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Jolida 1501RC hybrid integrated vs. Rogue's Sphinx

I was all set to purchase Rogue's (new) Sphinx hybrid integrated amp, when I came across an excellent internet sale for a minty Jolida 1501RC. The attraction was saving almost $800.

The Jolida model was first issued in 2004 and is 100wpc and also a hybrid integrated. It does lacks a phono stage which the Rogue offers. I do not know of the official age of the Jolida unit for sale, but am inquiring with the buyer.

However, I have no way to audition either amp side by side or individually. Therefore, can someone inform me as to whether the Jolida 1501RC is a quality product compared to the Rogue's Sphinx integrated which has received two very good reviews

There always seems to be tons of Jolida products for sale on AG. Is Jolida reaching for mid-fi status by offering so many models and options????......... Thanks
sunnyjim
tubegroover
2,320 posts
 
I wouldn't know, although I've listened to and seen the excellent build quality and value of Rogue gear years back, but whenever possible I go out of my way to avoid purchasing ANYTHING made in China regardless of QC or price although I've had a few transgressions on this principle. It is more about supporting jobs and manufacturers' here or with our Northern neighbors. I doubt if this helps you but it made me feel real good and nothing against Jolida so long as it's made here!
wolf_garcia
6,759 posts
 
I get the "buy local" thing...interestingly, Jolida's founder Michael Allen started a new factory in China (after his falling out with the lawsuit dudes) to provide his workers with much better working conditions and wages to insure high quality...seemingly this worked.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,664 posts
 
Don't know how much it matters in this case but teh Jolida is older and teh Rogue newer. That might matter even more than with most technology still in the case of the Class D amps used in teh Rogue. The Rogue uses Hypex Class D amp technology, not sure what model, generation or how old the ones used specifically are, but I have a lot of faith in anything that says Rogue on it more so than Jolida in general.
tbromgard
814 posts
 
I have listened to both and both are good. I like the Rogue better. IMO/in my system it sounded better, and has a nice phono stage. Plus its American made.
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 
Thanks to all who have responded so far. Regarding other Rogue products, I believe I read that Rogue's Cronos Magnum sounds better than the Sphinx,... that is smoother with a deeper and wider sound stage. However, it is all tubes, needs occasional rebiasing, and nothing can be stacked on it because it has no flat chassis like the Sphinx integrated

If anyone has an opinion about the sound quality of Rogue's Cronus Magnum, please share them with us.

BTW, CM integrated is a about $1000 more than the newer Sphinx with the same phono stage...... Again, many thanks to all who have contributed so far.
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