Rogue Audio RP-9 User manual

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1) Introduction 2
2) Unpacking your preamplifier 2
3) Installing the RP-9 into your system 3
4) Operation of the RP-9 preamplifier 5
5) Troubleshooting 7
5) Registration of your preamplifier 7
6) Fuse values 8
7) Specifications 8
8) Product Registration and Warranty 9

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INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase decision! We at Rogue Audio truly believe that
our equipment provides the “smartest” value in high-end audio. If you have never
owned a vacuum tube preamplifier you will be thrilled by the silky-smooth sound
and incredible detail that only a tube preamplifier can provide. And with the RP-9
preamplifier, you can be sure that you are getting the very best in tube
amplification. We at Rogue Audio are extremely proud of our products and want
you to enjoy them to their fullest potential. So please, take the time to read
through this short manual so that you can be confident that you have set up your
preamplifier properly.
UNPACKING YOUR PREAMPLIFIER
Tools required: none
WARNING - This preamplifier uses voltages that could cause injury or
death. Never open the preamplifier while it is plugged in, and always
wait at least 30 minutes after turning the unit off before unplugging the
electrical cord and opening the unit. Lethal voltages can remain in the
electronics after the unit is unplugged.
WARNING –This power connection for this amplifier requires a three
prong grounded outlet. Lethal voltages can be present if amplifier is
not grounded properly.
WARNING –This apparatus must not be exposed to dripping or
splashing water. Do not place any liquid filled objects on this
apparatus.
Your new preamplifier has been painstakingly inspected for cosmetic flaws
during and after assembly. In order not to damage the cosmetic appearance of
your preamplifier it is important that you follow the unpacking instructions
carefully.
1. Open the shipping carton and remove the box containing the remote control
and power cord from the carton.
2. Carefully lift the preamplifier out of the carton, and remove the foam pads and
plastic bag.
3. Save the packing materials. The packing materials and box have been
carefully designed to protect your valuable equipment during shipping so you
don’t want to throw them away.

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INSTALLING THE RP-9 INTO YOUR SYSTEM
Place the RP-9 on a flat stable surface with at least 1” of airspace above the
preamplifier for ventilation. Do not place any other electronic components or any
other objects on top of the preamplifier.
Insert the IEC end of the detachable power into the rear of the preamp ( shown in
Figure ). Plug the opposite end of the power cord into an appropriate power outlet.
It is recommended that both the preamplifier and power amplifier are plugged into
the same wall outlet if possible (perhaps using a power outlet strip) in order to
avoid creating a ground loop.
Figure 1
Connecting sources to the RP-9 preamplifier:
Connections are made to the inputs on the rear panel of the preamplifier shown in
Figure 1. Three sets of RCA line level (CD player, tuner, DAC, etc…) inputs are
provided along with two pairs of balanced XLR inputs.
Connecting a home theater processor or surround receiver:
The RP-9 features unity gain bypass inputs that allow you to integrate your two
channel music system into a multichannel home theater system. This conveniently
enables you to share speakers and amps between the two without changing
interconnect or speaker cables.
Simply connect the left and right front preamplifier outputs from your processor
to the HT inputs on the RP-9. When the RP-9 is turned off, these inputs
automatically route the home theater signal directly to the power amp completely
bypassing the active circuitry in the RP-9. When turned on, the RP-9 controls
your sources and outputs the audio signal to your power amp. Note that no
additional buttons or switches need to be changed.
XLR
Outputs
XLR
Inputs
RCA
Outputs
Unity
Gain
Inputs
Processor
Loop
RCA
Inputs
IEC
Receptacle
Fixed
Output
Power
Switch

