ROGUE SPHINX V3 MAGNUM Hybrid Stereo Integrated Amplifier

ROGUE SPHINX V3 MAGNUM Hybrid Stereo Integrated Amplifier

The Rogue Audio Sphinx was first introduced sometime around late 2013. I purchased the original Sphinx from Rogue Audio upon a recommendation from a friend. Imagine an integrated hybrid tube and solid-state stereo amplifier with 100 Watts output at 8 Ohms (200W @ 4 Ohms), with vacuum tubes in the front end! I later came to find that it was the perfect unit to power my classic Martin Logan SL3 electrostatic hybrid loudspeakers. Turns out that Mark O'Brien of Rogue Audio told me that Rogue Audio had displayed with Martin Logan at audio shows, and it was a superb match-up. I still own the original Sphinx which is still pushing Watts through the SL 3's in our upstairs entertainment system.

I reviewed the Rogue Audio Sphinx V2 and V3 subsequent versions over the years. It is funny how we mark the passage of time based on what pets we have, automobiles we have owned, and, of course, what audio gear we listened to at significant times of our lives. Three cats (27 Lives), four cars, and don't ask how many pieces of gear have appeared since 2014. However, One wife!

The V1 is a musical and open-sounding integrated amp. A bit noisy at idle, but more than competent compared to many contemporary designs. There was only one issue with a defective balance control on the V1. Guess, one visit to the Vet is acceptable over twelve years.

Generationally, the Sphinx models share a commonality of performance and musicality. I would compare the Sphinx lineage to Honda and Acura vehicles. The perennial winner of best cars in class including the Civic EXL models and the Acura Integra. Constant improvements along the way. No reason to start from scratch with a chrome and fins design! This is where the music meets the road. You look at the face plates of all the versions and you really could not tell the difference at first glance which version of Sphinx you are looking at.

General 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 385W

- Damping factor > 1000

- Discrete MOSFET based headphone amplifer

- 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

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

Improvements To The Rogue Audio Sphinx V3 Magnum
The Rogue Audio Sphinx V3 Magnum has some notable improvements to its design. Below is a listing of tweaks to the unit. Sphinx v3 Magnum upgrades include:

New main circuit board
New rear circuit board
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