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50 hours of research = 1 amp for Totem Sttaf

What would you choose? (3k-ish max)

I have come to the, Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II -- with Prima Luna Prologue Premium in second place.

Cary and Manley are double the price (@ 5k-ish) and Jolida/Cayin seem to receive a wide range of reviews. Vista Audio is currently out of product.


Solid States -- Nait, Rega, NAD, Bryston, Dayens, Sim, Creek, Musical Fedelity, Rotel, Plinius, Parasound... they all just seem a second option to tubes... but if I had to choose one here I’d go with the Supernait...but no real strong view here...


Appreciate any input...unfort I cannot listen to them all...(totem sttaf is 88db)

(looking at Mytek Brooklyn to complete setup)

mrmittens
mesch
3,506 posts
 
Have you listened to amy of the listed amps that are within your budget? 

If indeed the Rogue is in 1st and the Prima 2nd, that makes the SS listings vying for 3rd. Jolida tube integrated amps, are also within budget.  Start auditions with the tube amps and while at it compare to one of the listed SS ones.  

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
The Sttaf is a relatively easy speaker to drive, especially compared to the rest of the Totem line. The Rogue Cronus Magnum II with 100wpc would have plenty of power and it's a magnificent sounding amp.

As for the Prologue Premium, I don't know how well it would drive the Sttaf's. You should call Vince at Totem regarding the match-up with the Prima Luna.
mesch
3,506 posts
 
I should ad that a friend of mine, once a dealer for Rogue owns the Cronus Magnum. As lowrider says, a great sounding amp. Also, Rogue is a good company to deal with.  
akg_ca's avatar
akg_ca
2,270 posts
 
SIMAUDIO, Plinius, AYRE ....all great with Totem so  Pick one with an edge to SIMAUDIO

because 

(1) all three are are frequently paired with Totem at the audio expos ... All are excellent.

AND ....

(2) TOTEM synergy with SIM is a fave because even Totem's own AMBER integrated amp (discontinued) was a TOTEM joint venture with SIMAUDIO based on the latter's platform and  design of amps. 
mrmittens OP
19 posts
 
Interesting, so you would recommend the Simaudio (which model?) over the Cronus Magnum 2!?  Seems it would be hard to get that echo-ey booming and crisp fidelity that the Cronus gives...

Does Simaudio make a DAC you would recommend?

Or anyone -- what's the best DAC for use with iTunes?  Been looking at Mytek Brooklyn and Chord (2Qute or Hugo TT) the most, with Rotel (forget which model I heard) looking nice here too...Oppo HA-1 on eBay right now, looks nice but not sure its a good match...

Bluesound for the streaming -- but is there a DAC that could replace that functionality as well?

really appreciate all the input...
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