going from incredible boXem to a middling tube amp doesn't make sense imo. get a solid stage integrated. the A-50 from Onkyo fits the bill and is a much more potent device as a whole with DIRAC DLBC
Will a Rogue Audio Sphinx v3 perform decently with my Sonus Faber?
hello from london, my first thread!
i am using sonus faber olympica i standmounts (87db, 4ohm) in a smallish room (17x9 in feet), not crazy levels, jazz but also rock.
i have a complex setup (lab12 tube pre, arthur boxem class d power amp, and longdog audio hybrid phono stage for my Hana SL MC). and a REL T5.
I really need fewer boxes, but also some cash, and it is tempting to sell everything and buy a used decent integrated, currently eyeing a rogue sphinx v3 , not do well known here. But i can't audition
i expect that it can't perform as well as what i have, but could i get reasonably close? maybe not for the phono stage. I guess i should go for the magnum upgrade, or the pharaoh, but that might be later...
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I have known this integrated quite well for the past five years with speakers even less sensitive (Magnepan and KEF) than yours and a bigger room. I have also auditioned the Lab12 pre just a few months ago in dealer’s listening room. In a room your size you should have plenty of power to drive your SF’s to sane listening levels. I typically play music at 75-80 db’s (A-weighted) and this was absolutely no problem for the Sphinx v3 (non-Magnum). On rare occasions if I were listening to something like Tool and pushed it up to 80-84 db’s with the Sphinx, it would handle it quite nicely yet 85-87 db’s (again A-weighted), the soundstage would be effected negatively in my fully carpeted room; more so with the Maggies than the KEF’s, yet still noticeable. With a real solid DAC the soundstage at those more sane stated listening levels was really, really nice. I had heard the Lab12 at a dealer and it too was a very nice performer. I am going the other direction than yourself with a full separates (no phono needed) set up and I did not feel compelled to purchase the Lab12 as I was looking for a significant step up in musical reproduction. As great as the Lab12 sounded, my thoughts were it would not provide enough in the upgrade path as I was seeking. So yes, with a real good DAC you will get very close I believe to your current setup give the considerations noted, with the Sphinx v3. It served me well for five years.
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I had the V1 of the Sphinx and found it a bit cool sounding, though SF speakers, might balance that out with their warmth. I suspect it has also been improved from V1 to V3. I have not heard the doubt that it will drive your speakers just fine, but I would also look around at other integrated amps. And keep the DAC separate. Of brands I have experience with, I think the Musical Fidelity M6si would be good, and I am a super fan of Audionet, the SAM G2 might be a fit for you. Lots of used options on these.
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may thanks to all!
@zlone i didnt even know audio net, will keep an eye. DAC will indeed remain separate for now. Manunta Eco3, with LPSU, not well known but i found it excellen for the size and price i paid, t and sold my (even better) Audial S5. @swaudiofan great to hear your own lab12 experience! may i ask what the power amp was? was it lab12 all the way? @kofibaffour yes i see your point but the Sphinx has class D power section, and i now have tubes in my pre, so in some ways similar. That Onkyo looks good value but will keep DAC / streamer separate for now. I guess you have hear the Arthur? not many have! i found the clarity and lack of distortion at high volume incredible but i can't play loud too often sadly @rar1 yes i have chord odyssey cables so should work , and good to know Rogue people are helpful! There is a dealer in the UK with a good reputation but 300 miles from London! @mapman thanks!
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