Description
PREOWNED – FULLY TESTED – BLACK – COMPLETE WITH REMOTE
Sphinx v3 Magnum Upgrade:
-New main circuit board (From v1 or v2)
-New rear circuit board (From v1 or v2)
-Power supply upgrades
-Upgraded coupling caps
-Upgrades to the phono stage
-Upgraded caps and resistors in key spots
-Upgraded binding posts
-JJ Gold Pin 12AU7s
-Metal remote
Dynamic, transparent, and profoundly musical, the Rogue Sphinx v3 sets a new standard in affordable integrated amplifiers. Utilizing sophisticated circuitry borrowed from our most advanced designs, the Sphinx is able to outperform separates costing far more than this single box design. And with 100 watts of hybrid power, this integrated is capable of realistic volume levels that will rival the clarity and presence of the original performance.
The Sphinx v3 contains a discrete MOSFET headphone amplifier capable of driving even the most demanding headphones. An excellent user adjustable phono with 44/60dB of gain will accommodate your favorite MM or MC cartridge. Active and fixed outputs allow for the addition of a subwoofer or other outboard devices, and the active output is driven by the tubes for the best possible sound. A high capacity linear power supply provides tremendous energy storage to recreate the deepest bass passages while various regulated power supply stages provide ultra smooth sound in the midrange and treble. The machined aluminum faceplate is available in either black or silver to compliment the rest of your components and the optional remote further adds the convenience of remote volume operation.
General Features:
– 100 WPC/8 ohms, 200 WPC/4 ohms
– Pure tube mu-follower preamplifier
– Slow start turn on sequencing
– Green design with extremely low power consumption
– Standby 6W, 1/2 power 132W, full power 385W
– Damping factor > 1000
– Discrete MOSFET based headphone amplifier
– 44/60dB MM/MC user adjustable phono section
– Custom 375 VA toroidal transformer
– Massive high storage linear power supply
– Matched 12AU7 preamplifier tubes
– Gold plated RCA inputs
– Gold plated binding posts
– Machined aluminum faceplate
– 4 inputs (phono, line 1,2,3)
– Tube driven active outputs for subwoofer or biamping
– Alps custom volume potentiometer
– All precision components
– Heavy (2 ounce) copper circuit board
– Metal remote volume control (optional)
– Fully tested, burned-in, and auditioned
– Detachable IEC power cord
– Entirely designed and hand built in the USA
– 3 year limited warranty (6 months on tubes)
Specifications:
– output power: 100 WPC minimum
– THD: <0.1% typ., <1% at rated power
– frequency response 20Hz – 20KHz
– phono section 44/60 dB
– input sensitivity: 1.0V RMS
– dimensions: 15.5″ W x 17″ D x 5″ H
– weight: 25 lbs
– shipping weight: 30 lbs
– power requirements: 120V/240V – 50/60Hz
Specifications subject to change without notice
Marc Tobin (verified owner) –
First I’d like to note that Greg at HiFi Heaven answered all of my initial questions about this product and was very helpful in making the sale. This Sphinx V3 Magnum arrived safely in its double boxed factory packaging. The unit looks and operates as if it were brand new. I bought it to replace a Pioneer Elite A35-R integrated amp (rated 45 watts into 8 ohms) that was (under)powering my Canton Ergo 92DC tower speakers (rated 88.3 dB/1W/1m).
I originally had misgivings about a Class D amp, but the reviews online were consistently positive so I gave this unit a try. In listening to Keith Jarrett’s Köln Concert streamed through an iFi Zen Blue V2 bluetooth receiver/DAC through the Sphinx, the piano sounds – and feels – more realistic, with more body/presence than when playing through the Pioneer. Listening to U2’s Achtung Baby CD played on a Sony NS999ES disc player, the bass is both more prominent and controlled than when using the Pioneer. And to my surprise, the Sphinx’s MM phono section sounds more defined, with better instrument separation and clarity, than when using my QHW Audio The Vinyl phono preamp through the Sphinx’s line input (via Zu Audio Gede interconnect cables). All of this is very good so far, but… I was initially concerned when I noticed that when using the Rogue’s super minimalist remote control to change the volume, at high volume levels (and only at high levels) a noise I’d describe as “electrical clicking” could be heard through the speakers when no music was playing; the higher the volume the louder the clicking. Another concern I had was that, although the balance and volume knobs on the unit move smoothly and with a pleasing amount of tactile resistance, the input selector knob has a little play and feels wonky in comparison. I called up Rogue and the gentleman I spoke with told me that the clicking when using the remote was due to the alps potentiometer interacting with the tubes and was “normal” for all of their Sphinx products. This was relieving, and it’s something I can live with. As far as the wonky selector knob, it was explained to me that the front knob connects with a switch at the back of the unit through a rod that travels the length of the unit from front to back, and that where the rod connects with the knob at the front, and the switch at the back, there can be a little play and that this, too, is “normal.” Although I am not pleased with this, it is a small thing that I can also live with – but it doesn’t inspire much confidence in the long term integrity of the connection between the knob and the switch. Overall, though, and despite the bugs, this Rogue Audio Sphinx V3 Magnum has exceeded my sonic expectations. For the money, it is an excellent piece of equipment. And I no longer have to worry about damaging my speakers by using an underpowered amp. Thank you, Greg.