Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum 3 Dark

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muncybob
muncybob Posts: 3,341
in 2 Channel Audio
After discussing what to do with some of our nest egg money the family CFO advised me that if there is something I've wanted then just get it, truly music to my ears.

So I have lusted after the Cronus Magnum integrated amps for some time and I see the latest upgrade from Rogue is the Dark model. Been reading some reviews and while most have been absolutely glowing there have been a couple emphasizing it's not for
everyone. But then what is?

Would this amp be a good match for the Legend 600 speakers? Is there a better matched tube amp in this price range (or less) for the Legends?
Yep, my name really is Bob.
Rogue Audio Conus Magnum iii Dark, Denon DP1200 w/Shure V15 Type V and Jico SAS stylus, Marantz UD7007, Polk L600, Rythmik L12 sub.
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  • Emlyn
    Emlyn Posts: 4,919
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    I'd also take a look at the PrimaLuna models. They appear to be a bit more flexible with inputs, tube choices, and ease of use. I wouldn't let the built in phono preamp in any integrated amp be a deciding factor.

    https://www.musicdirect.com/specials/open-box-sale/primaluna-evo-200-tube-integrated-amplifier-with-mm-phonostage-black-open-box/
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  • Conradicles
    Conradicles Posts: 6,435
    edited December 2025
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    If the CFO says so, Do it Bob.
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  • michaeljhsda2
    michaeljhsda2 Posts: 2,221
    edited December 2025
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    Emlyn wrote: »
    I'd also take a look at the PrimaLuna models. They appear to be a bit more flexible with inputs, tube choices, and ease of use. I wouldn't let the built in phono preamp in any integrated amp be a deciding factor.

    https://www.musicdirect.com/specials/open-box-sale/primaluna-evo-200-tube-integrated-amplifier-with-mm-phonostage-black-open-box/

    That particular amp is a 230 volt version.
    SDA SRS 2.3TL's
    Silk Audio MS-90-BT integrated tube amp
    Yaqin MS-20L integrated tube amp
    SDA 2B TL's
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  • Emlyn
    Emlyn Posts: 4,919
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    Looks like MusicDirect is just using stock photos of the Euro versions of PrimaLuna gear. They're the same photos as on the PrimaLuna US website. I'd recommend confirming voltage if buying.
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  • muncybob
    muncybob Posts: 3,341
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    The EVO 100 integrated has something called Adaptive Autobias....never heard of such a thing, but do tubes need to be biased so often that it's a feature needed? The Cronus biasing seems very straight forward.
    Yep, my name really is Bob.
    Rogue Audio Conus Magnum iii Dark, Denon DP1200 w/Shure V15 Type V and Jico SAS stylus, Marantz UD7007, Polk L600, Rythmik L12 sub.
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  • muncybob
    muncybob Posts: 3,341
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    Yea, I read around 50 lbs! I asked AI what brand caps are used in the Cronus 3 and apparently the 3s are not consistent...all are high quality but not the same brand from one run to the next.
    Yep, my name really is Bob.
    Rogue Audio Conus Magnum iii Dark, Denon DP1200 w/Shure V15 Type V and Jico SAS stylus, Marantz UD7007, Polk L600, Rythmik L12 sub.
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  • Clipdat
    Clipdat Posts: 13,105
    edited December 2025
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    Cayin Jazz 90 also worth a look if you are eyeing a KT88 amp. Been unable to unhook mine since I received it, and I have 8 other tube amps here. It's really nice. Highly recommended.
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,714
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    muncybob wrote: »
    The EVO 100 integrated has something called Adaptive Autobias....never heard of such a thing, but do tubes need to be biased so often that it's a feature needed? The Cronus biasing seems very straight forward.

    Some tube amps are autobias, some are manual. IIRC, autobias have a little less power output compared to the same w/manual bias.

    The bias is for the power tubes. To answer your question.

    1) depends on the quality of the power tubes. Poor quality tubes may drift more often than good tubes.

    2) if you roll tubes or replace tubes, you should always check/set the bias.

    3) In general no, biasing doesn't need to be done often unless the above 2 scenario's are in play.

    Tubes have a "sweet spot" just like transistors. Bias keeps the grid current (DC) in the sweet spot. Too cold and the tubes can sound off, too hot the same and way too hot can ruin the tube.

    It sounds more complicated than it is. It's mostly a set and forget (although) checking every once in a while is good practice, especially if you've invested all that money in power tubes.

    autobias does the biasing automatically, but it will be to the manufacturer's settings.

    This is a general overview of the terms.

    I have both types. I don't have a preference.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | Galion TS P75 Pre | Holo Audio Cyan 2 Dac | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul!
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  • invalid
    invalid Posts: 1,560
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    Primaluna doesn't use the normal resistor cathode bias, they use active devices.
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