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from Sphinx to Cronus Magnum?

Hi audiophiles,

Currently, my system is a Rogue Sphinx amplifier, a Rega Apollo-R cd player, a Rega RP6 TT with exact cartridge, and Kef LS50 speakers. I am enjoying this very much, but have been wondering about upgrading to a Cronus Magnum at some point. In part, I am curious about a tube amp (have never had one) and I also am interested in doing the best I can by these great speakers.

Has anyone made this move from Sphinx to Cronus Magnum? I'd be curious about any observations.

Also, is anyone running the Cronus Magnum with the Kef LS50s? What do you think of the combination?

Finally, if I eventually want to upgrade to an external phono stage (and assuming I stay with the Exact cartridge), would I be better off with a Rogue Triton or a Rega Aria? The half size of the Rega is appealing because I could slide it into my rack next to the Apollo-R without adding a shelf, but I could add a shelf if I had to.

Thanks for your thoughts! Happy Thanksgiving!

Margot
mcanaday
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,795 posts
 
May I suggest adding a good subwoofer?
A good musical foundation, or "base", gives your ear/brain something to compare the mid/highs to for a more natural perspective.
Really good bang-for-the-buck.
mcanaday OP
169 posts
 
Thanks, all, for your insights here which are helpful! And, Al, I love the pictures of your listening room. Looks amazing!

cheers, Margot
topside3's avatar
topside3
34 posts
 
Hi Margot, did you end up upgrading to the Cronus Magnum? Wondering what your thoughts were. I'm also thinking about moving from the Sphinx to the Cronus Magnum.
nycjlee
286 posts
 
I've listened to both the Sphinx and CM2 at the dealer and the sound quality difference was very noticeable.  The CM2 to me sounded a lot better in every way - cleaner highs, mids and better bass. I ended up spending the extra money for the CM2. For the money, the CM2 is a solid amp and it also looks great to add...you can't go wrong with it.  There are a lot of great amps out there...take your time and listen to a few.  Good luck!  
lradder
57 posts
 
I have a good history with this discussion. I have progressed through the Sphinx, then on to the Sphinx V2, and now I own the Cronus Magnum II. While I appreciated all that the Sphinx V1 and V2 had to offer, I must rave about the improved sound, soundstage, clarity, instrument positioning, and more that the CM II has above the Sphinx. Again, the Sphinx is a fantastic integrated, award-winning amp in its own right, but the CM II is just a whole other level. My wife could hear the improvement! Tubes just make the difference. I can use all the audiophile accolades to describe the difference, but it's more emotional than logical. I hope this helps, but trust me, you would not be disappointed in making the jump to the Cronus Magnum II. Good luck.
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