Looking for integrated better than my Rogue Sphinx


I have owned a Rogue Sphinx integrated amp for two years (100RMS). I don't have any specific complaints about its performance except at times when played loud, it sounds like it is clipping and delivering more distortion than clean signal. The Rogue retailed at time of purchased for $1325.00 (remote cost $100 bucks more). I thought it wise to check around with members as to their opinions about a step up in sound quality from the Rogue integrated before starting any serious searches.

Most higher end integrated amps today are decked out like cuckoo clocks and so this might be tough one. I have read a lot of good things about the Hegal integrated amps, but don't need a DAC unless it is going to be superior to the one in my Ayre CX-7emp CD player. In addition, I have no interest in computer audio and many of the accessory features of the newer amps will be useless to me.

However, I will need an MM phono stage, and will miss the one in the Rogue which is first rate.

Is it worth while to take a look at some of the older, highly praised integrateds, like Sim-Moon series of 7 years ago, or Krell, Vincent, Musical Fidelity, and possibly Conrad Johnson. CJ offered an integrated amp about 10 years ago and tagged it at $6500. It was rated 200RMS, but had no inboard phono stage It got excellent reviews at the time, though never took the market by storm ( probably because of its price tag in a depressed market) .

Having more power than 100RMS would be nice, but not a priority. My speakers are (newly acquired) Golden Ear Technology Model 7; so far, an extraordinary sounding speaker considering its price of $1400 per pair. Thanks to all
sunnyjim

Showing 6 responses by greginnh

Check out Luxman. The amps have built in phone stages and headphone amp. Music Direct has a 30 day return policy.
Melbguy, I would love for you to cite your source for your statement about Luxman being sold to the Chinese. It is simply not true based on my conversation with the US importer. Perhaps you are confused with another brand?
Regarding Luxman, here is the deal. This information comes directly from the US importer who provided me current data as well as a 2015 Price List.

1. A few items were produced in China. These were the low end items. They are as follows:

L-350AII Integrated
P-10 Headphone Amp
SQ-30u Integrated Tube Amp
SQ-N10DR V Tube Integrated Amp
SQ-N10 V Tube Integrated Amp
D-N10 CD Player
D-100r I Pod Dock
D-03x SACD Player
U-100 USB Converter

The remainder of the line (and it is extensive) is made in Japan with the exception of 2 isolation clamps and 2 vibration isolation pads that are made in USA.

2. In January 2015, the decision was made to cease manufacturing in China of a very few low end models and move it all back to Japan.

You can easily tell if a current Luxman product us made in Japan vs China as the brand logo will be script type for Japanese units and the Chinese units continue to use the box type letters from the 70's and 80's.

Hopefully this clears things up.

Melbguy1, I am not sure what I said that put you on the defensive. I was simply asking for a verifiable source to corroborate your statement - sorry.
Andysf, apparently Melbguy1 claims to have some "inside information" that cannot be disclosed. Regardless of whether there is any truth to his statement, the fact remains that depending on the model you want, you can still purchase a Luxman unit that is made in Japan.
Melbguy1, your kind advice is about 36 years too late. I really do appreciate your willingness to provide career counseling on an unsolicited basis though. Perhaps you can start a new thread on Agon to help others with your valuable insights.

Cheers mate!
Melbguy1, I am very happy for you. Are your incoming Magicos the US or Chinese made versions? LOL!