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Looking for integrated better than my Rogue Sphinx

I have owned a Rogue Sphinx integrated amp for two years (100RMS). I don't have any specific complaints about its performance except at times when played loud, it sounds like it is clipping and delivering more distortion than clean signal. The Rogue retailed at time of purchased for $1325.00 (remote cost $100 bucks more). I thought it wise to check around with members as to their opinions about a step up in sound quality from the Rogue integrated before starting any serious searches.

Most higher end integrated amps today are decked out like cuckoo clocks and so this might be tough one. I have read a lot of good things about the Hegal integrated amps, but don't need a DAC unless it is going to be superior to the one in my Ayre CX-7emp CD player. In addition, I have no interest in computer audio and many of the accessory features of the newer amps will be useless to me.

However, I will need an MM phono stage, and will miss the one in the Rogue which is first rate.

Is it worth while to take a look at some of the older, highly praised integrateds, like Sim-Moon series of 7 years ago, or Krell, Vincent, Musical Fidelity, and possibly Conrad Johnson. CJ offered an integrated amp about 10 years ago and tagged it at $6500. It was rated 200RMS, but had no inboard phono stage It got excellent reviews at the time, though never took the market by storm ( probably because of its price tag in a depressed market) .

Having more power than 100RMS would be nice, but not a priority. My speakers are (newly acquired) Golden Ear Technology Model 7; so far, an extraordinary sounding speaker considering its price of $1400 per pair. Thanks to all
sunnyjim
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paraneer
818 posts
 
FWIW, I just checked the Luxman website and looked at the pics of the 505ux that is a current model.

The picture of the back panel clearly shows "Made in Japan".

Seems to me if they were being built in China, Luxman would take down this picture to avoid any controversy. Like Hegel. And if still in doubt, just ask a Luxman dealer to verify where its made by looking at the back panel. I think its safe to assume that Luxman is still a high quality, Japanese built brand even if owned by IAG.
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greginnh
382 posts
 
Regarding Luxman, here is the deal. This information comes directly from the US importer who provided me current data as well as a 2015 Price List.

1. A few items were produced in China. These were the low end items. They are as follows:

L-350AII Integrated
P-10 Headphone Amp
SQ-30u Integrated Tube Amp
SQ-N10DR V Tube Integrated Amp
SQ-N10 V Tube Integrated Amp
D-N10 CD Player
D-100r I Pod Dock
D-03x SACD Player
U-100 USB Converter

The remainder of the line (and it is extensive) is made in Japan with the exception of 2 isolation clamps and 2 vibration isolation pads that are made in USA.

2. In January 2015, the decision was made to cease manufacturing in China of a very few low end models and move it all back to Japan.

You can easily tell if a current Luxman product us made in Japan vs China as the brand logo will be script type for Japanese units and the Chinese units continue to use the box type letters from the 70's and 80's.

Hopefully this clears things up.

Melbguy1, I am not sure what I said that put you on the defensive. I was simply asking for a verifiable source to corroborate your statement - sorry.
melbguy1
1,438 posts
 
Greg, your story is incongruent with the well informed information I was
given. I won't take the above information on face value, but will cross check
that in my own time. Again, I am sticking to my guns until and if I confirm
otherwise. As for my defensive reaction, I don't think you understand how
small the audiophile world is, and how posting names can have serious
consequences. If think i'm going to do that, forget it mate.
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hasmarto
202 posts
 
Melbguy, the more facts folks here provide on the Luxman matter, the more defensive you get. Do you work for Accuphase? Or, more likely, Luxman has a special Chinese-made line for the Australian market only (don't get excited, it's a joke).
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greginnh
382 posts
 
Andysf, apparently Melbguy1 claims to have some "inside information" that cannot be disclosed. Regardless of whether there is any truth to his statement, the fact remains that depending on the model you want, you can still purchase a Luxman unit that is made in Japan.
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