How quiet is your Rogue Sphinx?


I have a new Rogue sphinx, I don't recall the unit I demoed to be especially noisy but I do find my unit to have some noise despite other owners describing the model as 'dead quiet'.

In both 'standby' and 'on' there is a quiet though audible hum coming from the right hand half of the unit (maybe I can hear it through the vent on the top). You need to put your ears pretty close to the unit though.

There is also a similar hum to be heard through the mid/bass unit, audible about 2 feet away. This is aside from the more common 'hiss' that is also present. Oddly if I turn my balance control left all the way, the hum becomes much louder through the right speaker only and can be heard about 10 feet away. If I turn the balance to the right the original hum in the left speaker actually decreases in volume!

I am used to speakers having a hiss but the question I ask is do any other sphinx owners notice this extra layer of hum/buzz that varies with the balance control in this way? Is your actual amplifier unit dead quiet or does it have a faint hum also?

Just trying to figure out if my unit operates typically or otherwise.

Thanks in advance.
big_katydid
Reynolds853.

The transformer hum is audible close up, certainly not several feet away as was yours. The balance hum is more the issue, to be honest if I tried for an exchange with the dealer they probably would oblige especially as they also felt it was a bit noisy. However I do like the amp and find my system engaging (I actually got the amp after suffering a nait 3's excessive gain in the line input for years, actually not as I was using an attenuator! I finally had enough, bought the sphinx and am now able to listen to cd).

I'll probably ask mark a few more questions after the weekend.
BTW, if the transformer hum turns out to be DC on the line, there is now the Humdinger from AVA, that does what the Humbuster does (reportedly even better). If DC on the line isn't your problem, then it won't help you. But they have a 30 day return policy
Man, I was contemplating buying a new Sphinx or a used Audio Research VSi-55 for slightly more money. I ended up going with the Audio Research. I feel like I dodged a bullet. The Audio Research is dead silent.
Got to hear the Sphinx and pharaoh yesterday. Liked them both very much. Both were a bit larger than I expected but we're a lot of quality product for the dollar. Am considering downsizing my second system to an integrated and the rogues checked all my boxes.
Mapman, no contest between the Pharaoh and the Sphinx. The Pharaoh measures up to Rogue's high-end gear. You won't hear any complaints about hum passing thru the balance control. lol.