Rogue Pharaoh II vs Naim Supernait 3 for Revels


Hello! This is my first post here, long time lurker. 

My system is as follows - Rogue Sphinx v2, Revel F206, Matrix X-Sabre Pro MQA dac, Pro-ject RPM 10 Carbon w/Grado Sonata, Graham Slee Reflex M. 

Within the last few years I upgraded from Monitor Silver 8's to the Revels and a Bluesound node to the x-sabre. My system has grown a lot since I first purchased the Sphinx in 2016 and I'm just looking for something nicer. I'd appreciate a larger soundstage and perhaps more bass punch as a I listen to a lot of modern music. 

I've been making my eyes bleed reading about amps for the last year trying to decide and I'm ultimately at naim sn3 and rogue pharaoh.

Knowing that the revels love current, will I be under powering them with the sn3? Will the Pharaoh punch harder? If so, at what cost? 

xlosrnancr

The Rogue Pharaoh does have tubes in it, two 12au7s in the pre amp section, with a powerful class d output. I have compared it to the Nad m33, the Michi x3, Marantz 30 limited addition, Rogues own Cronus magnum and the Pharaoh 2 is the clear winner partnered with the Jbl l100 75 limited addition speakers. 

The pharaoh sounds much better thsn the sphinx.  the pharaoh is much smoother, cleaner, has huge bass depth and punch.  the bass punch is super impressive.  

no contest really as it should be with an amp that costs 3X as much.  

If you got the NAD C298 then the Benchmark LA4 seems like the natural fit for me. I say this because the Purifi amps are described as being very similarly to the Benchmark AHB2. The LA4 and AHB2 are what I use in one system.

I just bought and returned the NAD M22 V2 which I selected over the NAD C298 because I wanted something that did not sound like the AHB2. I returned the NAD because the AutoStart feature was problematic with my 2-amp setup on my CODA 07x preamp. I was happy with the sound of the NAD M22 V2 for its intended purpose, I just could not disable the AutoStart.

If my similar sounding assumption of the C298 and AHB2 is correct, then a CODA 07x preamp would likely be great the C298. I love the combo of CODA and Benchmark preamps and amps (all combos). The 07x preamp is very different from the LA4. It will add some tuby sound to the mix and it is not dead silent like the LA4. My fav is the LA4, but the 07x could be better with the C298 if you like a bit of warmth.

Both are winners. For me it would come down to of I really want to have to dabble with tubes or not anymore.

Actually went a different route and purchased a NAD C298. Sounds absolutely incredible. Considering pairing it with a Bel Canto Pre5 or a Benchmark LA4. It's currently being fed direct from the Matrix DAC.

The Supernait is wonderful and is all about current, just not absolute wattage.  2 ohms will not cause a strain.  That said, same goes for the Pharoah.  Don't like the stock tubes in the Paroah.  Get some NOS Mullards or Cifte's and you will be super happy.  I drove M105s with a Hydra and NOS Cifte's for a stretch.  

If you are open to used I agree with Greg M Musical Fidelity is a great choice. They do not hold their value well at all so that is a consideration buying new. 
 

I picked my A1008 up for $1500 a month ago. I really like it.

For my tastes if the Pharoah sounds anything like the Sphinx It would personally not be my cup of tea. 

If I'm not mistaken the Rogue is cheapaer than the Naim -- so no sweat there. That said, the Rogue's much higher power output will drive the Revels better.

However, if you want bang for buck, the Musical Fidelity M8s - 500 gives you about 500W for 4-5k. That should have better driving capability than the Rogue (not to mention the Naim).

I have always been favourably impressed by these MF amps, especially their nuvista series: they perform very well & do not cost the earth.