Jumped the shark. ???
Been a tube guy that dabbles in Class D. Found a deal today on a Open Box Rogue Audio Pharaoh II and said what the heck lets give a class A/D Hybrid a shot for shits and giggles. Will be traveling next week when it arrives but I will have the following week to play. Have 5 different sets of speakers to play with, QLN Sonora, Sonus faber Sonnetto II, Sonner allegro unum speakers, Raven Audio CeLest Towers. Dynaudio Heritage Special.
Other Integrated to compare against, Audio Hungary X200 Qualiton, Simaudio 600i V2. Cyrus One, Heed Audio Elixer.
Let you know what we think in a few weeks.
Do I understand this right that you have each of these loudspeakers and each of these integrated amps? Gee, if so, I guess I’m impressed, but at the same time I have to wonder why. Most are ones I have not even heard of, but I suppose that is my issue, not yours. I hope you enjoy this activity with the new-to-you unit. By the way, what does sh@%s and gigg*%s mean? |
Yes we own all of these @rpeluso So S&G means FUN! Also these are all brands that have been around for quite some time. Google and the Dailyaudiophile.com are your friend. |
I had the Medusa in my system on audition and it was excellent in its way. Specifically, it offered the ultimate in transparency and threw open an expansive and deep 3D soundstage. But, it’s a decidedly “white wine” and neutral sounding amp that doesn’t project a lot of meat on the bones or heft you’d expect from a component that employs tubes. I mention this because if you like what you hear from the likes of an amp like the AH Qualition it may leave you a little cold although I never swapped warmer-sounding tubes in the Medusa so maybe you could try that with the Pharaoh ll if it comes across similarly to you at first. Just a somewhat related experience FWIW and be interested in what you think. |
okay here you go @immatthewj Got it covered betting man? Thorens TD145, MP110, Clearaudio Performance DC turntable with MP500 cart, SPL Voltare Phonos. Simaudio 680D with Mind2 Players. Simaudio 650D DAC and Transport, Bel Canto CD3t. See you in a few weeks with my review.
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@soix The Pharaoh II has had a complete overhaul. Here are a few lines from the interview:
Not looking for this to be a replacement of the X200 or the for that matter the Heed. Just intrigued by the Class D Hybrid architecture. Some Q&A With Designer / Owner Mark O'Brien We use the new OEM version of the N-Core module because it is more transparent and sounds better than the UCD module we used in the original Pharaoh. The N-Core modules are more powerful and require a higher operating voltage than the old modules, so we need to use a larger toroid to provide the higher B+ voltage.
Has the topology of the circuitry changed from Pharaoh I? Yes, the new Pharaoh is quite different from the original version and the circuit has been redesigned to achieve a higher level of performance. We use high-quality components in all of our equipment, but we did upgrade some of the critical capacitors and resistors in the Pharaoh II. In general, we believe the quality of the circuit is of fundamental importance, but better parts can improve an already good circuit.
Has the front end (tube) circuitry been improved? The new Pharaoh II circuitry was designed using a newer and much more sophisticated CAD system than the original version; this alone results in enhanced performance. Beyond that, the circuit grounding, as well as the tube design parameters, have all been improved upon.
Has any of the major specifications changed with the new revision? The biggest specification difference is the higher output power of the new Pharaoh II. It went from 185 Wpc to a 250 Wpc (conservative) rating. More importantly, the specs don't indicate how much better the new version is. For example, the new version has a larger and higher quality power supply, which doesn't affect the specs but improves the sonics.
Is there anything new in the headphone and Phono sections? The headphone has been completely redesigned and is effectively a single-ended version of our dedicated headphone amp (the RH-5). It features MOSFET buffers and higher output power. The phono design is similar to the original but uses better components for a lower noise floor and better sound.
Does the unit have to be on (Blue Light) for the Pharaoh to be used as a preamp? Tubes engaged? The unit does need to be turned on to use it as a preamp and it does incorporate the tubes when used in this manner.
Any similarity to the RP series of Phono Preamps? The preamp in the Pharaoh is its design. While it does have some similarities to the RP series, when you design a preamp for an integrated amp, you can optimize it for the power amp section.
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@immatthewj you are a real fine human being.
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@boxer12 Thank you for the compliment. We have been collecting for a while and while I was down in Padre Island recovering we made a few acquisitions. Now I am back traveling and have been in the RSA and Mexico for work. Back to the grind.
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@jerryg123 Thanks for the info on the updated Pharaoh. Despite the Medusa using their older design and being firmly in the “white wine” sound category, it was still one of the better amps I’ve had in my system so the Pharaoh with all its improvements may be quite special and love to hear your thoughts once it’s burned in. |
Thanks, @jerryg123 , judging from the obscene emails that you used to send me, I thought that you probably felt that way. |
Like I said you are a fine human being @immatthewj. Time to move a long. No time to waste on the likes of you.
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Be interested in any Pharoh 2 thoughts…had the one and was very impressed. The sound was eventually TOO clean for me…but really really liked where it was going. I’m definitely not anti class d as I LOVE my Ps Audio Stellar. the only other gripe…and I may be misremembering…is the lack of balance control.
Would recommend the original Pharoh for many. |
@jerryg123 , does this mean that you won't be sending me any more obscene DMs? |
