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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
nrchy's avatar
nrchy
2,124 posts
 
Don't overlook the single biggest factor in the sound of your system, the room. Some gear is a better match for a room than others. Who really believes that Rogue, or anyone else would build a piece of equipment that was too bright...

People have different ears, different perferences, and different rooms, but I think the issue is usually there rather than the gear...

BWDIK

O

o

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pdreher's avatar
pdreher
1,208 posts
 
Call the folks at Rogue.... their customer service is supposed to be very good.
mcfavre4
85 posts
 
The Rothschilde A2 is much smaller than the TSM and is easier to place meaning I didn't need to be as far away or right between them to get authorative bass and a full midrange. The Merlins may have a more analog and resolving top end overall but the A2 captures the essence and ambiance. The soundstaging was even a bit larger with the A2 but again this is in my room as I couldn't get as far back as probably needed with the TSM after setting them out from back walls as recommended. The A2 sounds more cohesive when you leave your chair. The A2 just seem made for music, not hi-fi as I haven't found anything they can't play well. I wouldn't describe them as analytical but they are nuetral without forwardness in any extreme. The metal tweeter is very well implemented and better than I have experienced as it doesn't draw attention yet does gives the natual shimmer of cymbals I like. I play percussuion so what the A2 catches with music stands out to me. The blend of the mids and highs is superb with no Ssss distractions, only a wall of cohesive sound similar to to a planar. E-mail Stone-Image as I am sure you'd enjoy hearing jimmyr's comments.
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sogood51
2,157 posts
 
I agree with Nrchy, play around with speaker placement first...ie, toe-in, toe-out, tilt, height...ect.

I've had this problem with speakers in the past (we probably all have)...changing components sometimes requires small tweaks in speaker setup....free to try.

Dave
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