REVIEW: Rogue Sphinx v3, let the good times roll
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- Опубликовано: 5 авг 2024
- This video is sponsored by Zu Audio, makers of Hi-Fi loudspeakers, speakers, audio cable, digital cable, phonograph cartridges and other audio products designed and built in Ogden, Utah; www.zuaudio.com
CORRECTION: I said the Sphinx price is $1,595, it's $1,495.
Today it's all about the Rogue Sphinx v3 stereo integrated amp, I reviewed v1 and v2 for CNET.
The CNET v1 review www.cnet.com/news/come-togeth...
The CNET v2 review, www.cnet.com/news/rogue-audio...
I interviewed the Sphinx designer, the fabulous Mark O'Brien in a separate video running today. • Rogue Audio's Mark O'B...
More info on v3 can be found here www.rogueaudio.com/New.htm#Sph...
My T-shirt today was designed by a local artist, Noah Lyon, www.noahlyon.com/shop
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Thanks Steve for this review. I am looking forward to see your beautiful city again. Luc 🇨🇦
good to see you are well during this COVID madness. i know that jr well's cut. glad it rocked for you. i am an appreciative subscriber. thumbs up.
I love the 'made in' shoutout. More of that please!
I picked up a used Rouge vs3 integrated in silver and running it with my Maggie LRS+ speakers and loving it!
i had the same setup. Just upgraded to the Rogue Chronus Mag III, love it.
I have the CMIII and I’m considering MMG again (had them in the past). Wondering how it sounds w them or if the Sphinx V3 is better. Assume the Maggies want that solid state current?
I like that it has knobs and not a menu.
Yep, that is what an amp should look like.
just got mine back from Rogue upgraded from the v2. I am blown away by the improvements. Better detail, resolution, bass through the variable outs into my SVS sub integrates much better. I can play louder without the congestion I would get with certain recordings. Worth every penny
thank you Steve :)) also one of the most musical integrated amps is the little VTL IT85 ITS A JEWEL !
Thanks Steve
Love your videos, honest and comprehensive
Old school like me, I can relate
Just sent my V2 for the upgrade to V3!!! I can’t wait to hear the phono section and the tweaked tube stage
I also run Sphinx v3 with my Kef LS50s. (I like the Black Edition, though your red ones are hot stuff). Love the amp, love the company. The interview with Mark is interesting - his low key but passionate manner kind of represents how his amp feels. No flashy BS no DAC (I agree with the reasons) just straight ahead magical vibes.
Thanks Steve. Have dug out the Libertines/ up the bracket for a refresher
Nice to hear Can getting a mention! Great old band. Hawkwind next Steve!
Steve is on his way to being one of the most prolific reviewers in the history of High End Audio!
Gerry Roach
Believe he is. Old school knowledge,irreplaceable.
Newer modern reviewers, John Darko gets my respect.
I like Steve’s presentation style, it’s so charming and chill. Feels as though you’re sitting across from him over a coffee. Plus all the great info. It’s interesting to compare with my other go to reviewers such as Darko and Sean at Zero Fidelity, all different but all effective in their own unique way. I find the one thing they all have in common is how laid back they are, you never feel talked down to or lectured at.
His message i.e. negatives are often said in nuances. I’ll listen to a review multiple times and pick up on his point. Then I’ll listen to the area he breezed by and sure enough it’s there. If I were a mfg. he’d be the first to review my gear. I’ve found his reviews on point. Smooth as butter!
I always check out your music recommendations Steve.
It’s fun to watch the spots where Steve splices his video segments, the audio is virtually seamless so you get this sudden displacement of him in the frame that I find oddly cool, an effect that’s a bit like the old Max Headroom skits except without the audio skips.
That Junior Welder's album that you just posted is incredible! Junior Wells is incredible!
Great review, very throughout, sounds like a winner.
I bought this one and love it. Paired it with Revel Perfoma 3 speakers. For the DAC I'm using a Chord Qutest, but I'm having second thoughts. Seems like it might make more sense to just get a turntable and keep it all analog.
Good review, fantastic shirt!
Just went through that Junior Wells album.. Love it !
I usually do no comment on your apparel but the T your wearing is a blast. Alfred E. Newman and Münch the Scream how cool is that and the rest as well!
Can is so bizarre yet so engaging. RIP Jaki Liebezeit. Future days and Tago mago are insane albums will def check out lost tapes
I've spent a lot of time with Tago Mago, used to have it on vinyl, really wish I still had it.
