Rogue audio amp thoughts

Rogue makes great gear here in the USA..... high value for the $$$

You may be surprised how good it sounds until you do get a dedicated pre

I'm thinking of a Stereo 100 to go with my RP-5 pre

Sphinx is a great sounding integrated all around. Get yourself a nice turntable too! 

@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. 

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

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!

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.

Don't forget to try out a Rogue Pharaoh integrated. like the Sphinx with more power.

Cronus is an all tube-stage design, preamp and amp. It will respond well to tube rolling if you wish. Terrific amp if you want the complete sonic characteristics of tubes.

Sphinx is a hybrid, tube preamp and SS amp section.
I have not heard this amp, but there are many threads in the archives.

Also keep in mind that the Sphinx is a class D hybrid.  If you have the funds, I would look into the Asethetix Mimas integrated amp. Its also a hybrid, tube pre amp section but with a class a/b SS amp section.  In my opinion, one the best integrates to hit the market in recent days.  It’s significantly better than the Cronus Magnum 2 that I use to own.  It’s twice the cost, but truly you get the best of two worlds...SS power with tube sweetness. Btw, I personally would stay away from the Sphinx and go the CM2, your ears will thank you for it. 

Thanks to all for the input, much appreciated!

My local shop just got a Sphinx back in stock, so I could AB that with the Cronus with my speakers and dac, whether it was my other components being less than overly revealing or my ears being not as discerning, I actually didn’t hear much difference between the two, so I think I will go with the Sphinx when I can.  Now to start researching trade in vs selling.

+1 for Rogue. The aesthetix, while fantastic is much more $$$$$$

Jon
I upgraded to a Rogue Cronos Magnum 2 three years ago from a Cambridge integrated . The Rogue is fantastic and service and support from Rogue excellent. I paired the amp  with Golden Ear Triton plus 2 speakers to boost bass . I bought the amp and speakers as a retirement gift to myself and plan to keep it until my kids send me to a home ! In my opinion you cannot go wrong w Rogue ! Best ! Russ

I recently heard  Cronus Magnum driving Maggie 3.7s....I was skeptical that it would have enough juice, but it sounded good. Probably wouldn't get them to ear splitting levels, but great for regular listening.

Also, Rogue recently updated the Cronus Magnum to version "III", with a significantly improved phono stage, improved preamp stage & headphone outputs, and a toggle switch for triode/ultralinear modes. If possible, beg/borrow/trade with a dealer :)

I have the Magnum II for the last year and highly recommend it.
With my special tube sauce it's really all I need.
Very nice!
I use the Rouge Triton phono, pirchased because I like Rogue qualities sound and build. This thing is under the radar, very good!