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Hegel vs Rogue

I am looking to upgrade my system and am debating whether to go one of two routes:

A) Hegel H160 w/ Schiit Mani phono stage
B) Rogue Sphinx v2. w/ DAC (approx $1000-1500)

I like the power and DAC/Airplay options of the Hegel, but wonder if the Rogue paired with the right DAC would give a warmer more robust sound thanks to its tube-hybrid design. Any thoughts?

Would welcome all thoughts/suggestions, as well as good DAC pairings with the Rogue Sphinx in the $1000-$1500 range.

Thanks!
gritter2
johnnyb43's avatar
johnnyb43
33 posts
 
I have both a hegel h360 and a cary sli80. .I go back and forth between the two and find I love the sound of both of them although I find the cary is a better listening experience when it comes to vinyl. .as far as a good dac I own a rega dac and love the organic analog sound I get from it..and you can find used one's for a bargain. Both amplifiers you're looking at are quality audio gear but it comes down to price and budget. Best of luck.
audiofool1
36 posts
 
Not sure it is in your budget, but I would recommend the new Hegel H360. . If you would like better control of bass response, this amp provides high damping and a very good DAC. They are available used for very reasonable price given the performance and build quality of this amp. Good luck.
markmendenhall
226 posts
 
Not specifically related to the OP's question/topic, but fwiw, just purchased a Hegel cdp4a CD player and find it eminently enjoyable.  My first experience with the brand.  Excellent build quality, very organic, almost analog sounding. Captivating!   I prefer it to other players I've owned: Audiomeca, Marantz, NAD, 
Jungson. Great sounding product.  

skoczylas's avatar
skoczylas
241 posts
 
I spent time auditioning the hegel h160 vs the h360 on spendor speakers and I liked the 160 a lot. I did not hear in that room in that system over two visits a difference to go for the 360. If you were doing maggies or other power hungry speakers perhaps it would make a difference but I could not hear it. 
mofojo
2,304 posts
 
I had the Sphinx V.1 for a short while and was not a big fan. Sounded 2 dimensional and kinda weak on my system. I think the preamp section is pretty good though. I hooked up my old Odyssey amp to the preout and it sounded damn good.
Always wanted to hear a Hegel.  
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