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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
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
1,771 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.
smrex13
645 posts
 
I had a very similar issue. My Sphinx buzzed from the left speaker more loudly than the right, and when I turned the balance all the way to the left, the right speaker buzzed louder. I didn't keep the unit, and I've been hesitant to explore Rogue products since. To be fair, it was only one unit, but your experience gives me further pause.

Scott
big_katydid OP
50 posts
 
Smrex.

Interesting that you seemed to have ha a similar issue too. Did your unit hum also? Did you have Rogue inspect that unit?
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