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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
 
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.
joekapahulu
251 posts
 
I will be watching this with interest. I had been planning to get a Rogue Cronus Magnum direct from the company. Living in HI, I have no dealer and have been unable to hear the unit. I was going on rep and reviews. But the last thing I want to face are product and return issues it's too expensive and a hassle. I am now apprehensive over Rogue QC? I know that may not be fair but when I spend $2500 on some kit, I expect it to work as anticipated and represented. I want to know customer service will be supportive.
big_katydid OP
50 posts
 
I'm glad I opened this thread at the very least it will make people aware of sphinx's noise and they can check it out for themselves specifically, it's the type of thing I wouldn't have thought of noting on a demo.
devilboy
1,176 posts
 
Joekapahulu, you would be wise to. How is it that two regular guys like myself and the person I sold it to heard two different problems immediately but the pros who built the thing didn't after having it for five days? Thankfully Rogue is not charging him for the "second" repair however I do believe he had to eat the shipping cost to send it back. ????????? Really Rogue? Come on.

As you said Joe, that's something to think about considering where you live.
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