Rogue Audio's new $1295 Hypex integrated

OzarkTom · « **on:** 27 Feb 2013, 03:18 pm »

At $1295, Rogue Audio’s latest hybrid integrated amplifier is also the company’s most affordable amplifier. The Sphinx is rated to deliver 100Wpc into 8 ohms; has a phono stage, headphone amp, and an optional remote; and is handmade in Pennsylvania, USA.

Ericus Rex · « **Reply #1 on:** 27 Feb 2013, 05:45 pm »

Who's heard it?

poseidonsvoice · « **Reply #2 on:** 27 Feb 2013, 05:58 pm »

Holy crap, a phonostage too?! That's sweet!

Best,
Anand.

shadowlight · « **Reply #3 on:** 27 Feb 2013, 06:07 pm »

Have not heard it personally but here are couple of links where folks heard it at CES

http://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/opinion/527
http://www.analogplanet.com/content/rogue-hybrid-integrated-amplifier-contains-mm-phono-preamplifier
http://www.stereophile.com/content/rogue-audio-sphinx

Link to product specs - http://www.rogueaudio.com/Products_sphinx.htm

underdawg · « **Reply #4 on:** 27 Feb 2013, 06:19 pm »

That seems like an amazing price for all you are getting.

poseidonsvoice · « **Reply #5 on:** 27 Feb 2013, 06:24 pm »

Not the NCore 400, but the UCD 180 module is no slouch either (see the picbelow). For $1295, that's a great value.

Best,
Anand.

OzarkTom · « **Reply #6 on:** 27 Feb 2013, 06:26 pm »

For $100 more, you can add a remote. Heckuva deal for 100 watts of Hypex Class D power with tubes.

OzarkTom · « **Reply #7 on:** 27 Feb 2013, 06:31 pm »

Alexdad54 · « **Reply #8 on:** 6 Mar 2013, 06:23 pm »

Looking forward to the reviews and listening impressions as I'm thinking of consolidating my tube amp and preamp into an integrated to drive my Songtowers and this looks like it might have the best of both world (ss and tube).

DS-21 · « **Reply #9 on:** 6 Mar 2013, 07:32 pm »

Dunno about the lightbulbs in front of the module, but the UcD180 is a surprisingly powerful little thing. I have an amp using it (Pro-Ject Amp Box SE) and it sounds just like a good class AB amp to me. I've not done a blind test on it, but I suspect the actual sonic difference going from UcD to Ncore would be de minimis at best.

asliarun · « **Reply #10 on:** 6 Mar 2013, 11:03 pm »

Wow, this is an extremely compelling amp - especially at this price, build quality, and component quality!

Can anyone please confirm if this amp is rated at 180W at 4 ohms (based on hypex UcD180HG spec)?
Will it also support 4 ohm loads (or dips of 3 ohms for hard to drive speakers)?

The product spec doesn't contain these details and hence I ask.

Thanks,
Arun

maltby · « **Reply #11 on:** 7 Mar 2013, 08:45 pm »

I am also interested in this amp. I gave it an audition and liked it-imaging, sound stage, not fatigueing. However, this was literally right out of the box, and it is supposed to benefit from being plugged in for 24 hours, so maybe I will like it even more. It would also help if I was auditioning them with my own speakers. I could do without the bluelight and don't have a need for the phono stage or headphone jack.

I have read a few comments about Hypex treble sounding veiled or strange, should this be a concern?

kevinh · « **Reply #12 on:** 9 Mar 2013, 02:27 pm »

IIRC Bruno said last year that most of the Ncore improvements were being added into the UCD modules.

siliconray · « **Reply #13 on:** 13 Mar 2013, 02:08 pm »

What Hypex amp and power modules in it?

srb · « **Reply #14 on:** 13 Mar 2013, 02:28 pm »

Quote from: siliconray on 13 Mar 2013, 02:08 pm

What Hypex amp and power modules in it?

It looks like it is a standard UCD180 and not the UCD180HG (High Grade).

The power supply looks like it is a linear supply of their own design and fabrication.

Steve

maltby · « **Reply #15 on:** 14 Mar 2013, 05:20 pm »

from Hypex..."They use our OEM versions." and "Yes the modules they use have already got some of the Ncore technology inside"

ted_b · « **Reply #16 on:** 14 Mar 2013, 05:55 pm »

I heard this clever and unique integrated at AXPONA, driving a pair of Harbeth Model 30's ($6K). To me it was top five sound at the show. I think the signature British BBC (i.e warm but not mushy or veiled..caveat, I've ALWAYS like Harbeths) sound of the Mdel 30's mated perfectly with this mostly-Class D amp. And you can tube roll the front end.

roscoeiii · « **Reply #17 on:** 14 Mar 2013, 09:42 pm »

Hmm, that combo was exhibited by Decibel Audio up the road from me in Chicago. may have to go in for a little listen (skipped most of the local shops' rooms at AXPONA due to time concerns).

quadlover · « **Reply #18 on:** 16 Mar 2013, 06:08 pm »

I heard the Rogue-Harbeth combo at Axpona Chicago. Tonally and transients could be described as sluggish old school tube sound. I heard it Saturday morning so maybe they weren't warmed up yet. Tried to hear in afternoon but fire drill slowed down afternoon schedule for me. I would like to hear both with other equipment to see what was happening.

Alexdad54 · « **Reply #19 on:** 29 Apr 2013, 10:07 pm »

Has anyone had a chance to do some serious listening and/or comparisons for the Sphinx?

I'm in the market for an integrated and am looking at the Rogue Cronus Magnum but the Sphinx intrigues me a lot ....