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

Which Denon are you suggesting? Also, aren’t Denons SS amps. Everything I’ve read and heard suggests Merlins excel with tubes. I’m not against SS, but that seems to be the consensus. Frankly, too many of the integrated the amps have....well....too many tubes. I like it simple/

Hi -

I have the Version II of the Billie amp. Would never go $3K for the amp, so version III is a non-starter.

As for the Denon, the one that caught my eye was the PMA - 1700 NE. Quite frankly, I have been a bit frustrated with the hybrid amps and really didn’t want to go for $3K for a second system. Note: I usually buy new. I also wanted built in phono, if I could get it.

Rich

Amazon has the Denon on sale for $300 or so off.

https://www.soundstageaccess.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/1217-denon-pma-1700ne-integrated-amplifier-dac

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnO2cBQ4hy4&t=357s

I should add I have used the Rogue with 2 sets of speakers … the Golden Ear BRX and the Zu Audio Omen Monitors. Both sets of speakers, price wise, almost equal to the amps.

In both set-ups, the quality of the recording trumped all. Neither amp was particularly forgiving of the recorded source.

Rich

You’d be going from one entry-level class D module (ICEPower) to another (Hypex UcD). You’re also going from a ECC99 tube front-end to 12AU7. Frankly, ECC99 / 12BH7 is the better tube.

I think in net, this would be a sideways move. Maybe you like the Hypex better, maybe not. I love Rogue’s true tube amps - I’d encourage you to look at a Cronus Magnum (any version), even if it’s more tubes to manage. That should give you "different" sound for sure! Rogue's amp section in the Atlas / Cronus and ST100 is a crazy value for the money, for a 100% USA-made amp! They sound awesome. 

You should consider a used joule electra amp.  I've had many and they were excellent when I had Merlins.  There were never many joule amps made but they are quite special if you can find a nice used one.