Rogue Audio Pharaoh II Integrated Amplifier

The Rogue Audio Pharaoh II is a hybrid integrated amplifier that pairs a pure tube preamplifier with 250 watts per channel of Hypex N-Core solid-state power, giving you the organic midrange of tubes and the grip to drive virtually any speaker. It includes a built-in MM/MC phono stage, a headphone amplifier derived from the RH-5 circuit, and balanced XLR inputs, all designed and hand-built in Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania.

Key Features of the Pharaoh II

• 250 Watts Per Channel (8 Ohms), 400 Watts (4 Ohms): Hypex N-Core NC500 solid-state output stage provides high-current, high-damping power with a damping factor exceeding 1,000
• Pure Tube Mu-Follower Preamplifier: Two long-plate 12AU7 tubes in a mu-follower topology handle all signal amplification before the power stage
• Built-In MM/MC Phono Stage: 40dB (MM) and 60dB (MC) gain settings with adjustable loading via internal DIP switches
• Hybrid Headphone Amplifier: Tube-driven circuit with MOSFET buffers delivering approximately 1.5 watts through a front-panel 1/4" jack
• Balanced and Single-Ended Inputs: Three RCA line-level pairs, one XLR balanced pair, and dedicated phono inputs
• Home Theater Bypass: Unity-gain bypass mode integrates the Pharaoh II into a surround sound system without altering processor volume levels
• Processor Loop: Dedicated loop for inserting external signal processors into the signal path
• Variable Preamp Outputs: Tube-driven variable outputs for connecting a subwoofer or bi-amping
• Slow-Start Turn-On Sequencing: Automated power-up sequence protects tubes and extends component life
• Handcrafted in the USA: Designed and built in Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania, with every unit fully tested, burned in, and auditioned before shipping

Hybrid Amplifier Architecture

The Pharaoh II's design starts with a pure tube preamplifier section using two matched long-plate 12AU7 tubes configured in a mu-follower topology. This circuit was custom-designed for the Pharaoh (not borrowed from the RP preamp line) and uses Mundorf EVO oil coupling capacitors to preserve signal integrity through the critical first gain stage. The tube preamp feeds into a pair of Hypex N-Core NC500 amplifier modules, an upgrade from the UcD400 modules used in the original Pharaoh. The N-Core modules were developed by Bruno Putzeys and represent Hypex's most refined Class D output stage, delivering 250 watts into 8 ohms and 400 watts into 4 ohms with a damping factor exceeding 1,000. A massive high-storage linear power supply with an upgraded toroidal transformer (larger than the original to meet the N-Core's higher B+ voltage requirements) provides the current reserves the amplifier needs.

Built-In Phono Stage

The Pharaoh II includes a built-in phono preamplifier that accommodates both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges. Two gain settings (40dB for MM and 60dB for MC) are selectable internally, and loading is adjustable via DIP switches on the circuit board, with custom loading values available from the factory. The phono inputs have dedicated RCA connectors with a separate ground post on the rear panel. For dedicated external phono amplification with even more flexibility, see our Rogue Audio Ares II Phono Preamplifier.

Headphone Amplifier

The headphone section was completely redesigned for the Pharaoh II and is based on Rogue's standalone RH-5 headphone amplifier circuit. It uses the tube preamplifier stage feeding MOSFET buffers to deliver approximately 1.5 watts of output through the front-panel 1/4" jack. This is a simplified single-ended version of the RH-5 design, providing enough current to drive demanding headphones properly.

Connectivity and Integration

The rear panel provides three pairs of RCA line-level inputs, one pair of balanced XLR inputs, and dedicated RCA phono inputs with a ground post. Outputs include five-way gold-plated speaker binding posts, one pair of variable RCA outputs (tube-driven, for connecting a subwoofer or external amplifier), and one pair of fixed RCA outputs. A home theater bypass allows the Pharaoh II to serve as the power amplifier in a surround system by passing the processor's signal directly to the power stage at unity gain. A separate processor loop provides send/return jacks for external signal processing. The front panel includes a balance control for fine-tuning the stereo image, and the included metal remote handles volume and mute.

What Changed from the Original Pharaoh

• New Amplifier Modules: Hypex N-Core NC500 replaces the UcD400, delivering more power and lower distortion with a larger toroidal transformer to support the N-Core's higher voltage requirements
• Redesigned Phono Stage: Improved MM/MC section with adjustable loading via DIP switches and custom loading values available from the factory
• New Headphone Amplifier: Completely redesigned circuit based on the RH-5, using tube drive with MOSFET buffers instead of the previous op-amp design
• Circuit Improvements: Redesigned circuitry using modern CAD systems, improved grounding layout, and refined tube design parameters throughout the preamplifier section
• Component Upgrades: Mundorf EVO oil coupling capacitors, upgraded resistors and capacitors in critical circuit positions

"Dark" Version

The Dark edition builds on the standard Pharaoh II with component upgrades throughout the signal path:

• Increased power supply storage: Larger capacitors for improved dynamics and headroom
• Upgraded coupling capacitors: Premium coupling caps for greater detail and resolution
• Naked Vishay resistors: Ultra-precision resistors in key circuit locations
• Upgraded phono stage components: Premium resistors and capacitors in the phono section
• Cardas rhodium-plated binding posts: High-quality connectors from Cardas Audio
• JJ Gold Pin 12AU7 tubes: Premium matched tubes with lower noise and tighter tolerances

Explore the Full Rogue Audio Integrated Amplifier Lineup

The Pharaoh II is the hybrid flagship of Rogue Audio's integrated amplifier range. Looking for a different approach? Explore the rest of the lineup:

• Cronus Magnum III - 100W all-tube integrated with KT88 output tubes, triode/ultralinear switching, and a fully redesigned phono stage.
• Sphinx v3 - 100W hybrid integrated with Class D output and tube mu-follower preamp at a more accessible price point.

If you want to separate your preamplification and power, consider the RP-7 or RP-9 preamplifier paired with the DragoN Power Amplifier for Rogue's ultimate hybrid separates combination.

The Listening Room Difference

We're a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on trust, not hype. We've carried Rogue Audio for years because their products deliver real value and hold up over time. Every component is designed and built in Pennsylvania, and we're proud to support a manufacturer that shares our commitment to quality. Whether you're visiting in person or ordering online, we bring decades of experience, personalized service, and honest guidance to every interaction.

Pharaoh II Specifications