Rogue Audio Pharaoh II Integrated Amplifier
Rogue Audio’s Pharaoh II marries tube bloom to Class D command, delivering a three-dimensional soundstage, explosive dynamics, and exceptionally controlled bass from 250Wpc. Positive Feedback found it open, detailed, and naturally warm, while Old Guy Hifi admired its smooth, fatigue-free speed. Phono, headphone, XLR, and preamp flexibility complete a formidable all-in-one centerpiece.
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Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
94/100
Build Quality
89/100
Features Connectivity
92/100
Value for Money
92/100
Pros
Expansive, deeply layered imaging with strong instrument separation and immersive scale.
Powerful, agile bass control and explosive dynamics suit both demanding and efficient loudspeakers.
Detailed, naturally warm, non-fatiguing hybrid sound combines tube-like ease with Class D speed.
Versatile analog hub with adjustable MM/MC phono, tube-driven headphone output, balanced input, and preamp/home-theater integration.
Cons
One reviewer found the sound initially overdamped and out of tune during its first day in the system, suggesting a settling-in period may be beneficial.
The remote is limited to volume up/down and mute functions.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 94/100
Reviewers describe a rare blend of tube-like depth and ease with Class D speed, control, and power. Its presentation is repeatedly praised as transparent, naturally warm rather than thick, dynamically explosive, and unusually spacious, though one Stereophile listening session found it initially overdamped and out of tune.
Transparency Resolution
93/100
Headphone Guru and Positive Feedback hear greater transparency and detail than the original Pharaoh, with open, airy highs and strong frequency extension. Old Guy Hifi likewise found it detailed, nuanced, and faithful without becoming etched; Stereophile, however, initially found the sound overdamped during its first day in the system.
Tonal Balance Musicality
92/100
The prevailing description is neutral-to-warm, full-bodied but not thick, and free from brightness or stridency. Reviewers particularly value its long-session listenability, natural vocal presence, and tube-informed sweetness without the softness or sluggishness sometimes associated with valve amplification.
Dynamics
95/100
Reviewers repeatedly praise the Pharaoh II's explosive fortissimo-to-pianissimo range, quick transients, and ample power with demanding Magnepan speakers. Bass control is described as exceptional, with deep reach, strong attack, and the authority to make even efficient speakers sound more controlled.
Soundstage Imaging
95/100
The Pharaoh II earns particularly emphatic praise for its large, three-dimensional presentation. Reviews cite strong center focus, precise instrument placement, wide and tall staging, and remarkable front-to-back depth that creates an immersive, nearly surround-like experience.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
89/100
Positive Feedback reports a heavy metal chassis with brushed-aluminum finish, quality rubber feet, intuitive controls, and well-finished connectors. Old Guy Hifi calls it well engineered, well constructed, and thoughtfully designed, while Rogue states that it is designed and hand-built in the USA.
Features Connectivity
92/100
This is a notably versatile analog integrated amplifier, with three RCA line inputs, balanced XLR input, MM/MC phono capability with adjustable gain and loading, and a tube-driven headphone output. Preamp and variable outputs, subwoofer compatibility, home-theater bypass, a unity-gain input, and remote volume/mute operation add useful system flexibility.
Value for Money
92/100
At the reviewed $3,995 price, Headphone Guru and Positive Feedback explicitly characterize the Pharaoh II's performance, convenience, and value as hard to pass up. They present it as a compelling option for budget-conscious audiophiles seeking an end-game-style integrated system, especially given its power, phono stage, and preamp flexibility.
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Specifications
- Power
- 250 WPC/8 ohms 400 WPC/4 ohms
- Preamplifier
- Pure tube mu-follower preamplifier
- Specification
- Slow-start automated logical turn-on
- Tubes
- Matched 12AU7 preamplifier tubes
- Specification
- Green design with extremely low power consumption
- Specification
- Standby 10W, Full power 1065W
- Specification
- Damping factor > 1000
- Inputs
- Three pairs of line level inputs One pair phono inputs, mm/mc with 40/60 dB gain One pair balanced XLR inputs
- Specification
- Adjustable phono loading (custom values available)
- Headphone
- Tube driven 1/4" headphone jack
- Specification
- Massive high storage linear power supplies Mundorf EVO oil coupling caps
- Specification
- Precision components throughout 39 pounds/45 pounds shipping weight 18.25" wide x 18" deep (incl. posts and knobs) 6.5" high Fully tested, burned-in, and auditioned Detachable IEC power cord
- Specification
- Power requirements 120/240V - 50/60Hz Entirely designed and hand built in the USA 3 year limited warranty (6 months on tubes)
Manufacturer's Description — Rogue Audio
When we began development of the Pharaoh amplifier we had one overarching goal: The realization of an integrated amplifier that, without compromise, would offer the performance of the finest separates. The new Pharaoh II pushes that performance to an even higher level.
A new amplifier circuit designed around the Hypex N-core amplifier modules increases both power and performance. The preamplifier includes numerous upgrades as well as an improved phono section and an all new hybrid headphone amplifier.
The Pharaoh II uniquely combines solid state power amplification with tube preamplification to deliver amazing dynamics as well as the organic midrange and sweet top end that only a tube amp can provide.
Along with truly outstanding sonics the Pharaoh II boasts numerous features including a tube/MOSFET headphone circuit, mm/mc user adjustable phono, home theater bypass, remote controlled volume with mute, and a processor loop. The Pharaoh II is truly a "one box" solution to all of your amplifier needs.
From a technical standpoint, the all important preamplifier section utilizes a pair of long plate 12AU7 tubes configured in a mu-follower topology. Large coupling caps and a host of exotic parts ensure that the audio signal is preserved perfectly during this critical stage of amplification.
A huge linear power supply is then used to deliver energy to the solid state power amplifier section. Designed around the highly regarded Hypex N-CORE OEM modules, the amplifiers provide seemingly unlimited power and dynamics.
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- 2C Stereo — in-store — Washington, District of Columbia, United States (website)
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- Acoustic Sounds — online and in-store — Salina, Kansas, United States (website)
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- Audio Breakthroughs — in-store — Manhasset, New York, United States (website)
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