2. amps-preamps
  3. 1403055490

How quiet is your Rogue Sphinx?

I have a new Rogue sphinx, I don't recall the unit I demoed to be especially noisy but I do find my unit to have some noise despite other owners describing the model as 'dead quiet'.

In both 'standby' and 'on' there is a quiet though audible hum coming from the right hand half of the unit (maybe I can hear it through the vent on the top). You need to put your ears pretty close to the unit though.

There is also a similar hum to be heard through the mid/bass unit, audible about 2 feet away. This is aside from the more common 'hiss' that is also present. Oddly if I turn my balance control left all the way, the hum becomes much louder through the right speaker only and can be heard about 10 feet away. If I turn the balance to the right the original hum in the left speaker actually decreases in volume!

I am used to speakers having a hiss but the question I ask is do any other sphinx owners notice this extra layer of hum/buzz that varies with the balance control in this way? Is your actual amplifier unit dead quiet or does it have a faint hum also?

Just trying to figure out if my unit operates typically or otherwise.

Thanks in advance.
big_katydid
big_katydid OP
50 posts
 
lowrider57/Reynolds853.

interesting that your two issues cover both of my units observations and both were repaired. (The testing was thorough, cables/speakers were switched, even different power cords used.

I'll see how Rogue responds next.

Thanks.
wolf_garcia
6,728 posts
 
"Humbusters" are discontinued, but I found mine after searching around a bit so they're still out there. Great bit of kit as they say.
foster_9
1,638 posts
 
"I have a new Rogue sphinx, I don't recall the unit I demoed to be especially noisy but I do find my unit to have some noise despite other owners describing the model as 'dead quiet'."

It's a new unit. That's all that matters. Don't settle for less than a unit that is doing everything you expected. Rogue needs to make it right. You don't need to be buying devices to quiet it down. Transformer hum needs to be eliminated and noise through your speakers needs to be eliminated by Rogue or they need to replace your amp. This is my opinion of course. It's ultimately up to you.
big_katydid OP
50 posts
 
I did ask Rogue if in their opinion the noise was an issue, Nick feels that the amp is working as it should saying that some transformer noise is possible and that some noise from the balance is normal.

I still have a three year warranty and unless there is a consensus from sphinx owners of a problem that is apparently fixable (say if somebody had the same issue and Rogue fixed it)then I'll currently accept the amp as it is, if the problem is noted later and is confirmed as fixable then I will look into it again.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
Foster_9... "some noise from the balance is normal." Ridiculous statement, don't you think?

I've auditioned several preamps and an amp and the only noise I've ever heard was some hiss, and that came from the type of tubes being used.
More to discover