Rogue Audio

This year Rogue Audio has introduced two new tube/Class-D hybrid integrated amplifiers , the Sphinx at $1295 ($1395 with remote control) and the Pharaoh at $3495. There are also a new, solid-state phono preamp, the Triton at $995 and a new all-tube power amplifier, the Stereo 100, at $3495.

In our last issue, we discussed in detail the design and sonics of Rogue Audio's two hybrid tube/Class-D solid state power amplifiers. All of the advanced technology developed for those products has been used to create two hybrid integrated amplifiers, the Sphinx (100 watts/channel) and the Pharaoh (175 watts/channel). Therefore, the design advantages and sound characteristics of the power amplifiers are now available in these two integrated amplifiers. The preamplifier sections are pure tube with the power section being Class-D solid state. In addition to the usual volume and source selector controls, the Sphinx contains a discrete headphone amplifier and an excellent phono section compatible with high output MM and MC cartridges. There are active and fixed outputs which allow for the addition of a subwoofer or other outboard devices such as another power amplifier. The high-capacity linear power supply 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. The Pharaoh is Rogue Audio's flagship integrated amp. In addition to the Sphinx features mentioned above, the Pharaoh has an MM/MC phono preamplifier with adjustable loading and gain that can handle lower-output MC cartridges, a tube headphone amplifier, a processor loop for use with external devices, balanced inputs, a home theater bypass and a massive power supply to support its 175 watt/channel output. The ultra-high-quality parts used throughout optimize its performance in all audio areas.

With the continuing resurgence of interest in turntables and LPs, Rogue Audio has designed a new phono preamplifier designed to provide analog enthusiasts with first quality phono reproduction at a modest price. With four different gain settings (35dB, 45dB, 55dB, and 65dB), eight resistive loading options, and four capacitance settings, the Triton will work perfectly with almost any cartridge ever produced. All of the loading adjustments are accessible through a convenient hatch plate in the cover, making fine tuning of your setup a snap. So you can quickly get the Triton installed and adjusted and then get on to the business of listening to your LPs at a whole new level of quality.

Going back to its tube roots, Rogue Audio has updated the venerable Stereo 90 power amplifier and released the new Stereo 100. No matter what musical genre you prefer, the Stereo 100 will impress you with its precision, musicality, and impact. With 100 watts of pure tube power, you can be sure that you won't run out of steam before the musicians do. The heart of the Stereo 100 consists of four matched KT120 output tubes operating in push-pull configuration. A massive, fully-regulated power supply ensures that low frequency information won't be compromised and that the power and attack of musical transients will be recreated in full. With a simple flip of a switch, audiophiles can choose between pure triode and ultra-linear operation to suit their tastes and power requirements. While the build quality is evident in the sculpted appearance of the Stereo 100, the beauty of this amplifier is more than just skin deep. From the Mundorf EVO Oil coupling capacitors to the custom wound output transformers, the audio signal travels through only the finest components available. With this winning combination of leading edge circuit topology, great components, and stunning appearance, the Stereo 100 is superior in every area.