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Opinions Needed!

Here is the scenario: my secondary system consists of a Rogue Cronus Magnum 100wpc tube integrated amp, a pair of Golden Ear Triton Two speakers, a Sony HAPZ1ES Music Server, a Magnum Dynalab MD90 Tuner and a Sony SCD777ES SACD player. I also have all the audiophile approved connectors, power cords and power conditioners. I like the sound of this system very much, but I am not too thrilled with the bass control of the amp to speakers.

I listen to this system at least 8 hours a day, every day of the year. In the 1 1/2 years of ownership of the tube integrated, I have re-tubed the amp twice to the tune of 450.00 each time(some nos tubes and all purchased from Upscale Audio). The cost of the tubes is killing me!

I have been thinking of replacing the Cronus Magnum with a Parasound Halo Integrated Amp which is solid state and 160wpc. I like the idea of tone controls and the generous amount of inputs on the Halo and all the reviews have been glowing. I also like the idea of the built in ESS Dac as my Sony SACD player is getting long in the tooth and could benefit from the newer dac. I am driving to the closest dealer this coming Saturday to audition one and may be bringing one home with me.

If it weren't for the price of re-tubing, I would keep the Cronus Magnum as I can live with the bass not being as controlled as I would like. I think the Halo will be better able to control the bass. My question is, good move or bad move? I know this is a sideways step, but I really can't afford to keep buying tubes!

I doubt I will sell the Cronus Magnum, my plan is to rotate it in and out of the system when I need my tube fix.

Thoughts?

Thanks

128x128stereo5
almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
Two thoughts regarding the tube life you have been experiencing:

1)If possible, check your line voltage with a **good quality** multimeter. If it is too high it could conceivably be shortening the life of the tubes. If it is out of spec (120 +/- 6 volts in the USA) the power company should take corrective action.  If it is near the upper limit of that range but not out of spec, you may want to consider purchasing a power regenerator rather than (or in addition to) a new amplifier.

2)I wonder if the cryo process to which most of the tubes have been subjected may be reducing their longevity. Not trying to start a debate; I honestly have no knowledge of the answer.

Regards,
-- Al

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samzx12
1,220 posts
 
Al always brings up good points and gives great advice.
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,444 posts
 
stereo5-

after the demo, report back your listening thoughts/impressions.
Whom is your nearest dealer/retailer?

Happy Listening!
stereo5's avatar
stereo5 OP
6,363 posts
 
The dealer is Safe & Sound HQ in Chicopee, Mass.  They are getting a silver unit in at the end of the week.  I will be auditioning the one on the floor and if I like what I hear, I will purchase the silver one.  I have 30 days to change my mind with no monetary loss other than shipping the amp back to them.  I have never been to this dealer before, so this will be a first.  I think they are mostly home theater but they are only 70 miles from me so it isn't too far a drive.
oblgny's avatar
oblgny
848 posts
 
The Sony Hapz1es is the first piece of Sony equipment that I've owned since I purchased the Walkman way back when...
After trying out two Olive Media products,  a ReQuest Audio,  and BlueSound,  I have to state that the Sony meets my needs far better than the aforementioned.
It's easy to use,  it's sound is excellent....the 1TB drive is almost more than I need.  
This is a seriously good product for those,  like myself,  who don't want to wade too deeply into making my two channel rig a computer extension.
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