2. amps-preamps
  3. 123150-541

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

stereo5
jafant's avatar
jafant
20,535 posts
 
stereo5-

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

Happy Listening!
stereo5's avatar
stereo5 OP
6,571 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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