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Connecting an audio processor to the RP-9:
The RP-9 has a processor loop which allows various types of processors
(equalizer, room correction, bass enhancement, etc.. ) to be used. There are two
sets of RCA jacks on the rear of the preamp labeled “from proc” and “to proc”.
Connect the processor “to proc” on the rear of the RP-9 to the inputs on your
processor. Connect the outputs of the processor to the jacks labeled “from proc”
on the rear of the RP-9. When the processor button is pushed a blue LED below
the button will indicate that the source signal is going through the processor. With
the button out the signal bypasses the processor. Note that if no processor is
connected and the button is pushed then the signal is interrupted and there will be
no output from the preamplifier. This feature is also accessible via the hand held
remote.
Connecting the RP-9 to the power amplifier:
There are four pairs of variable (preamplifier) outputs on the RP-9. Two pairs are
RCA and two pairs are balanced XLR connectors. These volume controlled
outputs are used to connect the RP-9 to your power amplifier and any other device
requiring a variable output (e.g. a subwoofer or a second amplifier).
Connecting a subwoofer:
The second set of preamplifier outputs can be used for connecting a subwoofer to
the RP-9. The signal to these outputs is identical to the signal going to the power
amp and varies with the volume control. Note that these outputs can also be used
for biamping or running a second power amp located elsewhere.
Connection to the fixed outputs:
The RP-9 has one pair of fixed outputs. These outputs are connected to the source
and will output whatever signal is being used for the preamp. The volume is
“fixed” and does not vary with the volume control. You can use these to feed a
signal to an external headphone amp or a cd burner, etc….

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OPERATION OF THE RP-9 PREAMPLIFIER
Powering up the System:
After all your connections have been made, you are now ready to turn the
preamplifier on. A primary power switch is located on the rear of the unit and is
shown in figure 1. You can leave this switch on all the time and it will keep the
solid state portions of the RP-9 energized even though the unit is powered down.
Very little power is used in standby and the RP-9 will sound its best shortly after
turn on. The power button located on the front panel is shown in figure 2 and is
used to power the RP-9 on and off between listening sessions. Your preamplifier
features soft-starting to prolong tube life as well as to suppress turn-on transients.
A countdown timer on the display shows the time remaining before the RP-9 is
ready to use. A ten second software lockout prevents turning the unit on and off in
quick succession. After turning on the preamplifier, turn on the power amplifier
and source material and you are ready for listening. The first time that your
preamp is turned on (and anytime it has been unplugged from the power outlet) it
is best to let the solid state components charge up for a few moments before
turning on the preamp. To do this, simply plug the RP-9 in and turn on the rear
power switch. Wait a minute or so and then power on at the front panel. This only
needs to be done when the RP-9 has been disconnected from the wall or the rear
switch has been turned off.
NOTE –The RP-9 will not play music for approximately 45 seconds
after power on while the preamp goes through its sequential start-up.
Figure 2
Headphone
Jack
Processor
Button
Selector
Buttons
Balance
Control
Display
Defeat
Mono
Button
Volume
Control
Mute LED
Power
Button

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Switches and Controls:
The RP-9 is a full function preamplifier. The volume and balance controls are
extremely accurate attenuators which change in 0.5dB increments. The preamp
also has a processor loop, mono button, mute function (on remote), power
on/off button, and 5 input select buttons. All of these functions are
conveniently accessible on the hand held remote. A high quality OLED
indicates the input and volume. When using the balance control the volume
levels of both channels are displayed. The following sections discuss operation
of these controls.
Volume Control
The volume control has 192 steps which vary in 0.5dB increments. At turn on
the RP-9 defaults to a relatively low volume. The volume can be turned
continuously until reaching a reading at either 0 (min) or 192 (max).
Tactile Switches (buttons)
Power - If the RP-9 is turned off, pressing the power button will initiate the
start-up sequence and the blue LED above the button will light. If the unit is
on, the turn off sequence will begin and the blue LED will be extinguished.
Mono –Combines the left and right channels. When activated the blue LED
above the button will be lit.
Selector buttons –Pressing any of these will engage the selected input. A blue
LED above the button indicates the chosen input which is also displayed on
the screen.
Processor - activates the processor loop. When activated the blue LED above
the switch will light. Please note that if there is no processor connected
pushing this button will interrupt the signal (no sound will be heard).
Display defeat –Pressing this button toggles the display on and off. When the
display is off a single blue pixel remains to indicate the display is operative.
Remote Control
The RP-9 hand held remote contains most of the functions located on the front
panel. In addition, the remote also features a mute button that mutes the output
of the preamplifier. The balance operation on the remote is slightly different
than the knob on the faceplate. The remote balance operates in 1dB
increments down to -15dB and then jumps to -90dB. This allows fine
adjustment where it is most typically needed yet facilitates the extinguishing
of the channel without going through all of the intermediate steps.
Headphone Jack
The RP-9 includes a performance tube based headphone amplifier that uses a
¼” (6.35 mm) standard headphone jack. For performance reasons the jack

