Rogue Audio The RH-5 Headphone Amp
The RH-5 envelops headphones in warm tonal richness, full bass, and unusually expansive, densely layered imaging. S. Andrea Sundaram found its lush midrange, energetic drive, and broad headphone compatibility especially compelling, while selectable gain, balanced outputs, and preamp connectivity make this a confident hub for a refined personal-audio system.
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Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
88/100
Build Quality
86/100
Features Usability
89/100
Value for Money
85/100
Pros
Warm, full-bodied presentation with a lush midrange, rich instrumental tone, and clear treble free of harshness.
Produces large, dense, layered images with convincing width and depth; balanced operation further expands the soundstage.
Selectable gain, high-current capability, and balanced outputs support a wide range of headphones, while extensive I/O enables preamp duties.
Cons
Some headphones reveal faint high-frequency noise in quiet rooms, more noticeably in balanced mode; disabling the display reduces most of it.
Its rounded, full bass and warm voicing are less incisive than a more analytical alternative, with softer attacks and less bass definition.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 88/100
The RH-5 is described as a warm, spacious and richly textured amplifier with particularly full bass, a lush midrange, and unusually large, layered images. It maintains convincing energy and drive, though its softer edges and less sharply defined bass will not suit listeners seeking the most incisive, neutral presentation.
Transparency Resolution
89/100
The review found that the RH-5 could preserve numerous layers within dense recordings while maintaining solid instrumental images and a continuous stage. Treble remained clear and textured rather than tinny, although the Grace m902 was said to reveal sharper attacks and better bass definition.
Tonal Balance Musicality
92/100
Its presentation is warmly voiced, with slightly rounded edges, full bass, a warm midrange, and rich instrumental body. Vocals gained a "golden glow," while trumpet and violin retained texture and avoided hardness, making this a notably inviting and forgiving listen.
Dynamics
88/100
The RH-5's dense, rich presentation was not reported to sacrifice energy or drive; both were heard in abundance on rock material. Kick drums had ample level, though the comparison amplifier delivered sharper transient attacks, and the reviewer did not consider either unit the final word in bass slam.
Noise Floor
82/100
The amplifier was generally quieter than some solid-state alternatives, with no hiss heard at normal listening levels. However, faint hiss could be heard at extreme settings, and some headphones revealed just-audible high-frequency noise in a quiet room, especially from the balanced output; switching off the display reduced most of it.
Headphone Compatibility
91/100
Selectable gain, high-current capability, balanced operation, and very low stated output impedance support broad headphone use. The reviewer concluded that it should be able to drive most headphone models, while noting that residual noise can be more noticeable with certain headphones.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
86/100
The RH-5 uses a stamped-steel chassis, a machined-aluminum front panel, and weighs 19 pounds. The review presents it as solidly made and understated, though it offers little commentary on long-term durability, controls, connectors, or internal construction.
Features Usability
89/100
The RH-5 is equipped to serve as the control center of a substantial headphone or speaker system, with sufficient inputs and outputs, selectable gain, balanced headphone operation, and an optional phono board. The display can contribute audible noise with some headphones, so turning it off may be preferable for the quietest listening.
Value for Money
85/100
At a listed price range of $2,495 to $4,190, the RH-5 occupies a premium amplifier segment with preamplifier-oriented connectivity and optional phono capability. The review does not directly assess whether it offers strong value against similarly priced rivals.
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Specifications
- Tube Complement
- 2 x 12AU7/ECC802 tubes
- Frequency Response
- 5Hz – 50KHz +/- 1 dB
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
- <0.05%
- Gain Line Stage
- 3dB/12dB/16dB (selectable)
- Rated Output
- 3.5W (32Ω)
- Output Impedance
- <0.1Ω (1KHz)
- Gain Phono Stage
- 43dB, 58dB
- RIAA Accuracy
- +/- 0.1 dB
- Phono Overload
- 40mV
- Power Consumption
- 31W
- Dimensions
- 15"W X 13.5"D X 4" H
- Weight
- 19 pounds
- Shipping Weight
- 23 pounds
- Power Requirements
- 120/240V – 50/60Hz
Manufacturer's Description — Rogue Audio
Brings groundbreaking technology platform to the personal audio world. Designed to drive the most demanding headphones with clarity, richness, and tube smoothness.
Features a wide variety of connectivity and user-selectable listening options. Ultra quiet, powerful, and sublimely musical, offering a superb option for high-end headphone users.
Not just a headphone amplifier, but can also serve as the cornerstone of a two-channel audio system. Offers both balanced and single-ended preamplifier outputs, capable of driving amplifiers and speakers.
Optional phono board allows playing records through headphones or loudspeakers. Onboard MM/MC phono features user-adjustable gain settings to accommodate most popular cartridges, with wide loading options for optimal sound configuration.
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- 2C Stereo — in-store — Washington, District of Columbia, United States (website)
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- Acoustic Sounds — online and in-store — Salina, Kansas, United States (website)
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