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How quiet is your Rogue Sphinx?

I have a new Rogue sphinx, I don't recall the unit I demoed to be especially noisy but I do find my unit to have some noise despite other owners describing the model as 'dead quiet'.

In both 'standby' and 'on' there is a quiet though audible hum coming from the right hand half of the unit (maybe I can hear it through the vent on the top). You need to put your ears pretty close to the unit though.

There is also a similar hum to be heard through the mid/bass unit, audible about 2 feet away. This is aside from the more common 'hiss' that is also present. Oddly if I turn my balance control left all the way, the hum becomes much louder through the right speaker only and can be heard about 10 feet away. If I turn the balance to the right the original hum in the left speaker actually decreases in volume!

I am used to speakers having a hiss but the question I ask is do any other sphinx owners notice this extra layer of hum/buzz that varies with the balance control in this way? Is your actual amplifier unit dead quiet or does it have a faint hum also?

Just trying to figure out if my unit operates typically or otherwise.

Thanks in advance.
big_katydid
devilboy
1,176 posts
 
Well here we go...I will never purchase another Rogue product. I purchased a used Sphinx and it was probably the most regretful purchase I ever made. In Rogue's defense, I never gave it enough time to fully break in (I bought it fairly new). I also heard swooshing and popping sounds coming from the left channel. When changing the inputs from the front panel knob, the right channel completely cut out. I sent this back to Rogue where they assured me they fixed the problems and after that, could not duplicate them in their shop. I sold the integrated last week and the gentleman who purchased it HEARD EXACTLY THE SAME THING AS I DID. Wtf? How could that be? But wait....it gets better.....

Four times, FOUR TIMES when Rogue said they would call me back for updates, or returning my call, whatever, they failed to do so. In my audio experience, probably the worst customer service I ever had the displeasure of dealing with. I know other people have had better experiences, and that's great. Not this audiophile.
devilboy
1,176 posts
 
By the way, the gentleman who purchased my Rogue Sphinx had to send it back to Rogue less than one week after he got it.
big_katydid OP
50 posts
 
I have been in contact with Rogue the last few days. Nick has been very fast with email responses and has told me that the Sphinx unit should have no noise. He suggested that interference on the AC line might be affecting the transformer but has said if it is shown to have an issue then they will look at it.

I will take it to the store I got it from and see how it compares to their floor unit. Rogue will give me a shipping label if there is an issue.

What alerted me to the hum initially was the fact I could hear it with the unit in standby mode, a little disconcerting.
simao's avatar
simao
1,823 posts
 
So let me get this straight: any hum or hiss you hear becomes inaudible once the music starts playing? When you're actively/critically listening, can you discern a sonic deterioration because of the hiss/hum? If not, stop micro-managing and enjoy your Rogue.

You have one of the better tube integrated out there for its price. You're going to have SOME hum or hiss. Hell, my MLA Statement hybrid integrated (originally $11500) has some hum when it's on. Does it screw up the music?

No.

Rogue is one of the most personable customer service entities out there. They'll help make things right as best they can.
big_katydid OP
50 posts
 
Simao.

It is quite true that the hum does not interfere with the music, my only issue is that if the unit is not operating as it should then I would definitely prefer to get that rectified, Rogue so far has been exceptionally helpful with emails answered within minutes sometimes.
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