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Recommended Component 2023 - Stereophile
Editors' Choice Award - The Absolute Sound
"One of the Greatest High-Value Audio Products of All Time"
Dynamic, transparent, and profoundly musical, the hybrid design Rogue Audio Sphinx V3 sets a new standard in affordable integrated amplifiers. Utilizing sophisticated circuitry borrowed from Rogue's most advanced designs, the Sphinx is able to outperform separates costing far more than this single box design.
The pure tube design of the preamplifier section brings lush, lifelike audio reminiscent of the finest Golden Age hi-fi components. And with 100 watts of hybrid power at 8 ohms and 200 watts at 4 ohms, this integrated amp is capable of realistic volume levels that will rival the clarity and presence of the original performance.
The preamp section of the Sphinx boasts 12AU7 tubes in a mu-follower configuration similar to the circuitry of the Rogue RP-5 stereo preamp in a high-gain, low-output impedance stage with low noise and very low distortion.
"Recommended Component" Honors
Stereophile honored the Sphinx V3 by awarding it the magazine's coveted Recommend Component status for 2023.
According to Stereophile,"Descended from the original Sphinx that HR reviewed in 2014, the V3 is still 'an old-school, 25lb, made-in-America integrated amplifier with three line-level inputs . . . and a 12AU7-based, mu-follower preamplifier stage driving a 100Wpc (into 8 ohm), class-D, solid state power amplifier.' The phono stage now has adjustable loading and gain so it can be used with both MM and MC cartridges."
"Headphone output is now based on discrete MOSFET devices, which JA found led to a very low source impedance, appropriate even for low-impedance cans. With CDs, HR found that the Sphinx V3 'delivered a good amount of leading-edge bite and trailing-edge flow. Bass felt quicker and more articulate. The V3 displayed a fun, taut energy the original did not have.'"
"Highly Detailed, Dynamic, and Surprisingly Transparent"
The original model Sphinx was honored with "Recommended Component" status from Stereophile. "The Sphinx played a wide range of high-quality loudspeakers with cunning authority. Its tubed line stage had a sound that was highly detailed, dynamic, and surprisingly transparent," reports Herb Reichert. "Driven by a high-quality, high-output cartridge, the Rogue's passive RIAA phono stage was more than just okay or even respectable — it did high-speed boogie, air, and low-level subtlety."
Herb Reichert was equally enthusiastic about the Sphinx v3, terming it "one of the greatest high-value audio products of all time" in his July 22, 2020 Stereophile review. "The Rogue Sphinx V3 is an unpretentious working-person's amplifier. It delivers music with an eager expressive energy, in concert with a forgiving musical nature."
"To put it simply, I think the Sphinx has the goods and is worthy of all the positive buzz," notes Ron Doering in The Absolute Sound magazine, giving the original Sphinx an Editors' Choice Award. "One of the few amplifiers that can claim to be both 'green' and 'good' in the audiophile sense of the word, I’m all over this thing. Recommended, and I’ve purchased the review sample. So there!"
"Warmth and Musicality"
"As much as I liked the Cronus when I heard it, further research led me to decide on the Rogue Audio Sphinx v3 in my listening room because it would fit my needs best," notes Joseph Taylor, soundstagexperience.com, July 2024<. "The tube preamp stage gives me the warmth and musicality of the tube experience and the 100Wpc power rating was a good fit for my listening room. Rogue’s other integrated amps, the Pharoah II and the Cronus Magnum III, had more power than I needed."
Built-in Headphone Amp and Phono Stage
The Sphinx V3 is far from a one-trick pony. You get way more than a basic integrated amp. It contains a discrete MOSFET headphone amplifier that will bring new excitement while enjoying your favorite recordings in private.
Also onboard is an excellent phono section compatible with both MM and MC cartridges. The user adjustable and highly flexible phono stage allows you to plug your turntable directly into the Sphinx without the need of an external phono preamp - saving you money and 'component clutter' while spoiling your ears with superb reproduction of your vinyl treasures.
You can adjust phono stage settings to precisely match your cartridge by configuring the small blue DIP switches on the circuit board. See the manual for instructions. The until comes from the factory adjusted for a standard moving magnet cartridge, so you probably don’t have to make any adjustments unless you are using a moving coil cartridge.
Seriously High Quality Circuitry and Parts
A high capacity linear power supply with custom 375 VA toroidal transformer 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. A very high quality Alps volume potentiometer gives you smooth, precise, and vanishingly low noise amplitude adjustment.
All internals rely on precision components for the best overall performance, while the heavy, two-ounce copper circuit board provides a solid foundation for circuitry.
The four inputs consist of three line-level ins and a phono in, giving you lots of flexibility for hi-fi listening. Active and fixed outputs allow for the addition of a subwoofer or other outboard devices and give you easy biamping capability. Gold plated RCA connections and binding posts are standard.
Wireless Remote Control
Enjoy convenient armchair control of your Rogue Audio Sphinx integrated amplifier with your choice of a clear plastic of metal Sphinx wireless remote.
The metal remote has a solid, pleasing feel in your hand. And it is compatible with the original model Sphinx, Sphinx v2, and Sphinx v3 integrated amps.
The large, easy to use buttons let you adjust the volume of your Sphinx or mute the sound altogether. And that's really all you need while relaxing and listening. Don't clutter your mind as you sink deep into the bliss of your favorite music paired with Rogue Audio's Sphinx.
Designed and Hand Built in the USA
The Sphinx V3 is entirely designed and hand built in the USA. Each unit is individually fully tested, burned-in, and auditioned, assuring you of great sound right out of the box. It comes with a three-year manufacturer's limited warranty from Rogue Audio (six months on the tubes).
The machined aluminum faceplate is available in either black or silver to complement the rest of your components.