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does not include a switch to break the audio signal. To mute the output from
the preamp either mute the preamp or turn off your power amp.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Speaker Hum
If hum can be heard from more than a few inches from the loudspeaker, there
is probably a ground loop. Be sure to have the amp and all sources plugged
into the same outlet if possible. If this fails to cure the hum, call customer
service at Rogue Audio for further advice 570-992-9901.
Unit does not turn on
Check that the power cord connection is secure and that the rear power switch
is turned on
Turn off the main power switch on the rear of the RP-9. Wait one minute then
turn the rear panel switch back on. Wait 30 seconds then press the power
button on the front panel (e.g. reboot).
Unit does not play
Check that the interconnects are connected to the proper input or output.
Check that the interconnects are connected securely.
Processor button is pushed in with no processor or with the processor turned
off.
One channel does not play
Check that the balance pot is centered.
Check that the tubes are seated correctly and securely
For further problems, please call Rogue Audio Technical Support at 570-992-9901.
OWNER AND WARRANTY REGISTRATION FORM
Included with this manual is an Owner and Warranty Registration Form. Please
take a minute to fill out this card and return it to Rogue Audio. This card must be
returned within 30 days of purchase to validate the warranty.

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FUSE VALUES
115V version - 1 A slow blow located on left rear of chassis.
230V version - 0.5 A slow blow located on left rear of chassis
RP-9 SPECIFICATIONS
Tube Complement
Four 6H30P tubes
Frequency Response
5Hz –200KHz
THD
<0.1%
Gain
10/16 dB
Rated Output
1V RMS
Output Impedance
50 Ohms
Maximum Output
10V rms 20V rms (balanced)
Main Unit Dimensions
18.5” W x 17” D x 4.5” H
Weight
25 Lb
Shipping Weight
35 Lb
Power Requirements
115/230V –50/60Hz

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LIMITED WARRANTY
Warranty Period
This product has been manufactured under the highest standards of quality and workmanship. Rogue Audio
Inc. (hereinafter “Rogue Audio”) warrants this product against defects in material or workmanship as
follows:
With the exception of vacuum tubes, Rogue Audio warrants to the original purchaser of this product all
parts of this product against defects in material and workmanship for a period of three years from the date of
retail purchase. Rogue Audio warrants the vacuum tubes for a period of six months from the date of retail
purchase. Any defective parts will be replaced free of charge, excluding shipping and handling.
Proof of purchase in the form of a bill of sale or recited invoice which indicates that the product is within
the warranty period must be presented to obtain warranty service. Rogue Audio suggests that the purchaser
retain the dealer’s bill of sale as evidence of the date of retail purchase.
What’s Not Covered
This warranty does not cover cosmetic damage or any damage that results from product misuse, product
abuse, installation error, connection to an improper voltage supply, accident, improper maintenance,
alterations, modifications not authorized in writing by Rogue Audio, lightening, power surges, or acts of God.
Use of any other than Rogue Audio factory parts may void this warranty.
This warranty does not cover the cost of parts and labor which would be otherwise provided without charge
under this warranty, obtained from any source other than Rogue Audio.
This warranty applies only to consumer use of this product and does not cover any product that is used in
any trade or business, or in an industrial or commercial application.
This warranty applies only to the original purchaser of this product when purchased from an
Authorized Rogue Audio dealer.
This warranty is valid only in the United States.
YOUR RIGHTS
ROGUE AUDIO LIMITS ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES UNDER STATE
LAWS TO A PERIOD NOT TO EXCEED THE WARRANTY PERIOD. SOME STATES DO NOT
ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, AND SOME STATES
DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. THIS
WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY HAVE OTHER
RIGHTS WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.
To Obtain Service
To obtain service, you must contact Rogue Audio and obtain a return authorization number. The product
must be delivered to Rogue Audio in its original packaging prepaid at the following address:
Rogue Audio Inc.
545 Jenna Dr.
Brodheadsville, PA 18322