I have a Vincent SV-500 and was curious about the Rogue. A local dealer had let me demo a Sphinx V2 at home (at the time V3 was not out yet). I have Martin Logan Motion 40 Towers. I couldn't hear any difference between the 2, at least not in my system even though the Vincent put out only 80 watts at 4ohms and the Rogue 200 watts at 4ohms.
So I stayed with the Vincent and am still enjoying 2 years later.
But the Rogue definitely is a nice piece also.
Really enjoyed this video many thanks.
Great shirt and the amp sounds like a great deal.
Really like your hair cut, Steve...clean and fresh!
Your tshirts collection is superb
Mick Jones from The Clash produced the first 2 Libertines albums and also the debut Babyshambles album (which is ace)
IMHO, two things that have improved by a huge amount over the years are both represented here: Integrated Amps and Class D Amps.
I think the older I get the more I appreciate audio. Nothing against my younger years .
My experience with LS50s is they respond well to quality amplification, but they go to a whole new level with higher power quality amplification. They gain a greater sense of scale and much better dynamics.
Hung Lo
I wanted to like them but they are very inconsistent, when they sound good they are amazing, but at times they sound so awful. Sold my pair and bought PMC’s, not looking back. Transmission line is a wonderful concept.
Easy to place and very musical. Voices have a glow, bass is tight, treble is warm. Just a little lively in the midrange but tameable
@@ralex3697 I've never listened to PMC speakers but have heard some great things about them. UK brand?
I don't have that issue at all with my little ls50s. I don't think they are perfect, but they do so much right I'm not interested in spending money on any speaker under 3k to replace them. I have a pair of 3k speakers now which are highly regarded which are sonically better in all regards, but only marginally. May I ask what amp you drove your ls50s with?
I watched your review of the sphinx 2 a few years ago. Got so excited by your enthusiasm I went to the local dealer to buy one but came home with a chronos magnum instead. Rogue make great products. When are you going to take the latest chronos magnum 3 for a test drive?
Great Review and LOVE That shirt! I am considering the Rogue or the Parasound new Classic 200 are you going to review the Parasound any time soon?
Definitely on the right track in terms of value or bang for buck. This is where analog shines. Digital can get messy & expensive in my humble opinion.
Diggin the ponytail and the shirt! Thanks for what you do!
Love that remote!!!!
Sphinx 3 is THE integrated. Excellent phono pre, excellent headphone amp, excellent tube pre-amp, and Hypex driving the speakers. Does it get any better?
Steve, great review as always! Now, where can I get that shirt?!?! Seriously, killer shirt!
...and should've read the description. Thanks for including the link to the artist!
Dude did you Finally you cut you hair? Looks good bro, keep it short looks so much better. Good gear review
Nice t-shirt Steve 👍
I'm debating picking one of these up but then thought about the Cronos
nord integrated is another interesting alternative - no phono but true balanced in on 1 channel, and uses the superior hypex ncore amp modules @ 250w 4ohm. in theory you are exchanging the phono and tubes for better basics - priorities... the pre section sounds interesting - 'Based on Abrahamsen.... founder and designer of Electrocompaniet'. btw; made in uk.
Thank you for your cool reviews... I was wondering how you would compare the Schiit Ragnarok 2 vs the Rogue Sphynx v3 with the LS50 for bringing out the best of it, since you reviewed both with them ?.. Is one better than the other for driving them and having better dynamics at low volume ?
I love my Klipsch Chorus ii’s paired with a late 80s Onkyo Integra amp. Want to use in 2.0 system with mostly tv watching. Need remote volume. I’ve tried $500 modern Onkyo but it was harsh! I like classic rock, metal and jazz. I think it’s between the Sphinx and The Schiit Ragnarok. All opinions welcome! Thanks in advance.
Which harsh $500 onkyo did you try?
G Alessi A-9050
Fixed level out for tape recording is cool. It’s between this and the Outlaw for me.
Go with the Rogue. Much better. : - )
@@mmdusa Better made product? What do you think about Outlaw?
Also, what do you think about pairing with Maggie LRS speakers? They dip into 2ohms at extremes.
Steve, please do a review on the new Rogue Audio Chronus Magnum III DARK.
I love music played loud but never loud loud.
Great amp, highly respectable company
I have owned the Cronus, excellent
I've been using the sphinx v3 for a few months now. I paid Rogue to upgrade it from the V1.
Steve's enthusiasm is merited. I use it to driver PSB t2 speakers. My sources are both digital and analogue. It sounds great with those speakers.
