Rogue Sphinx....good match with Merlin TSM?

Interesting.  I went from the Rogue Sphinx to the Heaven 11 Billie.

I liked the Rogue Sphinx sound wise quite a lot, but I found that the amp could be noisy regardless of input used.  Its built in phono was especially noisy, lots of hum.

I like the Billie 11, as well.  It's built in DAC, is just ok.  Went with an outboard DAC instead.  It's built in phono is quite good.  

I ultimately like, but was/ am not in love with both amps.  Because it is for a second system, I have to refrain from going too crazy given the cost.  

I think it would be a push because both amps are tube/ Class D hybrids.  There's a saturation point that I hit with both amps after a couple of hours listening that I could not get to the core reasons for.  

Apologies for being all over the place and not very specific with my remarks.  

I am not familiar with the Merlins.  I would be inclined to go with a Class AB amp.  There's the Denon at/ around $2K.  I might also consider getting a basic Prima Luna tube integrated.  In any event, you would be looking at $3K new.

Rich 

Which version of the Billie do you have? I understand the Mk II version was quite an improvement over the Mk I. It also added a remote. There is a MkIII coming out next month, but price is over $3k.

What sound characteristics/improvements are you looking for, and what’s your budget and are you looking for new or used?

Which Denon are you suggesting? Also, aren’t Denons SS amps. Everything I’ve read and heard suggests Merlins excel with tubes. I’m not against SS, but that seems to be the consensus. Frankly, too many of the integrated the amps have....well....too many tubes. I like it simple/

Hi -

I have the Version II of the Billie amp. Would never go $3K for the amp, so version III is a non-starter.

As for the Denon, the one that caught my eye was the PMA - 1700 NE. Quite frankly, I have been a bit frustrated with the hybrid amps and really didn’t want to go for $3K for a second system. Note: I usually buy new. I also wanted built in phono, if I could get it.

Rich

Amazon has the Denon on sale for $300 or so off.

https://www.soundstageaccess.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/1217-denon-pma-1700ne-integrated-amplifier-dac

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnO2cBQ4hy4&t=357s

I should add I have used the Rogue with 2 sets of speakers … the Golden Ear BRX and the Zu Audio Omen Monitors. Both sets of speakers, price wise, almost equal to the amps.

In both set-ups, the quality of the recording trumped all. Neither amp was particularly forgiving of the recorded source.

Rich

You’d be going from one entry-level class D module (ICEPower) to another (Hypex UcD). You’re also going from a ECC99 tube front-end to 12AU7. Frankly, ECC99 / 12BH7 is the better tube.

I think in net, this would be a sideways move. Maybe you like the Hypex better, maybe not. I love Rogue’s true tube amps - I’d encourage you to look at a Cronus Magnum (any version), even if it’s more tubes to manage. That should give you "different" sound for sure! Rogue's amp section in the Atlas / Cronus and ST100 is a crazy value for the money, for a 100% USA-made amp! They sound awesome. 

You should consider a used joule electra amp.  I've had many and they were excellent when I had Merlins.  There were never many joule amps made but they are quite special if you can find a nice used one.

If you are wanting to go with Rogue, you should take a hard look at the Cronus Magnum III. I've heard that multiple times with Maggie 20.7's and it was nearly as good as the $50K Audio Research stack that was next to it.