2. amps-preamps
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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
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 
To Dweller, I definitely will check out if there are any BAT 300 SE available on AG, or possibly E-bay, and will precede from there,if I think the price is right, and the cap upgrade is reasonable.

Fortunately,In SoCal, there is Upscale Audio which is the premier dealer possibly in the Southwest for purchase of replacement tubes, and also to get solid advice.

Mtbrider. Sounds like good advice, worth at least Upscale Audio's free consultation service. You also mentioned and recommended the Anthem 225 integrated. One of our members recommended this unit to me several times, but I was never overwhelmed by the reviews, and just assumed it was another above average IA. I know the 225 model has been available for probably 10 years,maybe more; however, they don't come up that often o AG. Thanks to all who responded
melbguy1
1,438 posts
 
Andysf, Unless a Luxman representive wants to come on here and officially discredit my view, I am sticking by my comments. This is a public forum. I am free to post my views based on what I know to be the truth. I am not engaged in a smear campaign against Luxman.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
Jim,
If your Sphinx sounds like it's clipping and you can hear distortion during loud listening sessions, changing the tubes in the preamp stage isn't going to help your situation.

Stay the course and get an amp with higher current.
andysf's avatar
andysf
269 posts
 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Audio_Group

Melbaguy1. Where did you hear that Luxman was PRC owned and manufactured? Important to me since I am about to buy a Luxman amp! It seemed to me that when I was researching the brand that they were pretty open about what they made in China (L-305, SQ 30) and what was made in Japan.
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 
To Lowrider, I used to know much more about the advantages of a high current amp and high damping factor. I am NOT sure they are related. My understanding is that high current amps produce a stable output of power that is coherent across the amp's impedance range A good choice for electrostatics, and planars, ribbon and piezo electric tweeters. Whereas, HIGH DAMPING FACTOR offers much greater control over woofer movement allowing for tighter and deeper bass.

However, that said and assuming you are right, what high current integrated amps are on the market that also are very good in other areas of performance, e.g. highs, transparency, overall musicality?? If you know of a few, please let me know.

In the meantime, I shall stay the course. I am not in a hurry to abandon the Rogue Sphinx, and not entirely sure the amp is clipping at high volume settings.
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