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
I would suggest the Rogue Cronus Magnum II Integrated 100Wpc with the KT120 tubes. My friend has one and it sounds great--musical, powerful, and nicely detailed, plus it has a phono stage and remote control.

I used to own the Rogue Medusa and moved to the Rogue ST-100 tube amp (similar to the Magnum II without preamp features). I can say that I'm much happier with the all-tube Rogue...
Hey, Sunnyjim, you might want to check out the amp that Hans Wetzel compares the Sphinx to: Arcam FMJ A19. The comparison is made in his review of the A19.

It has the MM phono stage and no DAC. I'm using Bowers and Wilkins 683 S2 speakers and the A19 is driving them superbly. The build and function is executed to a high degree. It has performed perfectly for me the past two years.

Hans does a very good job describing its sonic attributes. Good luck with your search. Enjoy your new speakers. They are outstanding!

Cheers,

Scott
If you don't mind staying with Rogue, I would suggest Their Pharaoh integrated. 185 W/P with MM and MC phono stage. For about $225 replace the two stock tubes with NOS Mullard 12au7's. This makes a very good Amp into a great amp and is very competitive With Hegal, ARC, Ayre, at a fraction of their cost.
I'd recommend any accuphase or luxman. However, they're a bit higher than what you're budgeting. Considering cost, you might want to look into the top line NAD integrated. It's got all the features you mentioned, plus plenty of power. I know a couple of folks that have NAD's and they sound good. Certainly, worth an audition. For more....

nadelectronics.com/products/hifi-amplifiers/C-375BEE-Integrated-Amplifier

Good luck
If you're looking for an integrated with plenty of power and a good MM/MC phono stage & aren't phased about getting a high end AE to switch the voltage to 120v (from 100v), you can pick up an Accuphase E-470 on Price Japan for $ 4,292USD + the optional MM/MC phono board. I can also recommend a 2nd hand Vitus RI-100 with the optional phono board which has excellent power & Vitus's essential DNA.

But if you want to buy new, I would check out the new [url=http://www.henleydesigns.co.uk/Unico-150-p1456]Unison Unico 150 tube hybrid integrated[/url] which is well designed and built & sounds musical. They are £4,000.00, though I couldn't find a US price. Unison used to offer an optional phono stage for their integrated products, though I'm not sure if they offer a phono board for this amp. Worth checking.
Have you thought about the Rogue Pharaoh? It has more power, great sound, and a great phono. I have heard the Pharoah but not the Sphinx, but from all accounts I've heard and read, a higher quality, better integrated.