2. amps-preamps
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Rogue Cronus too bright

Hi All:
I recently aquired a slightly used Rogue Cronus integrated amp. It's an upgrade from a Jolida 302B. The Cronus is a great amp and is a big improvement in alot of ways over the Jolida, imaging, detail, bass, etc. I do find however that it's a bit too bright for my taste. By that I mean on vocals like Norah Jones some of the high notes leave that wince in my ear that makes me want to turn it down, and it's not loud to begin with. My speakers are Totem Model 1 Signatures (87db) with Analysis Plus Bi-Oval 12 cables. A jolida CD playes and VPI table. Same result from either source. I didn't have this problem with the Jolida. I've upgraded all of the signal tubes in the Cronus. Preamp 12AU7 tube to a Mullard. 12AX7's to RCA long black plates, and other 2 12AU7s to RCA clear tops. Power tubes are stock KT77 from Rogue.

Can anyone offer any thoughts on this? Are these speakers not a good match for this amp? Are my tube choices contributing to the problem? Are there better tubes to try?

Thanks!
arch7
chgolatin2
53 posts
 
Well, the Cronus did not sound too bright for me, have you switched the KT77? last time i tried the Cronus it sounding like a solid state which is a nice tight sound however I did not listen to it with the KT77.

Also, Rogue does a mod to the unit for $250 they change capacitors, diodes and some filters. Might want to invest in a mod and do some tube rolling and see where you end up. Overall, Rogue is a good piece
montytx
138 posts
 
Hi Arch, I've only spent a few hours with a Cronus and didn't notice any prominance in the 4K region. I was listening through ProAc speakers and a Simaudio player.

I was quite impressed with the Cronus and so I wouldn't give up on the amp without trying other solutions first. The clear tops, in my opinion, have an undeserved and over-hyped reputation. I think they sound thin and rather boring.

I haven't heard the Totem Model 1 speakers, but I owned the Arro for a few months and there was a very distinct prominance in the 4K region that made vocals virtually unlistenable on recordings with even a hint of sibilants.
I found them to be bordering on flawed and if this is the Totem "house sound" then I would suggest your primary contributor is the Totems.

I hope you don't give up on the Cronus before trying some warmer speakers because it is a very special integrated amplifier.
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