Rogue Audio Sphinx v3 Integrated Amplifier - Silver - Clear Plastic Remote

Rogue Puts the Tubes Where They Matter Most

The Sphinx v3 is a hybrid, and deliberately so. Tubes handle the preamplifier stage, where they shape tone, and a Class D solid-state output stage does the heavy lifting. The preamp runs 12AU7s in a mu-follower circuit. Rogue Audio designs and hand-builds every unit in Pennsylvania.

That arrangement delivers 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms, and 200 watts into 4 ohms. The whole amplifier weighs 25 pounds and measures 15.5 inches wide. The machined aluminum faceplate comes in black or silver.

Your Turntable and Your Headphones Both Plug In

Four rear RCA inputs cover an RIAA phono stage plus three line-level sources. The phono section takes moving-magnet cartridges at 44dB of gain and moving-coil at 60dB, with adjustable resistive loading. Headphones get a dedicated amplifier built from discrete MOSFET devices.

The front panel keeps volume, balance and source selection. This listing ships with Rogue's clear remote, which handles volume and mute. Buffered variable outputs feed a subwoofer or a second amplifier, and fixed outputs are there for recording. Rogue covers parts for three years, tubes for six months.

Built Around a Power Supply, Not a Spec Sheet

A custom 375VA toroidal transformer feeds a high-capacity linear supply. Volume runs through a custom Alps potentiometer rather than a budget part. The circuit sits on a heavy two-ounce copper board. Speaker connections are five-way binding posts that take spade, lug or bare wire.

The measurements are unfussy. Frequency response runs 5Hz to 20kHz within 1dB. Distortion stays under 0.1% typically, and under 1% at rated power. Input sensitivity is 1.0V RMS. So any normal source will drive it properly.

Two Things Worth Knowing Before You Buy

First, headphones are meant to be used with the amplifier in standby. Leave the tube section powered on and sound comes out of the speakers too, so you mute the output from the remote. Standby draws very little power.

Second, the phono gain and loading are slide switches on the circuit board, not rear-panel controls. Setting them means powering down for 30 minutes and taking off ten cover screws. It ships at 44dB with 47k loading, which suits most cartridges.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Herb Reichert reviewed the Sphinx v3 for Stereophile on 22 July 2020, calling it "one of the greatest high-value audio products of all time." He concluded it "delivers music with an eager expressive energy, in concert with a forgiving musical nature."

Marc Smazik reviewed it for pt.AUDIO on 13 May 2022, writing that "The dynamics in this amp are categorically impressive" and that after two years of ownership "there is not a single hint of buyer’s remorse for this rock-solid heart of my office system".

Smazik was candid about the fit and finish. He noted that the "solid metal knobs on the face have the slightest amount of play" — a small thing, but worth knowing if you expect controls that feel completely tight.

Who Is This Integrated Amplifier Best For?

• You want tube tone without a tube amp's power ceiling — the preamp is tubes, the output stage is solid state, and it makes 200 watts into 4 ohms, enough to drive speakers that leave a pure tube amp straining.
• You play records — a real RIAA phono stage handles both cartridge types, at 44dB or 60dB of gain with adjustable loading.
• You need one box to do everything — phono, three line inputs, a headphone amplifier and a subwoofer output are all built in.
• You are happy with the standard remote — volume and mute are all it does, and Rogue's metal remote is available separately if you want the upgrade.
• If you want the upgraded parts, this is the standard build — the Sphinx v3 Magnum adds an upgraded power supply, JJ gold pin tubes and better passives.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Speakers go to the five-way binding posts. A turntable connects straight to the phono input, and a CD player, streamer or tuner fill Line 1 through 3. A subwoofer takes the buffered variable outputs. The detachable power cord is supplied, and the main power switch sits on the rear.

One habit to keep: after switching off, wait a minute before switching back on. Rogue asks for that so the supply can discharge.

Pairs Well With

Building a system around the Sphinx v3? Start here:

• Turntable: The phono stage is built in for either cartridge type — browse Turntables.
• Speakers: 200 watts into 4 ohms suits a wide range — see our Bookshelf Speakers.
• Subwoofer: The buffered variable outputs are made for this — browse Subwoofers.
• Headphones: A discrete MOSFET headphone stage deserves good ones — see our Headphones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which remote comes with this one?

The standard clear remote, controlling volume and mute. Rogue's silver metal remote is an option on the Sphinx v3 and we sell it separately.

Will the phono stage work with my cartridge?

Very likely. It gives 44dB of gain for moving magnet and high-output moving coil, or 60dB for low-output moving coil, with adjustable resistive loading. It ships at 44dB with 47k ohms, which suits the great majority of cartridges out of the box.

Do the speakers go quiet when I plug in headphones?

The speakers stay live. Headphones are intended for use with the amplifier in standby, which draws very little power. If you leave the tube section powered on, sound still reaches the speakers, so mute the output from the remote before you listen.

Is the power amplifier tubes or solid state?

Solid state, and specifically Class D. The Sphinx v3 is a hybrid: a 12AU7 mu-follower preamp stage driving a Class D output stage rated 100 watts into 8 ohms and 200 into 4. Class D is what keeps a 100-watt amplifier down to 25 pounds and cool in standby.

Can I add a subwoofer?

Yes. One pair of buffered variable outputs drives a subwoofer or a second amplifier, and a fixed pair is there for recording. Rogue buffers the variable outputs so the subwoofer cannot interact with the amplifier's circuitry.

What does the warranty cover?

Rogue Audio covers parts and labor for three years from the date of retail purchase, and the vacuum tubes for six months. The same terms apply across the Rogue amplifier line.

See It in Action

Our own walkthrough of the Sphinx v3:

Steve Guttenberg reviews the Sphinx v3 in his own listening room:

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Learn More

Want to learn more about hybrid amplifiers, phono stages, or matching headphones to an amp? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.