Recommended Component – Stereophile
Editors' Choice Award – The Absolute Sound
"One of the Greatest High-Value Audio Products of All Time"
Dynamic, transparent, and profoundly musical, the hybrid design Rogue Audio Sphinx V3 sets a new standard in affordable integrated amplifiers. Utilizing sophisticated circuitry borrowed from Rogue's most advanced designs, the Sphinx is able to outperform separates costing far more than this single box design. The pure tube design of the preamplifier section brings lush, lifelike audio reminiscent of the finest Golden Age hi-fi components. And with 100 watts of hybrid power at 8 ohms and 200 watts at 4 ohms, this integrated amp is capable of realistic volume levels that will rival the clarity and presence of the original performance.
The original model Sphinx was honored with "Recommended Component" status from Stereophile. "The Sphinx played a wide range of high-quality loudspeakers with cunning authority. Its tubed line stage had a sound that was highly detailed, dynamic, and surprisingly transparent," reports Herb Reichert. "Driven by a high-quality, high-output cartridge, the Rogue's passive RIAA phono stage was more than just okay or even respectable — it did high-speed boogie, air, and low-level subtlety."
Herb Reichert was equally enthusiastic about the Sphinx v3, terming it "one of the greatest high-value audio products of all time" in his July 22, 2020 Stereophile review. "The Rogue Sphinx V3 is an unpretentious working-person's amplifier. It delivers music with an eager expressive energy, in concert with a forgiving musical nature."
"To put it simply, I think the Sphinx has the goods and is worthy of all the positive buzz," notes Ron Doering in The Absolute Sound magazine, giving the original Sphinx an Editors' Choice Award. "One of the few amplifiers that can claim to be both 'green' and 'good' in the audiophile sense of the word, I’m all over this thing. Recommended, and I’ve purchased the review sample. So there!"
Built-in Phono Stage and Headphone Amp
The Sphinx V3 is far from a one-trick pony. You get way more than a basic integrated amp. It contains a discrete MOSFET headphone amplifier that will bring new excitement while enjoying your favorite recordings in private. Also onboard is an excellent phono section compatible with both MM and MC cartridges. The user adjustable and highly flexible phono stage allows you to plug your turntable directly into the Sphinx without the need of an external phono preamp – saving you money and 'component clutter' while spoiling your ears with superb reproduction of your vinyl treasures.
The preamp section of the Sphinx boasts 12AU7 tubes in a mu-follower configuration similar to the circuitry of the Rogue RP-5 stereo preamp in a high-gain, low-output impedance stage with low noise and very low distortion.
Seriously High Quality Circuitry and Parts
A high capacity linear power supply with custom 375 VA toroidal transformer provides tremendous energy storage to recreate the deepest bass passages, while various regulated power supply stages provide ultra smooth sound in the midrange and treble. A very high quality Alps volume potentiometer gives you smooth, precise, and vanishingly low noise amplitude adjustment.
All internals rely on precision components for the best overall performance, while the heavy, two-ounce copper circuit board provides a solid foundation for circuitry.
The four inputs consist of three line-level ins and a phono in, giving you lots of flexibility for hi-fi listening. Active and fixed outputs allow for the addition of a subwoofer or other outboard devices and give you easy biamping capability. Gold plated RCA connections and binding posts are standard.
Connecting Headphones to the Sphinx
The Sphinx headphone jack provides for a ¼” or 6mm headphone connector. If you have headphones with a different size connector, you can use a suitable adapter. The headphones are intended to be used with the Sphinx in standby (yellow LED lit). If the tube section is powered on (blue LED lit), sound will also come out of the speakers, so you will need to mute the output (remote version only).
Optional Wireless Remote Control
Enjoy convenient armchair control of your Rogue Audio Sphinx integrated amplifier with the optional Sphinx wireless remote. Featuring metal construction for a solid, pleasing feel in your hand, this is truly a well-made remote control that's worthy of your Sphinx. And it is compatible with the original model Sphinx, Sphinx v2, and Sphinx v3 integrated amps.
The large, easy to use buttons let you adjust the volume of your Sphinx or mute the sound altogether. And that's really all you need while relaxing and listening. Don't clutter your mind as you sink deep into the bliss of your favorite music paired with Rogue Audio's Sphinx.
Designed and Hand Built in the USA
The Sphinx V3 is entirely designed and hand built in the USA. Each unit is individually fully tested, burned-in, and auditioned, assuring you of great sound right out of the box. It comes with a three-year manufacturer's limited warranty from Rogue Audio (six months on the tubes).
The machined aluminum faceplate is available in either black or silver to compliment the rest of your components. Order with or without a wireless remote with mute and volume control.
