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 8 responses by melbguy1

If you're looking for an integrated with plenty of power and a good MM/MC phono stage & aren't phased about getting a high end AE to switch the voltage to 120v (from 100v), you can pick up an Accuphase E-470 on Price Japan for $ 4,292USD + the optional MM/MC phono board. I can also recommend a 2nd hand Vitus RI-100 with the optional phono board which has excellent power & Vitus's essential DNA.

But if you want to buy new, I would check out the new [url=http://www.henleydesigns.co.uk/Unico-150-p1456]Unison Unico 150 tube hybrid integrated[/url] which is well designed and built & sounds musical. They are £4,000.00, though I couldn't find a US price. Unison used to offer an optional phono stage for their integrated products, though I'm not sure if they offer a phono board for this amp. Worth checking.
It should be noted that Luxman have been bought out by a Chinese company & manufacturing of all their lines has returned to China. Personally, I don't have much faith in the motivation and skill of a worker who is probably earning $5AUD an hour in a market not known for manufacturing high end audio equipment. What you need to understand is, Chinese companies primarily buy established audio brands to make money, not for the passion of designing and building great audio products.
Andysf, Unless a Luxman representive wants to come on here and officially discredit my view, I am sticking by my comments. This is a public forum. I am free to post my views based on what I know to be the truth. I am not engaged in a smear campaign against Luxman.
Greg, you are getting into legal questions I am not prepared to comment
on. You obviously want to ruin some people's life's here. I gave an opinion
on this forum, you're free to disagree. Please refer any further questions to
Luxman or your lawyer, as I'm out of this discussion.
Greg, your story is incongruent with the well informed information I was
given. I won't take the above information on face value, but will cross check
that in my own time. Again, I am sticking to my guns until and if I confirm
otherwise. As for my defensive reaction, I don't think you understand how
small the audiophile world is, and how posting names can have serious
consequences. If think i'm going to do that, forget it mate.
Greg, if you're considering the Laws as a career path, I'd consider another vocation.
No, I fear i'd reach too many non compos mentus gents like yourself, and thus waste my valuable time.