To Hans Wetzel,
I enjoyed reading your reviews on the Rogue Audio Sphinx and the Parasound Hint [Halo Integrated] integrated amps. Those are the two amps I am most strongly considering purchasing. You didn’t mention one vs. the other in your reviews, so I was wondering how you thought they stack up? The Parasound is a complete system, but the Sphinx coupled with a high-end external DAC (probably the Arcam irDAC II for around $800) comes out to nearly the same price. Given the near price parity, would you give the edge to one of these setups in terms of sonics and longevity?
Thanks,
Chris
United States
I really enjoyed my time with the Rogue Audio Sphinx, back in 2013. It was, and to my mind still is, a great integrated amp for the money. Your suggestion of partnering it with Arcam's irDAC II is also interesting, as I use the original irDAC as my standalone digital-to-analog converter of choice. I think the tandem would have terrific synergy together. The Sphinx has a lively, dynamic sound, but with a touch of midrange bloom and dimensionality that I can readily attribute to its pair of Russian vacuum tubes. And Arcam’s DAC (at least my original irDAC) is excellent for the money.
Here’s the rub, though. As I suggested in my review, Parasound’s Halo Integrated is THE integrated package to have for around $2500. Compared to the Sphinx, the Halo offers greater power, superior connectivity, balanced inputs, bass management, tone controls, and a headphone amplifier, among other features. It is also dead-neutral sounding and should be bulletproof when compared to the Sphinx, since its solid-state innards don’t have a limited lifespan like the Sphinx’s tubed preamp section does. In terms of resolving ability, I’d say the two options are broadly similar, but I’d ultimately give the nod to the Parasound.
Now, it could well be that you don’t fancy a dead-neutral sound, in which case, the Sphinx-Arcam pairing may well tickle your fancy -- that would be a seriously engaging midrange. But if you’re looking for a “set it and forget it” package, the Parasound is an easy choice. . . . Hans Wetzel
