A group of us had met at the local record store for a listening session and my bud brought the Sphinx. On my Neo 2x's it strained noticeably to play with dynamics in a medium size room with a half dozen listeners. I had brought a 30 wpc 6L6GC amp that was a much better match. Back at my friends house, on his small Focal bookshelf speakers in a small room (12X14?) and at much lower volumes (he listens at lower volumes than I prefer), it performed much better with pretty decent imaging and detail. However, when I loaned him my pair of 6qb5 integrated amps that Gary Dodd had built for me, he put his Sphinx up for sale. The Dodds were much fuller, better soundstage, just as much detail, but perhaps a bit weaker in bass. Actually, they are darned good sounding little amps.
The extras that the Sphinx provide however are substantial. The phono section is quite decent, and although I never used it, my friend had good words for the headphone amp.
All in all, the Sphinx is a decent little amp. I was surprised at finding the 100wpc rating, as it seemed lacking. They are a bit dry for my taste, but everyone likes something a little different.
