I was in the market for a small entry level audiophile integrated amplifier to power my newly purchased KEF R300 speakers. With so many brands to choose from, it was very difficult to chose one without sacrificing quality. Who better to ask but Michael Fremer, founder and editor at AnalogPlanet.com. He suggested I look at Rogue Audio’s newest “Sphinx” hybrid integrated amplifier. After I read the unit’s specifications, I felt I had to share this fantastic unit with others.
The Sphinx was showcased at this year’s CES powering a pair of 150lbs Egglestons ($18,000/pair) flawlessly. What makes this particular amplifier so interesting is that its input stage is based on tubes, and its output stage is class-D. The amp puts out 100watts per channel into 8ohms and 200watts per channel in 4ohms. The small integrated amplifier has four inputs including a phono input as well as three ouputs; one of which is a headphone jack. The other two outputs can be used for a future subwoofer; one output is variable and the other is fixed.
The Sphinx can be ordered in two models: one with remote control ($1395) or without remote ($1295). This definitely makes it a worthy contender to look at it if you’re on a budget without having to sacrifice quality.
Quote:
“Rogue’s Mark O’Brien says he hopes the Sphinx will bring his company’s sound to even more people. Besides, he says, it’s not only more challenging to design on a tight budget, it’s also more fun.” http://www.stereophile.com/content/rogue-audio-sphinx
For all those who didn’t know, Rogue Audio is a US based company. They design and manufacture everything from the guts to the sheet-metal. It’s nice to see some manufacturers not having to outsource and for that I support them very much.
For more information or to audition this unit; please visit www.rogueaudio.com
Can anyone share their experience with this amplifier?
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Edited by VinnyS - 2/14/13 at 9:37am
