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I've been rocking out all summer with the sphinx, and although I'm no phono stage expert, the debut carbon with 2M Blue sounds killer to me through the sphinx. I also replaced the stock JJ tubes with a set of NOS Mullard CV4003's, and it is killer! I'm very content, and have taken the upgrade path for both the amp and TT as far as I can. I also replaced the crossovers, mid/tweeter diaghrams with crites upgrades. Love it all! Thx for all the advice.

Yes, I briefly tried the phono stage on the Sphinx, and it immediately exposed the flaws in the stock interconnect that was supplied with my Project Debut Carbon. This was not evident with my Denon integrated. I swapped it out with the ancient nacamichi cable that ran from my tuner and it was an instant improvement. I'm currently researching a new phono interconnect, so until I decide on one, I've been strictly playing cd's. Incidentally, the Sphinx I'm demoing is the original version, while I await the upgraded version 2 with supposedly improved headphone and phono stages. After getting into cd's back in '90 or so, and setting vinyl to the side, I purchased the Debut Carbon a few months back, and have just started to spin vinyl again. When I get the new amp, and have some time to spend with the phono stage, I'll give an update. It did sound good however, but I'll need more time before I can provide a thorough review. As far as the speaker terminals are concerned, it's my understanding that Rogue went with a standard terminal to keep costs lower. They work great with my bannana plugs and feel solid.

I've been demoing a Rouge Sphinx this weekend in my house, and I can't believed what I've been missing these past 20+ years! I knew the Chorus II's had a good track record, but they've never approached the sound quality that this amp is supplying them. My wife, who incidentally couldn't care less about sound quality, even commented on the improvement in the sound. I guess the Denon Integrated I've been driving them with all these years just wasn't a very good match. I also noticed with the Sphinx, the soundstage, depth, clarity etc., has been greatly improved. My ears no longer feel fatigued at higher volume. Not sure if it's the pre-amp tube section, or the overall hybrid design of the Rouge, but I'm sold. I was totally expecting to have to up the ante and get the Cronus Magnum, but the dealer didn't have one in stock to audition, so I took the Sphinx home, and haven't turned it off! It's probably just as well that I didn't get to hear the Cronus, as I'm sure it would have been even better, and it saved me spending almost double. I appreciate all the advice and feedback, and am glad I found this forum!

I appreciate all the feedback. I will definitely take all of your suggestions in mind. I ultimately need to decide whether to go SS or tube. My choices to consider for SS are as follows: Yamaha A-S1000, Onkyo A-9070, NAD C375BEE, Marantz PM8005, and Anthem 225. Incidentally, the CD player I plan to get is the Onkyo 7070. Would the Onkyo 9070 be the clear choice if I go SS, since they're the same brand, or would that even come into play? As far as tubes are concerned, the Rogue Sphinx looks promising, and potentially the Cronus Magnum (although it is quite a step up in price.) The Decware brand also looks good as well. Please keep the suggestions coming, and I will keep you posted...Thx!

Hello forum members, I stumbled across this forum a few months ago and have viewed it frequently since. I need some new Integrated Amp advise. I purchased a pair of Chorus II's in the early 90's, along with the Denon PMA 980R Integrated Amp in my profile. The amp was recommended by the sales rep at the store where I purchased it, but I never gave it a lot of thought. It's 90W and has served me well, but the input and speaker knobs jump at random. I went on line and found that this is a common issue with this amp. I've since cleaned the controls and its behaving so far. It got me thinking that maybe its time for a new amp. I've read where many people recommend tube amplification, and was wondering if you guy's could recommend a good integrated amp match for me. I've been looking at the Yamaha A-S1000 as well as the Onkyo A-9070. It's also been recommended that I consider the Rouge Sphinx or Cronus Magnum. I'd like to purchase new in the $1000 to $1500 range. Any suggestions or advise you could supply would be appreciated. I listen mainly at moderate levels, but love to crank it when the family is out of the house. My preferences are definitely in the classic rock vain, especially Zep, Floyd and Jethro Tull...Thx!