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 

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