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Looking for integrated better than my Rogue Sphinx

I have owned a Rogue Sphinx integrated amp for two years (100RMS). I don't have any specific complaints about its performance except at times when played loud, it sounds like it is clipping and delivering more distortion than clean signal. The Rogue retailed at time of purchased for $1325.00 (remote cost $100 bucks more). I thought it wise to check around with members as to their opinions about a step up in sound quality from the Rogue integrated before starting any serious searches.

Most higher end integrated amps today are decked out like cuckoo clocks and so this might be tough one. I have read a lot of good things about the Hegal integrated amps, but don't need a DAC unless it is going to be superior to the one in my Ayre CX-7emp CD player. In addition, I have no interest in computer audio and many of the accessory features of the newer amps will be useless to me.

However, I will need an MM phono stage, and will miss the one in the Rogue which is first rate.

Is it worth while to take a look at some of the older, highly praised integrateds, like Sim-Moon series of 7 years ago, or Krell, Vincent, Musical Fidelity, and possibly Conrad Johnson. CJ offered an integrated amp about 10 years ago and tagged it at $6500. It was rated 200RMS, but had no inboard phono stage It got excellent reviews at the time, though never took the market by storm ( probably because of its price tag in a depressed market) .

Having more power than 100RMS would be nice, but not a priority. My speakers are (newly acquired) Golden Ear Technology Model 7; so far, an extraordinary sounding speaker considering its price of $1400 per pair. Thanks to all
sunnyjim
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,786 posts
 
For the ump-teenth time: Balanced Audio Technology VK-300SE.
The first one I acquired was by far the best home stereo I've ever owned (around 2005). Thinking I was going to lose my job, I sold.

Picked up another 3-4 years ago and, while not "as good" as the first, is just an outstanding piece.

I think the first had a BAT cap upgrade which made it so freaky-good (I just could not imagine it sounding better).

I'm planning my "Swan Song" system but may send the '300 to BAT for the cap upgrade.
infection's avatar
infection
808 posts
 
"I'm planning my "Swan Song" system"

D'Agostino then...??!!
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
If you want glowing reviews of the Rogue Pharaoh,go to their website and check out the review section. These reviews of the Pharaoh are stellar and what I believe, un-biased. I've seen a few Pharaohs out there on the used market for around $2500. They should be of current production cuzz there are no updated versions that I know of. You didn't state a specific price limitation, so I thought it would be game on for a more expensive amp. And remember, a tube change can make a BIG difference. Even with the Sphinx. I do realize this is your call, and your money. Just my opinion.
austinbob
235 posts
 
I think my Luxman 505ux is an excellent value. I tried the Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum and the Luxman was much better. It has an excellent MM and MC stage as well. Plenty powerful and built very well with great remote. List is $4000, I paid $3200 and I've seen them on the Gon used for $2400 to $2800. May not be esoteric, but there's a reason its been in continuous production forever.
zufan's avatar
zufan
563 posts
 
Last year I exchanged my Sphinx for the Cronus Magnum. No similarity between the two; the CM is a whole other deal. Better in every way. Had it on Triton 1s also, a sweet match. It's a screaming deal as well at $2k ish.
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