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Amp Shootout - Rogue vs Creek vs Arcam vs Music Hall

S

Since1975

New Member
hey gang

Building a starter system for the first time in years.
My current components are:

Rega RP1 turntable
PSB Imagine X2T speakers
Mass Fidelity Relay Bluetooth DAC

I listen to a variety of music through vinyl, laptop direct and bluetooth, so I need a versatile amp with a good phono stage. I've culled down my list of amps to the following four. Please weigh in with your thoughts and why. Appreciate the feedback.

Rogue Sphinx
Creek Evolution 50A
Arcam FMJ A19
Music Hall A15.3

Thanks!
 
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Here's a monkey wrench.

Heed Elixir

Elixir_heed_news.jpg


Excellent phono and headphone. Also has pre outs.
 
Rogue or Creek out of the ones you listed. As Art pointed to, the Brio should have a nice amount of synergy with the table and is a very nice sounding piece.
I also own that Mass Fidelity piece and use it to stream, very nice sounding.
Have fun!
 
First, i am not an audio expert. No nothing about any of your candidatesexcept the one I own. I own a Sphinx a little over a year now. Other amps I have owned have been mostly mid-fi Sony's from 70-80's plus various brands AV receivers. A friend recommended this Rogue brand. Sphinx was well rated in mags. I recently did some tube rolling, installed new old stock Mullard tubes. Mine is Version one with aluminum remote. Rogue's claims its version V2 has improved phono pre with other improvements. V2 went to plastic remote with volume and mute buttons. I like the feel of the heavy aluminum remote which only has volume up and down buttons. That is enough remote controls for me.
I use with Linn LP12 TT /AT440mla cart, NAD C546Bee CD, and double stacked Advents in parallel for 4 ohm load. Sometimes a powered Fosgate sub on variable output. Alternately with following 8 ohm single pair loads: ADS L880, Ohm C2, Boston Accoustics A100. I use in a finished basement 14 x 24 room with three large openings to other rooms. I like its sound. Nothing to criticize. Have not ran out of headroom. A powerful amp for price. Keep in mind there in no tone controls. My speakers are out from wall a couple feet. If you have that option to move your speakers. I also liked the looks of amp. Insid looks well constructed. I've been imto music since 70's. But not expert like many on this site.
 
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I also own the V1 Sphinx and I too know nothing about your other brands. Mine is sporting the original JJ tubes but coming from the guitar world with tube amps I'm curious to try some alternative NOS or better-rated new tubes. I really like the strong and balanced sound and it's no-nonsense approach. Channel selector, balance and volume. One thing about this amp is that when it comes online (after about a 20 second warmup) is that there is a slight "white-noise" sound that emanates from the speakers. It's only noticeable when you are near the speakers and once the music starts it's not an issue. Thought I'd mention it.
 
Ridgeback said:
I also own the V1 Sphinx and I too know nothing about your other brands. Mine is sporting the original JJ tubes but coming from the guitar world with tube amps I'm curious to try some alternative NOS or better-rated new tubes. I really like the strong and balanced sound and it's no-nonsense approach. Channel selector, balance and volume. One thing about this amp is that when it comes online (after about a 20 second warmup) is that there is a slight "white-noise" sound that emanates from the speakers. It's only noticeable when you are near the speakers and once the music starts it's not an issue. Thought I'd mention it.
Click to expand...
Don't want to hijack thread, will just address white noise.
No tube amp expert here. When I spoke to Rogue Audio about white noise with my Sphinx, they said likely from the tubes. I bought mine open box from a dealer. Likely had some hours on it. When that noise, if does not increase with volume adjustment, over time gets to an annoying level, the tubes can be replaced. The fellow I spoke to at Rogue, personally liked NOS Mullards. That is what I bought.
 
Ridgeback said:
Thanks for that info Old Guy8. Where did you purchase your tubes and what was the cost?
Click to expand...
Ridgeback,
I looked for receipt, but did not find. I ordered buy phone from Brent Jesse Recording Co. In Hoffman Estates (Chicago sub) Audiotubes.com on net. You can pay as much as your want for tubes. I bought The lowest priced NOS Mullards. They were marked with another brand name on them but made at a Mullard plant in 1963. Ordered a matched pair. With insurance, shipping and Illinois tax, think was about $140. Brent Jessy site talks about the how different tube sound. Don't put me on spot by asking how they sound compared to old ones. Change IMO, is very subtle. I play it with LP12, AT440mla cart and double Advents. Enjoy.
To remove tubes pull them up from bottom and slightly rock them. They are pretty firmly in there. Rogue is very helpful with advice if you call. Was a Rogue product video where the owner said he likes Telefunken tubes for their accuracy.
 
Ridgeback, your welcome. I'm quite happy with my Sphinx amp. It seems to handle the 4 Ohm load of my double Advents.
When I ordered those tubes, did by phone. Helped answer the website questions I had. Good luck.
 
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A quick note to say I bought the matched NOS Mullards from Brent Jesse. Couldn't be happier. White noise is all but gone. They are rich and warm. It has taken this Rogue Sphinx from very good to amazing.
 
Ridgeback,
Good you liked the tubes you picked. Brent Jesse was one of two tube venders recommended by fellow I contacted at Rogue.
 
Old Guy:
I never looked through the vent on top of the amp upon startup but did following installation of the Mullards. There is a bright "light" that quickly dims up and then back down emanating from the tube base or underneath the tubes when you hit the power button. Does yours do this? Can I assume this is normal? I've owned many guitar amps and have never seen tubes produce that phenomenon upon start up (if it even is the tubes).
 
Ridgeback,
I have mine ona shelf where I can not see through vent.I can not remember. Sure there are people familiar with tubes that could answer in forum. Sphinx is my first foray in to world of tubes. Ask that question in the tube topics section of forum.
I have only been a member for a few months, but have been floored by how helpful, and how envolved people become to help you.
I found a Thorens td165 TT last weekend. In a turntable thread running currently, I asked for help where to find info to rebuild it. The help offered by a dozen people has been unbelievable. I hada loose part rattling inside. From picture, someone sent me pic of part mounted a similar assembly. Saving me a lot of time.
Enjoy your amp.
 
Before buying any amp, I would think on how it will work with your other equipment. System Synergy is more critical than I used to think.

I bought an Arcam FMJ A19 a couple of years ago. I was deciding between that and a Rega Brio R. From reading various reviews, it appeared that the Arcam would be better mated to my slightly forward Paradigms. I believe the reviews were accurate as my system never sounded better.

I found that the phono section exhibited lower output with Audio Technica (AT 440 MLA) and Grado (Prestige Blue 1) cartridges. I have since switched to an Ortofon 2M Red and the output is much higher. BTW, best "Budget" cartridge I have used in many years.
 
Since1975 said:
hey gang

Building a starter system for the first time in years.
My current components are:

Rega RP1 turntable
PSB Imagine X2T speakers
Mass Fidelity Relay Bluetooth DAC

I listen to a variety of music through vinyl, laptop direct and bluetooth, so I need a versatile amp with a good phono stage. I've culled down my list of amps to the following four. Please weigh in with your thoughts and why. Appreciate the feedback.

Rogue Sphinx
Creek Evolution 50A
Arcam FMJ A19
Music Hall A15.3

Thanks!
Click to expand...

What amp did you decide to pair it with? I also have the:

PSB Imagine X2T towers
paired with

Project Debut Carbon EVO TT

Want to get a decent integrated with enough power and decent phono stage.
 
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