Rogue Sphinx....good match with Merlin TSM?

Interesting.  I went from the Rogue Sphinx to the Heaven 11 Billie.

I liked the Rogue Sphinx sound wise quite a lot, but I found that the amp could be noisy regardless of input used.  Its built in phono was especially noisy, lots of hum.

I like the Billie 11, as well.  It's built in DAC, is just ok.  Went with an outboard DAC instead.  It's built in phono is quite good.  

I ultimately like, but was/ am not in love with both amps.  Because it is for a second system, I have to refrain from going too crazy given the cost.  

I think it would be a push because both amps are tube/ Class D hybrids.  There's a saturation point that I hit with both amps after a couple of hours listening that I could not get to the core reasons for.  

Apologies for being all over the place and not very specific with my remarks.  

I am not familiar with the Merlins.  I would be inclined to go with a Class AB amp.  There's the Denon at/ around $2K.  I might also consider getting a basic Prima Luna tube integrated.  In any event, you would be looking at $3K new.

Rich 

Which version of the Billie do you have? I understand the Mk II version was quite an improvement over the Mk I. It also added a remote. There is a MkIII coming out next month, but price is over $3k.

What sound characteristics/improvements are you looking for, and what’s your budget and are you looking for new or used?