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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

Showing 1 response by avanti1960

avanti1960
1,551 posts
 
@sunnyjim 

I have heard the Pharaoh and Sphinx many times and owned the Rogue Cronus Magnum II for over 3 years.  
I also had the RP7 preamp and the Stereo 100 power amp.  
The Cronus Magnum sounds so much better than the Pharaoh and Sphinx.  No comparison.  It is one of the best sounding integrated amplifiers regardless of price.  
Although the Stereo 100 plays louder than the Cronus, I actually preferred the sound quality of the Cronus.  
I also demoed the Rega Elicit R ($3K) back to back with the Cronus and the sound of the Cronus blew it away.  Open, transparent, refined, smooth, gorgeous.    I heard some transformer noise near the amp but nothing from the speakers and listening position is dead silent. 
Stock JJ tubes sound great but take a while to burn in. 
The overall sound quality from the Rogue Cronus Mag is worth any minor inconvenieces it might bring.  

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