{"product_id":"rogue-audio-ares-ii-tube-phono-preamplifier","title":"Rogue Audio Ares II Tube Phono Preamplifier","description":"\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:0 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eA Genuine Tube Phono Stage, Not a Hybrid\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eCustom 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eA fully regulated outboard power supply, built around a toroidal transformer, includes a timer-delayed start to protect the tubes at power-up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eThree Gain Settings for MM and MC Cartridges\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eGain switches across three levels: 40dB, 55dB, and 64dB, covering moving magnet through low-output moving coil cartridges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eInternal 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eRogue describes the RIAA equalization as precise, though it doesn't publish an exact tolerance figure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eIt measures 17 by 9 by 5.5 inches and ships at 21 pounds, reflecting its outboard power supply and internal transformers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWho Is This Preamp Best For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eListeners who want genuine tube sound.\u003c\/strong\u003e All four tubes are in the actual signal path, not just a marketing accent.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOwners of both MM and MC cartridges.\u003c\/strong\u003e Three gain settings and built-in step-up transformers cover a wide range of both.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAnyone who wants MC step-up built in.\u003c\/strong\u003e Custom Cinemag transformers handle it internally, without a separate outboard box.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eListeners who enjoy tube maintenance and tinkering.\u003c\/strong\u003e Tubes are user-replaceable, letting you experiment down the road.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNot the right fit for anyone chasing the lowest possible noise floor.\u003c\/strong\u003e Rogue's pricier Ares II Magnum upgrades internal parts specifically for that.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow Does It Connect to Your System?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eRun 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eSet 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eBuilding your system? Here are some great companions for the Rogue Audio Ares II:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/products\/%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/turntables\/turntables\/\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eTurntables\u003c\/a\u003e without a built-in phono stage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/products\/%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/turntables\/phono-cartridges\/phono-cartridges\/\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ePhono cartridges\u003c\/a\u003e, MM or MC, matched to its switchable gain\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/products\/%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/cables\/interconnect-cables\/\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eInterconnect cables\u003c\/a\u003e to connect its output to your amp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat tubes does it use?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eTwo 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow is this different from the Ares II Magnum?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe Magnum uses upgraded internal parts for even lower noise, at a higher price. The standard Ares II shares the same core circuit and features.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eDo I need a separate step-up transformer for a moving coil cartridge?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eNo. Custom Cinemag step-up transformers are built in, handling MC gain without any extra outboard box.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat's the warranty?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eRogue Audio covers the Ares II with a three-year limited warranty, with tubes covered separately for six months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhy Audio Advisor?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e40+ Years of Expertise\u003c\/strong\u003e — Since 1981, we’ve helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e60-Day Money-Back Guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it’s right for you.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReal Experts, Real Help\u003c\/strong\u003e — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFree Shipping\u003c\/strong\u003e — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlexible Payment Options\u003c\/strong\u003e — Financing available so you can start listening now.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWant to learn more about tube versus solid-state phono stages, matching a preamp to your cartridge, or getting the most from your vinyl collection? Visit our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learningcenter.audioadvisor.com\/\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eLearning Center\u003c\/a\u003e for guides, tips, and expert advice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\n","brand":"Rogue Audio","offers":[{"title":"Black \/ New","offer_id":45981498376365,"sku":"NEW-RAARESII-BLK","price":2395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Silver \/ New","offer_id":45983016812717,"sku":"NEW-RAARESII-SIL","price":2395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/3708\/1773\/files\/RAARESII_SIL_01-Large__91109.1726897903.1280.1280_9c643a2d-3af4-4c17-96c2-21f79a0d7166.jpg?v=1778126327","url":"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/products\/rogue-audio-ares-ii-tube-phono-preamplifier","provider":"Audio Advisor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}