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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
johnziomas's avatar
johnziomas
41 posts
 
Agree w/above.

plus the combination of the 2 in step A, especially adding a sub, will give you the best improvement in my opinion.
inna
7,350 posts
 
You could try Rogue Pharaoh hybrid integrated, I think it is $3500 new.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,456 posts
 
Yes Pharoah hybrid will handle speakers like those much better than Cronus magnum. 

Rogue in general is a great line.  Gotta match the right amp with speakers though always for best results.  Ive heard the Pharoah and it is a unit I could live quite happily with.   Has built in phono and dac as well.  
inna
7,350 posts
 
I actually consider the Pharoah to replace my trusty Redgum RGi120 solid state integrated in the future. My speakers need iron fist control or they get too loose. I like slightly loose sound, though.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hello Ucc118,
Intrinsically I like plan A. However Mapman makes a very good point. At least on paper your speaker’s specifications would seem to favor a transistor amplifier. However actually listening to the amp/speaker pairing is the ideal scenario. If at all possible audition the Pharoah or any other amplifier contender. You may find you prefer the tube amplifier with better quality tubes vs the current JJ brand tubes. Generally speaking I find tubes more natural sounding (exceptions do certainly  exist ). Some speakers are designed with the intention of using solid state amplifiers.
Charles,
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