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Rogue audio amp thoughts

I am looking to upgrade my power section from Cambridge 640A to go with Rega Dac R and Tyler Taylo monitors.  I have listened to and am interested in Rogue, and after hearing the Cronus with the Tyler’s, realized I probably wouldn’t be fully satisfied with the Sphinx long term, but couldn’t replace with an all tube integrated or separates all at once.  I can use the pre section of Cambridge with a different power amp but not vice versa.  Would I be better off getting a Sphinx first And later getting a tube power (Atlas/ Stereo 90) later and use the Sphinx pre section, or pick up one of the above mentioned power amps first and use pre section of Cambridge until I can get a stand alone pre amp further down the road?  Thanks for any thoughts!
jonbrinpc
jmolsberg's avatar
jmolsberg
143 posts
 
Sphinx is a great sounding integrated all around. Get yourself a nice turntable too! 
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
2,766 posts
 
@aberyclark .........

When I had my RP5 and spoke to Rogue, I was told the Stereo100 and RP5 was a match made in Heaven.  I bet it will sound amazing. 
sbank's avatar
sbank
2,038 posts
 
Mark and the Rogue team are really high integrity dudes in it for all the right reasons. They will give you advice like a friend and offer good value. Cheers,
Spencer
jonbrinpc OP
3 posts
 
Thanks for everyone's ideas, I think I am leaning toward the integrated route, Sphinx or Cronus.  Does anyone with experience with the Tyler/Rogue combination have thoughts if I would hear a major difference running my speakers through one vs the other?  I don't want to feel like I settled, but also don't feel like paying 2x more for a minor difference.  thanks!
mulveling's avatar
mulveling
502 posts
 
I used to own Tyler Taylo Reference monitors, 10 years ago. Unfortunately I got into Rogue tube amps some years after I sold the Taylos. But I remember those speakers having a lovely midrange & treble, very coherent musical sound, plus excellent imaging & large soundstage. The weakness was of course in bass extension & impact - there’s only so much a monitor that size can do.

I haven’t tried the Rogue hybrids - my interest in Rogue lies wholly with their excellent tube power sections. They’ve also made some very nice tube preamps. I think the Taylos are good enough (because of their midrange, resolution, and imaging) to benefit from something like a Stereo 90 power section (though the improvements in bass impact & dynamics may be lost on the Taylos). I think this could be a good match.

I directly compared a Stereo 90 to an Atlas (non-Magnum) in my system several years ago, and the 90 was clearly better. But an Atlas Magnum should be very close. I’d look to pick up a Stereo 90 or Atlas Magnum under 1400. These are still very good amps, and will hold their value well if you need to flip them later (again, stick with their classic tube amps, not hybrids). And to be fair, even the non-Magnum Atlas was quite nice, in case you find a deal for say 1000. Another reason these amps hold their value is the incredible support offered by Mark, Rogue, and team - even if you only bought their amps on the used market! Definitely a smart buy, and well worth trying.
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