Tube Rolling for Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum 2

What is everyone using for the preamp tube and also down the line. Looking for articulate bass extended highs and sweet mids. Stock jj's are OK but I think I can do better.

soundwatts10-13-2017 10:17am

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stereo5 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 2,766 posts 10-13-2017 at 06:48pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete When I had a Cronus Magnum integrated, I used a NOS Mullard CV4003 for the preamp tube and Mullard reissued 12au7 and 12ax7 for the driver and splitter tubes. I tried a RCA Cleartop for the preamp stage but liked the CV4003 better.
twoleftears Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,457 posts 10-13-2017 at 07:09pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete CMII owner here. First I tried new Genelex Gold Lion 12AU7's and 12AX7's in all five slots. A little bit better, but not night and day. So then I got an Amperex Bugle Boy 12AU7 from Andy Bowman at Vintage Tube Services, and that also is better. But I'm now still hankering to try a vintage Mullard in the pre-amp position, as stereo5 did. I also splurged on new Genelex Golden Lion KT-88s to see how they sounded in comparison to the KT-120s, and after a week the 120s are back in the sockets. More impact, more bass extension, and only very very slightly less sweet. No reason (now, I discover) to change these. So, my experience to date: the stock JJ's are not such underachievers as they are sometimes made out to be. But with some expensive NOS small-signal tubes you can certainly improve and tweak the sound.
soundwatts OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 186 posts 10-14-2017 at 12:10am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Thanks for the responses. I also heard that the cifte NOS 12au7 is very good. Has anyone heard these?
bacobits1 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 49 posts 10-14-2017 at 01:43am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I am also running a Cronus Mag 2 with a Millard cv4003 and 2 Tele 12au7, also tried 3 Tele in all 3 positions but like the 4003 in the middle. Using KT 120s. This is a very very nice integrated!!
scorpio1951 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 171 posts 10-14-2017 at 10:01am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I use Telefunkun 12au7 NOS. Pricey, but worth it
soundwatts OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 186 posts 10-15-2017 at 03:04pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete So my neighbor lent me a 4003 mullard initial impressions are warmer bigger Soundstage. But seems like the top is more polite. Also noticed it's pretty noisy. Is it possible that it's past its lifetime?
twoleftears Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,457 posts 10-15-2017 at 06:12pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete It may be aging, or it may not measure well. Do you know any of history on it? For $10 more, Upscale sells a specially tested one for CJ and Rogue preamps. Also, has anybody tried using a Brimar instead of a Mullard on the pre-amp socket? I keep hearing that they're pretty good, but the Mullard seems tried and tested.
hifiman5 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,611 posts 10-15-2017 at 07:29pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete @twoleftears The new production Gold Lions respond well to cryogenic treatment. I use GL 12AU7s in my line stage on an ongoing basis and replaced the stock Sovtek 5AR4 rectifier in my SACD player power supply with a Gold Lion GZ34. I always source my GL’s from Cryoset. Ron Sheldon’s tubes are quiet, neutral and seem to last forever...they just don’t get noisy. One more tweak that really makes a difference is using Herbie’s Audio Labs tube dampers on ALL tubes. I just got an all titanium damper for my very hot running GZ34. It fits tight as can be and as crazy as it sounds all images since installing it are rock solid. Greater air to soundscape and improved dynamics!

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