Once I got the v3, I sold my external phono preamp (MoFi). Compared to the V1, the MoFi was better, but the built in pre-amp for V3 beats the MoFi, at least for the high output Hana cartridge I'm using. I have not tried it for low MC yet.
The headphone amp is definitely an upgrade as well. I still prefer my Asgard 3, but only by a bit. If I did not already have the Asgard, I'd be very happy with the Rogue driving my Hifiman Sundara or Focal Clears. The other benefit of the Rogue headphone amp is if you turn it on, but set it to mute, you can use the remote to control the headphone volume. Since I sit about 10 feet away, that is a nice feature.
This is one nice sounding integrated amp. No regrets, and not looking to upgrade in the foreseeable future.
How does it work with the upgrade? Do they upgrade your components or do they swap the V1 out for a V3? And what kind of cost are you looking at when doing this?
@@franknelissen8041 Good question. The instructions on on their web site, but as i recall it was about $550. They claim they upgrade all the components specified, but mine also had a new face plate and top cover, although my NOS tubes were still in. You may want to email them directly and ask if you care. They are very responsive.
@@bradbortner2601 thanks so much for your reply! I’ll check out their website!
Jaki Liebezeit. Just the most incredible drummer!
Jaki. Jake must be his American cousin.
@@gotham61 Harry Czukay was a good bassist too.
Harry?...or Holger?......missed a chance to see him solo in S.F. in the 90's....should have called in sick to work...
gotham61 autocorrect!
Seems like Steve loved this amp....I have been waiting for this review. Since I want a new amp, this one has been very high on the list. Seems I need to buy this one and give it a try, you always have 30 days to return.
Thanks for that return info.
Very good to know!
Hey, what speakers are you pairing with? Is Schiit Ragnarok on your list?
I just bought one myself and it’s my first piece of gear with tubes and my first Rogue piece. It is a sweet sounding amp. Nothing I don’t like. I’m pairing it with some Tannoy XT8F’s. The level of detail and sweetness is great!
So I'm not sure if the speaker question was directed to me specifically, but my main speakers are 22 yr old Mirage 1295i bipolars with 100 watt built in subs. I have always loved the midrange on mine which is why I hold them in high regard but everything about them still sounds right. My 2ndary set of bookshelf speakers are Monitor Audio Bronze 2s, which for their size and money are far better than ever expected, very well rounded with adequate bottom end in the right sized rooms. They all currently run thru Cambridge Audio Cxa 80 amp. Ragnorak is/ was also a consideration but I want more power so not sure if that is the answer for me.
@@randyshakes Somehow, I missed your comment. I have the exact same pairing and I absolutely LOVE the pairing!
Wow radical hair cut
I am going to send my V2 to Rogue for the V3 upgrade soon
Bill, hi. Curious what amp did you have prior to your V2?
@@HoomanR17 I had a Hk730 and a few other vintage receivers
Getting back into hi-fi after a 25-year hiatus. Looking for quality, long-term components, so I ordered this amp, a pair of KEF LS50 meta speakers, and a Node 2i. I hope the system can handle Grand Funk Phoenix!
I'm just curious how your new gear sounds. Good synergy? Sounds like a great no-nonsense start to me. Would love to hear from you about this match.
How did it turn out?
I have wanted a Rogue forever...
Do it! I love this thing for 2 years now.
I currently have a pair of Revel M16 bookshelf speakers and am looking for a new Integrated amp. Do you think this would be a good paring or even the PeachTree Nova 150 which you also gave high praise. Thanks for your input on this matter.
Thanks for the review, Steve!
Definitely interested.
Would love to hear one of these compared to a Pass ACA amp, he-he! : )
Hare deLune
Not in the same league, PASS is far beyond this
@@ralex3697
Hmm, thanks!
Even those little kits, though?
Edit: I think my current speakers are around 85db efficiency
Steve I'm planning on buying Klipsch Corwall IV speakers and possibly the Sphinx V3. Did you try the Sphinx with your CW IVs and would you recommend the combination?
Subscribed!
I have been very happy with my Sphinx V2.
Wondering if you can share if you had a previous amp setup.. and how your V2 is better?
I own a pair of the Klipsch RP-6000F and I'm looking to buy my first proper amp. Would you recommend the Sphinx V3? I like that it's 100 watts and doesn't have a DAC or any other bells and whistles, but I want good, powerful and clean sound.
