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Looking for an upgrate from Cronus Magnum

I live with Cronus Magnum with KT120 tube 100wpc for 2 years. I feel that it has been great for jazz, accoustic and vocal music. However I also listen to rock, pop, R&B, and movie scores. I feel the Cronus lack clarity and punch in the bottom end. My speaker is Salk HT2-TL 87dB efficiency 4ohm impedance.

I am considering the following options with a budget $3500. What is your opinion? If plan B is the better route, which integrated amp you suggest? My speaker is a bit cold and analytic, i want to add some warmth to it. Thanks.

PLAN A
Change the preamp and driver tubes on the Cronus. Cost about $300. Could enhance the clarity over the stock JJ12AU7. But bottom end would still lacking. Get a subwoofer for bottomend $1500

PLAN B
Replace Cronus with one of these SS used:
Krell Vanguard
Pass INT150
ModWright KWI200
MF M6si
Parasound HINT

Current system:
Salksound HT2-TL speaker
Cronus Magnum integrated amplifier
Oppo 105
Morrow Audio MA3 Interconnect and SP2 speaker cables



ucc118
avanti1960
1,472 posts
 
you guys with experience with the pharaoh- do you think it gives up anything in sound quality to the CM?  
does it have a sound signature?  
what type of speakers pair best with it?  
thanks.  
mountainsong's avatar
mountainsong
422 posts
 
Hegel integrated power and sweetest.
Best I ever tried from the H80 to H360 all awesome.
Regards 
inna
7,296 posts
 
I am not sure that the problem here falls into tube/ss dilemma, in a strict sense of it. Yes, amp/speaker match etc., of course. Really good tube amp will give you great drive and bass with many speakers. Rogue is an audiophile value company, the expectations should be realistic. At this price level, yeah, I think the OP would prefer hybrid or ss. That's why someone said not to bother with tube rolling. Tube Rogue integrated is not up to the task with these speakers with any tubes. No tubes can compensate for class, class that the Rogue does not have.
alman63's avatar
alman63
34 posts
 
I have a Rogue Audio Pharaoh that I have to put up on the site if you are interested. I had the Cronus Magnum and upgraded to the Pharaoh. The first thing I noticed was the increase in the bottom end. 
ucc118 OP
6 posts
 
Thank you everyone for the responses! I got in touch with a local audio shop which have used Pass INT150, ModWright KWI200 and Primaluna HP integrated. I am planning to bring my Cronus Magnum to the shop to compare with these amps. My problem is not only lack of bottom end, but when listen to rock music or any modern song with mutiple instruments, it lacks of clarity and seperation. I read from somewhere it is typical from tube amplifier, lack of air and not clean like SS.
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