Reference Rogue Audio Headphone Performance with Full Preamplifier Capability
The Rogue Audio RH-5 Headphone Amplifier brings technology developed for Rogue Audio's RP-X platform to a dedicated personal-audio component capable of driving demanding headphones with exceptional control, clarity and tube dimensionality. Its two-tube mu-follower circuit feeds high-current MOSFET-buffered outputs, producing up to 3.5 watts into 32 ohms while maintaining an output impedance below 0.1 ohm for confident control across a broad range of headphone designs.
Beyond headphone listening, the RH-5 can serve as the control center of a complete two-channel system with three RCA inputs, one balanced XLR input, balanced and single-ended preamplifier outputs, an OLED display and full remote operation. This listing is offered in two configurations: the standard RH-5 without phono circuitry, or the RH-5 with Rogue Audio's optional user-adjustable MM/MC phono board for direct turntable integration.
Choose Your Rogue Audio RH-5 Configuration
RH-5 ā Without Phono Option
This variation includes the complete RH-5 headphone amplifier and preamplifier platform without the optional internal phono board. It is ideal for digital-source systems or systems that already use a separate phono preamplifier.
RH-5 ā With MM/MC Phono Option
This variation adds Rogue Audio's internal MM/MC phono board, allowing a compatible turntable to connect directly to the RH-5. The phono stage provides selectable gain and a wide range of resistive loading options to accommodate moving-magnet, high-output moving-coil and many low-output moving-coil cartridges.
Highlights & Benefits
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3.5-Watt High-Current Headphone Output ā Powerful MOSFET-buffered outputs provide the current required by difficult planar-magnetic and dynamic headphones.
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Two-Tube Mu-Follower Architecture ā A pair of 12AU7 tubes delivers Rogue Audio's characteristic dimensional presentation and natural tonal balance.
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Balanced & Single-Ended Headphone Connections ā Includes dual 3-pin XLR, one 4-pin XLR and two 1/4-inch headphone outputs for broad headphone compatibility.
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Three Selectable Gain Settings ā Front-panel gain selection allows the RH-5 to accommodate low-, medium- and high-sensitivity headphones.
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Optional Adjustable MM/MC Phono Stage ā Choose the phono-equipped variation for direct turntable connectivity with selectable gain and cartridge loading.
Technology & Design
Tube Mu-Follower Signal Stage ā The Rogue Audio RH-5 Headphone Amplifier uses two 12AU7/ECC802 tubes in a mu-follower circuit. This topology is designed to combine low noise and linearity with the spatial character and harmonic texture associated with premium tube electronics.
High-Current MOSFET Output Buffers ā The tube line stage is coupled to powerful MOSFET-buffered outputs capable of delivering 3.5 watts into a 32-ohm load. Output impedance remains below 0.1 ohm at 1kHz, supporting tight electrical control of the connected headphones.
Selectable Headphone Gain ā Three front-accessible gain settings of 3dB, 12dB and 16dB allow the amplifier to be optimized for headphones with widely varying impedance and sensitivity. This helps preserve useful volume-control range whether driving efficient headphones or more demanding reference models.
Optional User-Configurable Phono Board ā The phono-equipped RH-5 adds adjustable MM/MC gain and resistive loading. Rogue provides loading options from 20 ohms through 47k ohms, allowing cartridge impedance to be optimized for a wide variety of moving-magnet and moving-coil designs.
FAQ ā Rogue Audio RH-5
What is the difference between the two RH-5 variations?
The standard Rogue Audio RH-5 Headphone Amplifier includes all headphone-amplifier and preamplifier functions but does not include an internal phono stage. The phono-equipped variation adds Rogue Audio's adjustable MM/MC phono board for direct connection of a compatible turntable.
Can the RH-5 drive balanced headphones?
Yes. The RH-5 includes one 4-pin XLR headphone output and separate left/right 3-pin XLR headphone outputs, along with two conventional 1/4-inch headphone jacks.
Can the RH-5 be used as a stereo preamplifier?
Yes. The RH-5 provides both balanced XLR and single-ended RCA variable preamplifier outputs, allowing it to control an external stereo power amplifier and loudspeakers in addition to headphones.
What cartridges work with the optional phono board?
The optional phono board supports moving-magnet, high-output moving-coil and many low-output moving-coil cartridges. Rogue provides selectable gain and loading, including resistive options from 20 ohms through 47k ohms, for cartridge matching.
Why Buy From Us
- Authorized Rogue Audio Dealer
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Rogue Audio RH-5 Specifications
Product Type
Tube headphone amplifier and stereo preamplifier
Available Variations
Without Phono Option
With MM/MC Phono Option
Circuit Topology
Two-tube mu-follower with MOSFET-buffered outputs
Tube Complement
2 Ć 12AU7 / ECC802
Rated Headphone Output
3.5 watts into 32 ohms
Output Impedance
<0.1 ohm at 1kHz
Frequency Response
5Hzā50kHz, Ā±1dB
Total Harmonic Distortion
<0.05%
Line-Stage Gain
3dB / 12dB / 16dB selectable
RCA Inputs
3 Ć stereo pairs
Balanced Input
1 Ć stereo XLR pair
RCA Preamplifier Output
1 Ć stereo pair
Balanced Preamplifier Output
1 Ć stereo XLR pair
4-Pin Balanced Headphone Output
1 Ć 4-pin XLR
3-Pin Balanced Headphone Outputs
2 Ć 3-pin XLR, left and right
1/4-Inch Headphone Outputs
2 Ć 6.35mm jacks
Simultaneous Headphone Listening
Supported through multiple headphone outputs
Display
OLED with defeatable display function
Remote Control
Multi-function remote included
Remote Functions
Power, volume, input selection, mute and display control
Phono Stage
Optional; included only with selected phono variation
Phono Compatibility
Moving magnet and moving coil
Phono Gain
43dB / 58dB selectable per current Rogue product specification
Phono Loading Options
20Ī©, 30Ī©, 75Ī©, 100Ī©, 230Ī©, 300Ī©, 1kĪ© and 47kĪ©
Phono Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Greater than 70dB
Recommended Minimum Cartridge Output
Approximately 0.5mV or higher for best results with optional phono board
RCA Connectors
Gold plated
Turn-On System
Slow-start sequencing
Power Connection
Detachable IEC power cord
Power Consumption
31 watts when powered on
Power Requirements
120 / 240V AC, 50/60Hz depending on market configuration
Front Panel
Machined aluminum faceplate and controls
Dimensions
15 Ć 13.5 Ć 4 in.
W Ć D Ć H
Warranty
3-year limited warranty; 6 months on tubes
Manufacturing
Designed and hand-built in the USA
Factory Testing
Fully tested, burned in and auditioned
What's in the Box
RH-5 Without Phono Option:
- 1 Ć Rogue Audio RH-5 Headphone Amplifier
- 2 Ć 12AU7 / ECC802 Tubes, Installed
- 1 Ć Multi-Function Remote Control
- 1 Ć Detachable AC Power Cord
- 1 Ć Owner's Manual
RH-5 With MM/MC Phono Option:
- 1 Ć Rogue Audio RH-5 Headphone Amplifier
- 1 Ć Factory-Installed MM/MC Phono Board
- 2 Ć 12AU7 / ECC802 Tubes, Installed
- 1 Ć Multi-Function Remote Control
- 1 Ć Detachable AC Power Cord
- 1 Ć Owner's Manual
Headphones, turntable, cartridge, power amplifier, loudspeakers, balanced cables and RCA interconnects are sold separately unless otherwise stated.
