Rogue makes great gear here in the USA..... high value for the $$$
You may be surprised how good it sounds until you do get a dedicated pre
You may be surprised how good it sounds until you do get a dedicated pre
Rogue audio amp thoughts
Thanks for everyone's ideas, I think I am leaning toward the integrated route, Sphinx or Cronus. Does anyone with experience with the Tyler/Rogue combination have thoughts if I would hear a major difference running my speakers through one vs the other? I don't want to feel like I settled, but also don't feel like paying 2x more for a minor difference. thanks! |
I used to own Tyler Taylo Reference monitors, 10 years ago. Unfortunately I got into Rogue tube amps some years after I sold the Taylos. But I remember those speakers having a lovely midrange & treble, very coherent musical sound, plus excellent imaging & large soundstage. The weakness was of course in bass extension & impact - there’s only so much a monitor that size can do. I haven’t tried the Rogue hybrids - my interest in Rogue lies wholly with their excellent tube power sections. They’ve also made some very nice tube preamps. I think the Taylos are good enough (because of their midrange, resolution, and imaging) to benefit from something like a Stereo 90 power section (though the improvements in bass impact & dynamics may be lost on the Taylos). I think this could be a good match. I directly compared a Stereo 90 to an Atlas (non-Magnum) in my system several years ago, and the 90 was clearly better. But an Atlas Magnum should be very close. I’d look to pick up a Stereo 90 or Atlas Magnum under 1400. These are still very good amps, and will hold their value well if you need to flip them later (again, stick with their classic tube amps, not hybrids). And to be fair, even the non-Magnum Atlas was quite nice, in case you find a deal for say 1000. Another reason these amps hold their value is the incredible support offered by Mark, Rogue, and team - even if you only bought their amps on the used market! Definitely a smart buy, and well worth trying. |
Also keep in mind that the Sphinx is a class D hybrid. If you have the funds, I would look into the Asethetix Mimas integrated amp. Its also a hybrid, tube pre amp section but with a class a/b SS amp section. In my opinion, one the best integrates to hit the market in recent days. It’s significantly better than the Cronus Magnum 2 that I use to own. It’s twice the cost, but truly you get the best of two worlds...SS power with tube sweetness. Btw, I personally would stay away from the Sphinx and go the CM2, your ears will thank you for it. |
My local shop just got a Sphinx back in stock, so I could AB that with the Cronus with my speakers and dac, whether it was my other components being less than overly revealing or my ears being not as discerning, I actually didn’t hear much difference between the two, so I think I will go with the Sphinx when I can. Now to start researching trade in vs selling. |
Jon I upgraded to a Rogue Cronos Magnum 2 three years ago from a Cambridge integrated . The Rogue is fantastic and service and support from Rogue excellent. I paired the amp with Golden Ear Triton plus 2 speakers to boost bass . I bought the amp and speakers as a retirement gift to myself and plan to keep it until my kids send me to a home ! In my opinion you cannot go wrong w Rogue ! Best ! Russ |
russm535il7 posts01-05-2019 10:22amJon I upgraded to a Rogue Cronos Magnum 2 three years ago from a Cambridge integrated . The Rogue is fantastic and service and support from Rogue excellent. I paired the amp with Golden Ear Triton plus 2 speakers to boost bass . I bought the amp and speakers as a retirement gift to myself and plan to keep it until my kids send me to a home ! In my opinion you cannot go wrong w Rogue ! Best ! _________________________ I have T1s and am thinking of a Cronus. |
I purchased the RP 5 3 years ago . What really impressed me was the tubes give a very warm feeling to the music. I have a old Krell KAV250a. Although that amp is 10 years old, it works amazingly with the Rogue. When it comes to replacing the amp, I have my eyes on the Atlas Magnum III amp. In my book this is a perfect match The tube section really makes a soft warm presentation. The Sphinx is a great integrated amp. It has very good specifications. The sound is very nice and warm and the price is very reasonable. The Sphinx has received many great reviews. If you want to save some serious money and have quality sound, I would recommend the Sphinx Integrated Amp, The price is around $1,800.00. Sometimes you can get a discount which is dealer dependent. Just food for thought. Good luck. |