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Rogue Audio Sphinx V3 Integrated Amplifier / Separate Phono Preamp

I have a Rogue Audio Sphinx V3 Integrated Amplifier with a built-in phone amp.  I'm having an emotional desire to upgrade to a separate phono preamp based on  Paul McGowan, of PS Audio, recent post saying it was the most important part of an audio system..What budget do I need to have to improve what I currently have and any suggestions?

johnmarzy
rar1's avatar
rar1
1,828 posts
 

Hi John -

I liked the sound quality overall of the Rogue Sphinx v3 quite a bit, but I found the on-board phono preamp to be prone to hum and noise.  Couldn't get to the bottom of it, so I replaced the amp.

For a $2000 hybrid amp, I would imagine a budget of $500 max.  The Parasound Z-phono or the Cambridge Audio come to mind.

Granted, I don't know which TT/ cartridge you are using.  

 

 

Rich

 

 

johnmarzy's avatar
johnmarzy OP
31 posts
 

Hi Rich,
Project DC Carbon Ortofon Red with magnapan .7 speakers

ghdprentice
8,112 posts
 

From my experience the phono stage is really critical. I upgraded mine over and over, over the decades and it was not until I got to the Audio Research PH8 did it get out of the way. To put this in perspective this would be an investment level of Turntable (with Cartridge) = Phonostage = Preamp = Amp... an for that mater = DAC = Streamer in a system with the sound quality being the same for all media. You can see my system under my UsrID. 

So, in your case I would go for the very best you can afford. I'd recommend a used Audio Research, or Zesto if you can find one you can afford.

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