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Recent upgrade to Cronus Magnum

A few weeks ago, my system consisted of the following components ...
Apple TV >> Naim Unitiqute (v1) >> Harbeth P3esr

While I liked the overall sound, I wanted to move up the chain and try something different. I felt the Unitiqute was a little underpowered. So when an Audio Rogue Cronus Magnum came up for sale (local craigslist), I jumped at the chance and bought it. I had a Cambridge Audio Azure 851D stored in my close, which I added to the chain. So now my system looks like this...
Node 2i >> CA Azure 851D >> Cronus Mangum >> Harbeth P3ers

When I first made the change, I was quite impressed with the increased loudness and a wider soundstage. However, I realized that, unlike the Naim, I was getting listener fatigue. There was a certain harshness (like metallic sound) to the vocals, especially female vocalists. Also, I was expecting some tube magic, which frankly is just not there. The Cronus Mangum sounds much closer to a solid state. Yesterday I put the Naim back in the system and much to my surprise the little box is keeping pace with the much more powerful Cronus Magnum. Yes, it doesn't play as loud and the soundstage is not as wide, but the sound is so much more refined, smooth and balanced. I'm wondering if I made a mistake. So before I make further changes, maybe the good folks at Audiogon can provide some relief.

What do you think is the weak link in my system? Should I keep the Cronus Magnum and try a more musical, refined DAC? If yes, what do you guys suggest (prefer used, below $2000)? Or do I ditch the Cronus and go for a more tube-like sound (Primaluna, Rogers, vintage ARC, etc)? The little voice inside me is telling me to sell the Cronus and move up the Naim integrated chain (e.g. Supernait), since I really liked the Unitiqute's refinement and balance. But then again, what if it's not the amp (Cronus) but the DAC (CA Azure 851D) that's the likely culprit here? Should I change the DAC first? Or maybe try rolling different (smoother?) tubes?

As you can see, I'm mighty confused and can use some pointers. So many variables ... aargh!!!!
128x128arafiq
arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,699 posts
 
@sfar  Thanks for sharing. Glad to know I'm not the only one thinking the Cronus as lacking refinement. Like they say, it's a journey. I started in this hobby thinking that I am more in the "detailed, modern, hifi, etc" so to speak type of sound. But I'm reaching the conclusion that I like warmth and nuance more so than high resolution and slam. If you don't mind my asking which Raven Audio amp do you have? I live in Dallas, so not so far from the Raven shop which I believe is in/near Austin. Plus there's the Texas connection :)

@audioconnection Thanks for the tip. This certainly looks promising and worth looking into. But as I mentioned earlier, I'm new to tubes and want to give it a fair shake before deciding whether they're for me or not. Perhaps, the Cronus was not the best introduction to tubes -- because they're more SS-like maybe? I want to experience some classic tube sound, and if that doesn't work, I'm still leaning toward a Naim upgrade since I really like the Unitiqute's sound signature.
sfar's avatar
sfar
1,766 posts
 
arafiq - I have a Raven Audio Blackhawk LE, which was a limited edition of the original Blackhawk amp that was in the middle of the 'Avian' series. The current lineup is here - https://www.ravenaudio.com/product-category/amplifiers/avian-series/

I'm in Austin but Raven isn't, its facilities are in a couple of places in East Texas, including Onalaska on Lake Livingston. The shipment of one of their power cords came from Shreveport, La. If you're interested, call the owner, Dave Thomson, 318.703.4542. He's incredibly helpful and supportive. They have a free 45-day home trial available which might work well for you since you are so close.


yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,779 posts
 
What is the tube type is in that Rogue amp?
fjn04
1,561 posts
 
I  had the P3's, and am now breaking in the C7's. To power both, I've only used my Shindo preamp in to my Croft hybrid amp. No question the C7's are easier to drive, so the P3's can be a tough load. I am not going to pretend to have your answer, but I was told (by a reliable source) that Rogue amps do not have a classic tube sound. Perhaps a good thing with certain speakers, but obviously you're looking for more warmth and texture. One suggestion (since we know your Cronus is broken in) would be changing tubes. The second suggestion would be a warmer tube amp like Quicksilver. I really enjoyed my V4's, which (in my room, with my speakers), were much more satisfying than another high priced tube amp. I'm going to withhold the name, but it's a household name when we think of tube amp manufacturers. Both amps ran KT 88's as well. That's my 2 cents, but I'm certain others who know more can guide you. The Quickie integrated won't do it, but I believe a pair of mid-monos and a Quicksilver line stage would run you around $3K . I will now defer back to others with more experience.... 
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,320 posts
 
The tube that will make the biggest difference is the single one in the middle at the front.  You could try a NOS Mullard in that spot, which is about as mellifluous and forgiving as you can find.
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