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Review 1 of 3
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$0.00 Summary:
The Dutch 'Sphinx Project 14' hybrid tube/mosfet power amplifier has always been a bit of a worry for Sphinx. Especially the mkI was a disaster. Due to a production-failure the PCB was quite useless, and they had to re-wire the entire circuit by hand, which left a very service-unfriendly machine that was almost impossible to repair.
With the mkII they got it better, but still they had a lot of problems, mainly with the power-source for the tube section. By now this design was known as "the boomerang", because they just kept coming back for repairs. The mkIII was completely re-designed, and is by far the most reliable version, although comments on the internet seem to indicate otherwise. The Dutch distributor offered pj14 owners to replace it with the full transistor design pj18, at a very reasonable extra payment. People who did this got an amplifier that was 100% reliable, but lacking a lot of the "magic" of the hybrid pj14 design. And there's the catch. Although the 14 had a lot of problems, it's sound was fantastic!
The one I have has a specially designed power source (usually referred to as 'the export-version')and has no problems, well, just a little one; after switching it on, it needs quite a long time to warm up. If I turn off the 'mute' switch too shortly after flicking the power switch, it will stay in "mute", and I have to swich it off and on again. But this is just a minor flaw which can be repaired easily at low cost.
A possible solution for preventing bigger problems is giving it enough "cooling-space", and adding larger heat-sinks to the power-supply in the tube section.
Listening to the 14 is quite an experience. It's sound is very neutral, yet powerfull, with a slight tendency towards "euphoric", due to the tube input stage. It's tonal range is extremely extended, just like the dynamic range. There is an incredible amount of detail, and it all sounds as if it goes effortless, and there is an unlimited supply of overhead power. No matter what kind of music I play, the soundstage is very large, and just seems to "fit". If you feel like taking a chance by buying one, make sure that it is the mkIII you're getting! If possible, check the serial number with your local distributor for repair-history. And if you get a good one, like me, you will have one of the finest power-amplifiers ever to be built in The Netherlands. Strengths:
Very, VERY good sound. Can measure up to "exotic" foreign brands like Mark Levinson e.a.
This baby will drive any loudspeaker known to man, and provides stable power up to 800 Watts at a 1 Ohm load.
Sound-reproduction is extremely "involving". Weaknesses:
Unreliable operation with some versions; when the tube-section blows out, you may also loose the powerMosfets, which are no longer available. Some comments on the internet also speak of dead loudspeakers (ouch!) Similar Products Used:
Bryston 4B (not the ST), which sounds very unsophisticated compared to the pj14
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