{"product_id":"rogue-audio-m-180-dark-monoblock-amplifier-silver-pair","title":"Rogue Audio M-180 \"Dark\" Monoblock Amplifier - Silver-Pair","description":"\u003ch3\u003eThe Ultimate Version of the Ultimate in Vacuum Tube Amplification\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp align=\"justify\"\u003eThe special \"Dark\" version of Rogue Audio's M-180 monoblocks does what hadn't seemed possible. It upgrades the standard model M-180 so that it sounds even better than before. And that is quite an accomplishment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp align=\"justify\"\u003eThe exclusive Dark model features include ultra-premium coupling capacitors, Telefunken and RCA small signal tubes, increased power supply storage – the power supplies are 33% larger – Hex Fred high speed diodes and polypropylene bypass capacitors in the power supplies, Nude Vishay resistors at critical locations in the input circuitry, and Rhodium binding posts from Cardas Audio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhy a \"Dark Version?\"\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp align=\"justify\"\u003eWhy do Rogue's special 'amped up' versions of their components sport the label \"Dark\"? Here's the explanation, according to Ric Mancuso's October 2023 \u003cem\u003eenjoythemusic.com\u003c\/em\u003e review of the Stereo 100 Dark Amplifier, which includes insights from Rogue Audio's designer Mark O'Brien, who happens to be high-performance car and motorbike enthusiast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp align=\"justify\"\u003eMark explains, \"The term Dark refers to the world of high-performance racing machines. When a car or motorbike is presented to a racing team before modifications, it is delivered in a prime black finish, along with requested tweaked competition parts. So, the 'Dark' connotation is of extremely high performance.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePacked with Power, Grace, and Precision\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp align=\"justify\"\u003eWhen you are ready for the ultimate in vacuum tube amplification, look no further than the Rogue Audio M-180 Dark monoblock power amplifiers. They offer power, grace, and precision. Boasting 180 watts of pure tube power, these monoblocks present a soundstage of magnificent full height, width, and depth. They offer the pace and musicality of the M-Series for a riveting performance that will leave you breathless. And along with their profound sonic merits, the monoblocks are aesthetically exquisite amplifiers that will stoically serve as the cornerstones of your system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp align=\"justify\"\u003e\"The Rogue M-180 deserves to be at the top of every audiophile's list of amps that deliver high performance in almost every aspect of playback—something I'd say even if they cost $10,000\/pair,\" reports Erick Lichte in \u003cem\u003eStereophile\u003c\/em\u003e magazine on the standard model M-180. \"The Rogues excelled at throwing a huge, well-defined soundstage with outstanding spatial separation between instruments.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCircuitry Derived from Rogue's Apollo Amps\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp align=\"justify\"\u003eUsing circuitry derived from Rogue Audio's Apollo amplifiers, the M-180 is marked by an exceptional design that places it squarely at the forefront of tube technology with a \"slow start\" logical turn-on for extended tube life and the ability to externally switch between either ultra-linear or pure triode operation. The highly efficient design also means cool running and greatly extended tube life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp align=\"justify\"\u003eThe \u003cem\u003emassive\u003c\/em\u003e M-180 Dark power supply is 33% larger than the standard model's power supply and is refined and augmented with Hex Fred high speed diodes and polypropylene bypass capacitors. Other refinements include balanced (XLR) and RCA inputs – featuring Nude Vishay resistors at critical locations in the input circuitry – mechanically isolated transformers, matched octets of KT120 output tubes, and separate 4 and 8 ohm taps on the rear. The Dark version boasts Rhodium binding posts from Cardas Audio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eFormidable Tube Complement with Easy Biasing\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp align=\"justify\"\u003eThe M-180 Dark's formidable tube complement consists of 4 x KT120, 2 x12AU7, and x 12AX7 tubes, with matched octets of output tubes. The small signal tubes used in the standard version M-180 have been upgraded to Telefunken and RCA tubes. A slow start feature allows the tubes to warm up gradually to eliminate turn-on noise and greatly extend tube life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp align=\"justify\"\u003eSome people shy away from tube amps because it can be complicated and inconvenient testing and adjusting the bias, which typically requires using a hand-held meter. But this is far from the case with the M-180 Dark, which makes it easy to adjust the bias of the output tubes. In the center of the top plate of the amp is a built-in, easy-to-read meter with switches that lets you choose the tube you want to check out and\/or adjust.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp align=\"justify\"\u003eThe tubes are nicely protected with a welded wire tube cage, which also contributes to the impressive appearance of this amp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePremium Quality Components Throughout the Build\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp align=\"justify\"\u003eIn keeping with Rogue Audio's \"quality by design\" philosophy, only the finest components are used in the construction of these remarkable amplifiers. These components are hand-wired to a heavy, two-ounce copper circuit board.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDesigned and Hand Built in the USA\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp align=\"justify\"\u003eThe M-180 Dark is entirely designed and hand built in the USA. Each unit is individually fully tested, burned-in, and auditioned, assuring you of great sound right out of the box. It comes with a three-year manufacturer's limited warranty from Rogue Audio (six months on the tubes).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp align=\"justify\"\u003eThe machined aluminum faceplate is available in either black or silver to compliment the rest of your components and includes an audiophile quality detachable IEC-type AC power cable.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rogue Audio","offers":[{"title":"New","offer_id":45982150361261,"sku":"NEW-RAM180DARK-SIL-PR","price":9495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Demo","offer_id":45982150394029,"sku":"DEMO-RAM180DARK-SIL-PR","price":9495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Open Box","offer_id":45982150426797,"sku":"OPEN-RAM180DARK-SIL-PR","price":9495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/3708\/1773\/files\/RAM180DK_PSIL_01-Large__61981.1725337914.1280.1280_41ac95e0-55ca-4c76-8650-bad9665fa623.jpg?v=1778145655","url":"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/products\/rogue-audio-m-180-dark-monoblock-amplifier-silver-pair","provider":"Audio Advisor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}