Rogue Audio Tempest Integrated Amplifiers
Rogue Audio Tempest Integrated Amplifiers
USER REVIEWS
[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.
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[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! |
[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. |
[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 |
[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!! |
[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. Similar Products Used: Krell 300i+150a, Lavardin IT, Exposure Pre/Power |
[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! |
[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 |
[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. Similar Products Used: VTL, AR, Conrad Johnson, Plinius, Creek, MF, Krell, Simaudio, Audiomat etc..... |