My current system is Focal Aria 926s, BlueSound Node 2, and Rogue Audio Sphinx v2. I like the system a lot and enjoy the sound as a big step up from what I had before. But I've recently begun to notice that I feel like the sound is a bit veiled for lack of a better word. I can hear great detail, but it sounds like it's coming through a blanket or something. I suppose this is just my ears/mind adjusting over time. I also had the experience recently of hearing a substantially higher end system that made the music sound as if I could hear the air all the way around each note such that it was just so much more alive sounding. All that's to say, I'm think of upgrading and looking for suggestions. I figure the Sphinx is the place where I want to make a change, in part because I want to go to full solid state to avoid the power drain when my kids leave it on overnight. I've heard an Atoll IN200 that I loved in the shop but haven't compared side by side with my Rogue. I also got recommendations recently for a Musical Fidelity M6si or a Belles Aria, though I haven't found an Aria available recently. I'd rather not spend more than $2500 or so, and that only if it's going to be a significant improvement over what I have now. I'd be curious for folks' thoughts on how much I need to spend to notice a big difference and if there might be something out there that's not a whole lot more than the Sphinx but will give the clearer and more detailed sound I think I'm looking for. I also just like reading your comments in response to these kinds of posts to get a sense of how folks think about sound and various systems. Thanks!
The Sphinx has a Class D 100 wpc output stage. Tube front end. You might want to buy a Rogue Magnum II power amp (all tube) and drive it direct from your digital sources. There is one on eBay now for $1795 + $100 shipping.
Alternately you can buy a SS integrated amp - Belles. NAD, Parasound ... they all sound excellent! Sell the Sphinx - you can probably get over $1000 for it.
Some hate Class D amps - like the Sphinx output stage (a very good one!). Changing to a Class A or A/B is not a guarantee that you will like the sound more or hear more "detail". My advice is to borrow a SS integrated amp (Belles, NAD, Parasound ...) and try it out for a few days with your own system.
I believe Herb Reichert gave the Sphinx a very favorable review in Stereophile some years ago. You might look it up in their archives - it will also have John Atkinson's test report.
I had the Sphinx V1 for a short while. Never really gelled with it it. I hooked it up via its pre out to a very old Odyssey Stratos and it sounded night and day better! Like no comparison. Made it sound anemic. I think for a grand or so you could try another amp with it and use as a preamp. Older Adcoms Odyssey Aragon I think all would be substantial improvement. Move on from there if you wanted a better pre.
The issue may be related to your BlueSound Node 2. Are you using a separate DAC or are you using it's internal DAC? If so, you should try to borrow a DAC or a better streamer from your dealer. The Bluesound is a good product but benefits from an external DAC for better sound quality.
I agree with the comment above about the Bluesound Node. I got a Node 2i that I used for streaming Qobuz, without an external DAC, but recently purchased a Moon 260D -- a combination transport and DAC -- that I'm now running the Bluesound into. The improvement, as folks say, is not subtle.
My suggestion, for what it's worth: Try out a DAC, or a couple of DACS, to see if the weak link isn't the Sphinx, but is the built-in DAC in the Node. You could try buying used right here on Audiogon and then reselling for not much of a loss. And it might even be some fun.
jjss49, My mistake. I left the Modi out of my original post. The system I heard that made me think about upgrading again used a Gustard X16 DAC and a Luxman integrated amp, not sure which model. Sound was great though.
Thanks for everyone's suggestions. I've tried a couple things and thought I'd circle back. First, I substituted the Schiit Modi for a Chord Qutest. I noticed a slight bit of added precision but not nearly enough to justify $1400 additional cost. It's possible I'd notice more improvement if I'd tried it in combination with the second piece i auditioned, a Mytek Brooklyn Amp run using my Sphinx v2 as the preamp. This was a fantastic combination to my ears. I loved the added space, substance, and detail of what I could hear. And the Brooklyn created a really black background compared to the Sphinx alone and allowed so much more detail to emerge. This is likely the way I'll go unless I hear a class ab amp in this role or a different integrated that performs better and isn't hatefully more money. I also compared a nice solid state integrated by Atoll IN100 that I loved when I test drove it against my old Marantz PM5004. But compared to the Sphinx I've had for the past year, it's just not as open or transparent sounding as I like now.
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