2. amps-preamps
  3. 125094-1644

The best separates between $2500-3000. Moving on from the original Rogue Sphinx Intg..

I have decided  NOT to upgrade the original  Rogue Sphinx integrated amp to its new version.  Therefore, I would humbly ask for recommendations for  the best separates in the $2500-3000 range. I would prefer the same brand pre-amp and power amp, but will consider mixed brands.

My requirements are basic: at least 150-175 RMS; a simple "quality" remote with a mute switch and smoothly calibrated volume control.  Pre-amp Out ( optional) feature;.  A good headphone stage;  A good to VG phono stage, BUT  CAN forego in favor of a good  phono box.. .

I DON'T WANT OR NEED:  an onboard DAC for streaming audio files  ; processor loops, or subwoofer inputs and outputs HT inputs and outputs;  class D amp

Because of the plethora of new pre-amps with the features I don't want, I might consider older "quality" pre-amps without the bells and whistles. However, I AM NOT interested in  so called   "upgraded" vintage  or refurbished" crap from 20-30 years ago. I recently got burned on a refurbished and marginally upgraded turntable. My mistake.  Thank you for your advice 

  

sunnyjim
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
P.S: Regarding "if I connect a separate power amp to line 3 which is a variable output ...," this still strikes me as incorrect, as well as being in conflict with statements in the manual. As can be seen in the rear panel photo I linked to earlier, line 3 is clearly marked as being an input, not an output. The variable line-level output corresponds to the pair of jacks labelled "Output - Var." Or at least it **should** correspond to those jacks, unless someone made a completely dumb mistake in the design, which I doubt, or if your unit is somehow different than what is shown in the photo and described in the manual.

Best regards,
-- Al

sbrownnw
693 posts
 
Try to find the following Audio Refinement (designed by YBA) separates used:

- Audio Refinement Pre5 (great imaging, warmish sound and a lot of inputs plus remote)
- Audio Refinement Multi 2, 3 or 5 (125 wpc 8 ohms / 200 wpc 4 ohms and matches very well with the Pre5)

Very musical combo that I use today and beat out a Rogue Cronus Magnum.
mofojo
2,289 posts
 
I used to own the Sphinx v.1 as well. I thought it was just ok. I liked the pre section a lot more than the power section. 
Found a 3 year old Odyssey Stratos Extreme off ebay for $800 and a used Jolida Fusion preamp for another $800. To put it politely to me it made the Sphinx sound small lifeless and weak. Awesome combo to my ears. I also own an integrated 100wx2 tube amp using KT120 tubes. Although it has it's own set of virtues I would take the Jolida/ Odyssey combo overall any day of the week. It's smooth, fast, tonally accurate "IMO", and slams hard with no fatigue.
bigboltz
55 posts
 
Quicksilver Audio
starboard
25 posts
 
Dehavilland Ultraverve 3 Preamp. $2500 to $3000.......you cant go wrong with this well built and great sounding tube pre. Big tone, strong bass and well detailed.
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