I'm kind of like art Dudley in the sense that I really enjoy the tone of music and the slam and speed what the British call Prat. How is this amp on Prat and tonal color.
Hey Steve, I have the Sphinx V3 with a pair of NOLA Boxer S3's. I'm thinking of getting a cd player as my source, any recommendations and should I add a DAC?
So the tube preamp is a great way to take a D amp to a near tube or A amp sound in my experience
I would request to know how does it compare to the Schiit Aegir and Freya combo? Very similar approaches. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this product!
Or Schitt integrated
the hypex ucd 180 is 180 watts into 4 ohms. some have rated this as a better sound to the ucd 400 - i believe these are the units in some of the pricey 'channel islands audio' pieces.
tube line stage - phono pre - you are getting a lot for money, interesting to line it up against that 'billie' amp maybe...tube pre with ice i think?
jaki leibezeit drummer of can (probably spelled differently.) - check out his 'secret rhythms' series for a bit of mature experimental electronica.
Can anyone compare the Rogue Sphinx v3 to the Schiit Ragnarok 2? Sound quality, phono stage, and headphone amp
I bought one. Great phono. Could not drive my Hifiman planar magnetic phones to full volume, disappointed. Otherwise really good, like Steve says.
Can's drummer is Jaki Liebezeit. He's phenomenal.
Absolutely! Monster player! Can is the best.
Power modules are rated 120w/180w 8/4 ohm so maybe Rogue have sensibly limited the output to avoid distortion. Guessing 150w into 4 ohm
That's the best shirt in the world.
Lol yeah. But every shirt he wears is tied first though.
12au7? Cool, roll in some nos radio technique, will sound awesome
The haircut really suits you Steve and I loving the T-shirt
Fat Rat I bet it’s not as long as my ponytail is carn’t get it cut because of the dammed virus 🦠 it’s halfway down my back 😂😂
I recently bought a pre owned Rogue Sphinx V3 from TMR audio. I will use with my Magnepan LRS+. What do you think Mr. Guttenberg?
*An Idea.... or something i want.* _How about_ a show on LABELS, not the recordings so much, but a conversation about how these Labels are distinguishable for their brand of artist? _when I was a kid I knew the producers by name and bought recordings based on things like that for instance. I don't know if that makes sense and I know you have done things kinda like what I'm saying.
As much as I have tried and as much as I have hoped, I never really heard a difference in amplifiers hence my obsession with speakers.
What amp do you use?
@@Bryan-th6rc The number of amps I have gone through in my audiophile journey are too numerous to list. Needless to say I settled a long time ago on a Kenwood KR 5030. Solid as a rock reliability, easy to work on and drives all my speakers without issue.
@@Spock105 Oh...didn't know that...Thanks a bunch.
Wino Heard good things about the Vincent, I’ll have to check it out 👍
You need your ears checked. Every amp sounds different.
You know that Klipsch the Fives powered speakers (think RP-600M biamped with 160wpc amps total, dac, mm phono, hdmi, bluetooth, EQ for low level listening, on speaker controls+ remote, subwoofer out and retro look) just came out right????? 😉 ($799 MSRP)
I'll look into it.. They had the sixes that was just clearanced and phased out in March for $300.
Rogue Audio Sphinx V3 or Van Alstine SET 120 to pair with Klipsch RP600M?
Balance? Without that it would be less stuff for the signal to go through. And why have it?
Mick Jones I think produced that album!?? Libertines are great. Oh man were they great.
Any plans to do a new version with Ncore modules ?
The competition's Emotiva class D "PA-1" is audiophile lovable.
what preamp do you use?
@@tassostsoutis601 My preamp is the Emotiva PT-100, replacing one Parasound Halo P5 which had an unfixable noisy volume control. The PT-100 is absolutely satisfying to me, and cost less than half the junked Halo.
I have really enjoyed my aging Sphinx v1. I've rolled the tubes and even upgraded the fuses. Is the v3 a worthy upgrade? I don't plan on using the phono input.
Hey Chip, do you have a link to the fuses that you bought as an upgrade? 🇺🇦🇺🇸👊
@@LeoRousseau Sorry, man I don't. It's been so long ago. Any high quality aftermarket fuses should do.
@@Chigidoc no worries. Thanks for the response. Have a great day!
Nice haircut Steve
How would it pair with sonus faber sonetto ii?
The remote looks like the alarm restaurants loan you while you wait for a seat. I’ve forgotten what restaurants are?
