Magnum upgrade, check the Rogue site for full details.... It included doubling the power supply, upgraded 50% larger output transformers, auricaps and dale vishays and some circuit mods. This adds up to more power on tap for tighter deeper and more control in the bass and a drop in the noise floor opening up to a huge deep soundstage portrayed with detail and finesse.

    This is a miracle of an amplifier. I handily beats the competion and I have done a prodigous amount of back to back comparisons. I has been a great match for my Dan Wright modified SACD Player and is able to really present the added resolution of that format.

    The amplifier is built like a tank and Rogue Audio is the tops for customer support and care.

    I would like to most highly recommend jonathan@goldmanaudio.com has a great dealer of Rogue and many other products. His knowledge is astounding and he his wonderful to deal with.

    This is a must hear product.

    Similar Products Used:

    VTL, AR, Conrad Johnson, Plinius, Creek, MF, Krell, Simaudio, Audiomat etc.....

    OVERALL
    RATING
    5
    VALUE
    RATING
    5
    Showing 1-9 of 9  

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