Rogue Audio Sphinx v3 Tube Hybrid Integrated Amplifier

Description

MY TAKE: Established in 1996, Rogue Audio has a well-earned reputation for quality and performance. Their products have received rave reviews and awards from the audio press worldwide. We especially appreciate the fact that 100% of their products are proudly crafted right here in the USA. - Galen

Rogue offers a wide variety of full tube and tube hybrid electronics. From cost-effective integrated amplifiers, starting at just $1495, to their flagship Apollo monoblock tube amplifiers at $11k, Rogue likely has a product to satisfy most any audiophile need and budget. Build quality is first-rate. The construction quality and fit and finish are impressive both outside and inside - the photos don’t do justice to the products. Internally you’ll find a neat and tidy layout with wire looms properly dressed, high-quality boards, and component parts. Analog fans will appreciate the fact that all three integrated amp models include a phono input for MM cartridges.

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.

The Sphinx v3 Hybrid Integrated is one of the most popular units in the Rogue line. One listen and you’ll know why. This unique hybrid design combines the qualities of tubes with the practicality of solid-state. The tube input stage offers the harmonic fullness and refinement associated with this topology while the solid-state output stage delivers high power and plenty of current to drive virtually any speaker with ease. R

REVIEWS:
 

Part Time Audiophile - "The V3 is so well executed, and so darn livable. It is unfussy and accommodating. It reminds me why I got into this hobby. Pick an audio source, sit back, and enjoy."

STEREOPHILE - Product of the Year 2020 - Finalist
 

Stereophile - "I promise, you may have my word: The Rogue Sphinx V3 will someday be remembered, like the original NAD 3020 integrated amp, as one of the greatest high-value audio products of all time.” - Herb Reichert

The Absolute Sound - Best Integrated Amps: "Rogue products have, like their moniker suggests, usually gone their own way in design, price, and value. The Sphinx integrated amplifier may be the most roguish of the lot. This is the first Class D amplifier (actually a hybrid with a pair of 12AU7 tubes in the preamp section) that RD feels offers true world-class sonics. Includes a very fine discrete headphone amp and a phono section that is worth the asking price all by itself. TAS’ 2013 Tube Integrated Amplifier of the Year."

Stereophile - Herb Reichert

"I am experiencing genuine musical happiness."

The Absolute Sound - Ron Doering

"Recommenced, and I've purchased the review sample. So there!"

Soundstage!Goodsound! - Hans Wezel

"Value never sounded so damn good."

HIFI+ Issue 101-Alan Sircom

"Highly recommended."

A few of the 2013 CES show reports can be found here:

Soundstage - Doug Schneider

Analog Planet - Michael Fremer

Stereophile - Stephen Mejias

FEATURES:

- 100 WPC/8 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 250W
- Damping factor > 1000
- Discrete headphone amplifier
- MM/MC phono section for high output cartridges
- 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)
- Active outputs for subwoofer or biamping
- Alps 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 40 dB
- Input Sensitivity: 1.0V RMS
- Dimensions: 15.5" W x 17" D x 5" H
- Weight: 25 lbs
- Shipping Eeight: 30 lbs
- Power Requirements: 120V/240V - 50/60Hz