It’s nice that it’s not black so that it doesn’t look like all the gazillion other remotes one might own.
😂😂😂🇺🇦🇺🇸👊
I'm looking for components to pair with my tekton lore reference. Wondering if you think this would be a good match?
if you dont want phono, nord integrated is another interesting alternative - true balanced in on 1 channel, and uses the superior hypex ncore amp modules @ 250w 4ohm. made in uk.
Awesome review!! Looks like an amazing integrated amplifier.
Hi Steve, question for you or any one out there. Will the Rogue Sphinx v3 pair well with Polk S55 floor standing speakers?
Yes, I'll bet it does! I've had mine for three years now. Hope you enjoy yours as I do mine!
Would they give me one in exchange for a new website?
Anybody tried Focal Chora 826 with the V3?
How does its sound compare to the Outlaw RR2160? Thanks. The Outlaw now sells for $999 (compared to $799 when it was launched).
I’d like to know this too. The Outlaw has a record out function too, which is pretty fun.
I owned Outlaw and Sphinx v2. I loved the functionality of the Outlaw. Powerful and all those functions. Very good. The Sphinx is a very different feeling amplifier altogether. I was floored when I first got Sphinx v2. I would sit there and shake my head with everything I played. The v3 is a progression in the lineage of the amplifier. Cleaner, sweeter, not subtle upgrade to my ears. But YRMV, right? If you don't want or need all the swiss army knife functionality of the Outlaw and can spend the extra $, Sphnx is magical. Tube rolling, I have some NOS tubes that affect the sound in different ways. All good. Hope this has value. Great amp incredible personable customer service too.
So I'm not a super technical audiophile, but was that a toroidal transformer inside the Sphinx? If it's a hybrid class D, what's the toroidal for? I thought toroidal were only in class A/B amps?
Right, but the Sphinx has a linear power supply.
Dwight R the phono preamp needs a very clean psu.
It's one of the few class d designs that utilize a linear power supply for the output stage. Most class d do use switching power supplies however it is possible to use a linear one like a toroid but it's not often done. And in my opinion it's the main reason the amp sounds as good as it does
Has anyone heard The Libertines split ep with American Heartbreak?
How do you think this would sound feeding a pair of Wharfdale Linton Heritage?
Yes interested in this opinion as well!
The thing I don't "get" about Class D amps - is the output low pass filters. What frequency do they work at? How steep is the filter curve? Does it have a noticeable / audible effect(s) on the phase / clarity of the highs?
Decent review, Steve -- BUT IS IT WARM???
Yes, it's very warm! In fact, that's the first adjective that comes to mind for me in listening to the Sphinx V3.
I think the Rogue Sphinx is tied with the Rega Elex-R for the best value in integrated amplifiers. I opted last year for the Rega, primarily because the Sphinx is too large and bulky to fit into my stand. The Rega is much more svelte and looks better than the Rogue. Both are great sounding amplifiers. The Rega is a more traditional class AB design and costs a hundred dollars or so more than the Sphinx. Both have great phono stages and neither has a built-in DAC. (I wish the Rega phono stage would accommodate moving coil cartridges though.) Both are made in their respective countries and not in China. I opted for the Rega mostly due to practical considerations but I think they are a draw in sound quality and value.
So I take your statement to mean that you have heard both and in your opinion they both sound good? That said I've had the same Riga amp and I'm quite familiar with it and the way that it sounds if you had to compare the tonal characteristics between the two what would you say?
@@Audiorevue I have actually not heard the Sphinx but give great to reviews suggesting it is one of the top choices in this price range. Audition both if you can but I think you cannot go wrong with either.
how does it compare to your recent review of the Emotiva BasX TA-100 that has just about everything but only 50w per channel.
Right, but this one sounds WAAAY better.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac How about Rogue Sphinx vs Tube Pre + Class D amp combos such as XTZ and Schiit Freya...?
Nice t-shirt dude
New audiophile. I have a question I can't find the proper answer to. I have speakers to amp without any other dac/preamp. My source of music is Tidal MQA from smartphone minijack to amp mini jack. The sound is great. Do I need a DAC? Isn't my amp and/or smartphone doing the DAC conversation or am I missing sound qualify?so my question is what's the best hookup if I only want to play Tidal mqa though my smartphone minijack to hifi speakers. I'm not interested in a streamer for now.
Yes, absolutely, you need a Dac MQA compatible unless your mobile is an LG which has already a built-in MQA Dac.
Woa, Woa..... The hair. Looking good dude.