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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
mrmittens OP
19 posts
 
Ok gotcha -- actually looking at audioquest cables; rocket 88 or go 4...any view there?

looking at the Plinius, Ayre and Sim -- almost same price used as a new Cronus magnum...I will try to get them closer to 1k, I think that makes it worthwhile -- otherwise the new tube -- either magnum 2 or Manley stingray may win out...

but thanks very much info, will be on the look out for those solid states if a good deal comes along...
213runnin
914 posts
 
I was asked on the avs forum about possible amps for a pair of Totem Forest Signatures.  If you're familiar with that forum I'm sure you can predict the response!  Several posters jumping in loudly claiming all amps sound the same and anything expensive is simply throwing your money away, blah, blah, blah. 

And here this fella is looking to drop $6000 on a pair of speakers!
aolmrd1241
1,042 posts
 
In your price range...Merrill Audio’s Taranis Stereo Power Amplifier would be on my short list for a Solid State amp...

www.merrillaudio.net/taranis.html

mrmittens OP
19 posts
 
To follow up -- I went for the Primaluna classic, coupled with bluesound node 2, cambridge audio azur 651p phono preamp, pro-ject debut dc esprit all connected with some monoprice 22awg cables and RCA...using the 8ohms slot for the speakers...the room I am in is small and the records sound great I think, although I dont have much to compare it to, and still breaking in...any suggestions welcome, but I think the next piece I need is a chord DAC (like 2qute or something) to improve the sounds coming out of the bluesound node 2, bc I think the record player sounds better...thanks for the help here
tiofelon
59 posts
 
I listen to my Staff´s with this way: Computer FLAC files then Benchmark DAC1 USB then an Axiom passive attenuator y the amplification stage is with a pair o Rotel RB-1091 monoblocks. I like the sound very much! (I should mention that I installed at the Staff¨s speakers terminals the 9V + Cap tweek and the sound improved in every way). Greetings! 
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