Jim,
will you be using the GoldenEar Triton Sevens?
And do you want all SS, or are you open to a tube pre with a SS amp?
will you be using the GoldenEar Triton Sevens?
And do you want all SS, or are you open to a tube pre with a SS amp?
The best separates between $2500-3000. Moving on from the original Rogue Sphinx Intg..
I have decided NOT to upgrade the original Rogue Sphinx integrated amp to its new version. Therefore, I would humbly ask for recommendations for the best separates in the $2500-3000 range. I would prefer the same brand pre-amp and power amp, but will consider mixed brands.
My requirements are basic: at least 150-175 RMS; a simple "quality" remote with a mute switch and smoothly calibrated volume control. Pre-amp Out ( optional) feature;. A good headphone stage; A good to VG phono stage, BUT CAN forego in favor of a good phono box.. .
I DON'T WANT OR NEED: an onboard DAC for streaming audio files ; processor loops, or subwoofer inputs and outputs HT inputs and outputs; class D amp
Because of the plethora of new pre-amps with the features I don't want, I might consider older "quality" pre-amps without the bells and whistles. However, I AM NOT interested in so called "upgraded" vintage or refurbished" crap from 20-30 years ago. I recently got burned on a refurbished and marginally upgraded turntable. My mistake. Thank you for your advice
Showing 6 responses by lowrider57
Jim, I haven't heard the Parasound A21. Just know some members were pleased with it. The amp that I'm impressed with and would love to hear is the Odyssey Stratos. A lot of members are talking about it and it's Class A/AB, stable to 2 ohms. Since these amps can be built to the customer's requirements, that's probably why the actual power of the amp is not specified. And Odyssey is related to the high-end German brand "Symphonic Line." I'm going to toss out a recommendation for an older amp, that IMHO, is a giant killer. A refurbished Sunfire 300. It's high power, high current, and not solid-state sounding. The later generation is fully balanced; I made the mistake of buying one from 1998 and it's single-ended. But, it sounds terrific; wide and deep soundstaging and very musical. I see them going for about $1000. |
OK, so without droning over my audio history, let me say that it may be time to suspend this quest for separates, because I am getting opinions from every side and many often cancel out each other related to equipment, I may have expressed a growing interest . But that is OK, because I don't want to shell out $2500 for components used or new or a combo of both to find out that the sound even after burn-in is only marginally better.Jim, I've followed your threads regarding the Sphinx ver.1, and I feel that your conclusion to replace it is correct. Maybe Rogue isn't the amp for you, or maybe it's been the growing pains of having their first generation, entry-level Class D hybrid. Having said that, rather than moving into the sometimes complex world of separates, I suggest replacing the Sphinx with a Class AB or A/AB integrated. We're at a time in HiFi that integrated amps are so well designed and sonics have progressed to the point that an integrated can compete with separates. Brands like Pass, Plinius, McIntosh, VAC, PrimaLuna...I guess I'm saying all the manufacturers are making integrateds which are not considered inferior to separates. |
Jim, At your budget, I realise that many integrateds and also separates would be a horizontal move. I was thinking of a much higher-end integrated than the Sphinx which would sell for about $3K+ used. For example, Plinius... https://www.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-plinius-hautonga-integrated-amp-2016-06-22-integrateds... |