I have had a fondness for Rogue Audio’s products since I reviewed the Atlas Magnum power amp a while back. I recently reviewed the Perseus Magnum preamplifier.  Rogue products remind of classic muscle cars that came out of Detroit in the 1960’s. Ballsy, well made with pride, and very distinctly American. Rogue’s products are also a great counterpoint to those audiophiles who complain about no “affordable” high performance components being made in the U.S.A. They often use this excuse to purchase products made in Asia, essentially rewarding manufacturers who take their operations overseas. One look at the Rogue price list on their website and you can see just how affordable their entry point products are. They also have a proven track record of longevity, great customer service, and accessibility. Rogue is well known for their tubed electronics, which makes the ...

One discussion topic I constantly see on Audio forums and chat rooms is the “second system.” Most of us dream of having at least one room in the home/apartment that can serve as a primary listening and/or home theater room. But bringing a functional system into any room while maintaining feng shui can be  challenging. It can be doubly challenging for a second system. When it comes down to it, most of us are willing to sacrifice some performance for convenience; after all, who wants a 60-pound amp sitting on the dresser, no matter how great the sound? Audioengine's latest release, the N22 Desktop Audio Amplifier makes such sacrifices a lot easier. This 22-watt unit can serve proudly in any second system, even as “the” system if space dictates. Quick to SetupLike every Audioengine product I've tested, the N22 is ...

McIntosh has announced two brand new Stereo Amplifiers featuring the latest advancements in both electronic component and material design to delivery accuracy, warmth, and emotional impact in music reproduction.  The lesser expensive MC302 was designed to be paired with McIntosh's recently announced C48 Stereo Control Unit.  McIntosh claims the 300 watt-per-channel MC302 is the most advanced amplifier they've ever produced at this power level.  The higher power allows each connected loudspeaker to reach its full audio potential.  Helping ensure high-quality music reproduction are all new patent-spending speaker wire binding posts.Designed to be durable like all their long-lasting products, the MC302 from McIntosh is able to deliver full rated power to speakers of all shapes and sizes.  Further, the MC302 is engineered to run "cool" in normal use without an extraneous noise from the connected chassis or speakers.  This unit uses ...

I've heard many audiophiles complain that there are not enough affordable, excellent sounding and well made components manufactuered in the United States anymore. Yes, it is true that many European and American designers have been contracting out their manufacturing to Asia to cut costs and keep prices within reach of ordinary hifi nuts.  And, yes, there are some American based manufacturers who make very fine gear, but priced for the Maserati crowd.  Yet, to make a blanket statement concerning the demise of fairly priced American products is unfounded, in my opinion. Rogue Audio is one such company that has been making very fairly priced, wonderfully built and well reviewed components since 1996. They specialize in tubed preamplifiers and amplifiers. Rogue products range in price from $995 for the Metis preamplifier to $9995 for the powerhouse Apollo mono block amplifiers. It ...

The importance of having the absolutely correct amplifier that sends the proper amount of power to your audio systems’ loudspeakers cannot be understated. And especially if your system at home features high-end speakers such as Paradigm monitors or a set of Anthony Gallo Acoustics Reference speakers, you should make sure that you purchase the right type of power amplifier to drive your loudspeakers to their peak levels, while never causing distortion in the process; which brings me to the McIntosh MC252 Power Amplifier. This power amp weighs around 95 pounds, stands about 10 inches tall and delivers a powerful 250 watts per channel.The sleek design of this power amp will fit right at home alongside your main audio rack components and the McIntosh blue light emanating from the power output displays on either side of the amp distinguishes this product ...