50 hours of research = 1 amp for Totem Sttaf


What would you choose? (3k-ish max)

I have come to the, Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II -- with Prima Luna Prologue Premium in second place.

Cary and Manley are double the price (@ 5k-ish) and Jolida/Cayin seem to receive a wide range of reviews. Vista Audio is currently out of product.


Solid States -- Nait, Rega, NAD, Bryston, Dayens, Sim, Creek, Musical Fedelity, Rotel, Plinius, Parasound... they all just seem a second option to tubes... but if I had to choose one here I’d go with the Supernait...but no real strong view here...


Appreciate any input...unfort I cannot listen to them all...(totem sttaf is 88db)

(looking at Mytek Brooklyn to complete setup)

mrmittens
Rogue is very nice however,, I would choose Primaluna over the Rogue.  Check the build quality of the PL and read reviews.  Also call Kevin Deal and chat with him or one of his staff and Upscale will explain the advantages of the PL line.  
samzx -- I guess your talking about the prologue premium, since that's similar price point?  or would you even recommend the classic and/or older prologue two as better sounding?  could you briefly explain why, so I know what I'm talking about when I get on the phone with the people at these companies...

thanks
mrmittens, I can’t advise on purchase between the PrimaLuna and Rogue. However, my dealer friend wants to sell his Cronus Magnum. It is the original model, ~5 years old, KT88 power tubes. With a different cover it can take the KT120 tubes. The cover can be bought from Rogue for ~$100.  This unit has not experienced heavy duty, in fact used very little. He has retired and has more too much gear. After the Holidays I will encourage him to place it for sale here on AG. He is currently not an AG member. If you are interested, I could advise as to posting date and time.  




The Premium version is just that. Premium parts are used throughout the unit which results in better sound and reliability. Have you researched the PrimaLuna and Rogue extensively or read reviews?  I own a Dialogue Premium and looked at the upgrades over the regular models before I bought mine. I was very impressed at the parts and build quality of the PL. Even the non-premium models are built very well don't get me wrong  in comparison to my previous Rogue its no contest.  If you call I doubt you will have to talk much because they will do most of the talking lol.

And don't let anyone tell you the PL is Chinese junk because its not. Its Dutch designed and PL is extremely picky about their distributors and the parts they use in ALL of the products. Go to Upscale Audio and read about PL. If you're not impressed I would be surprised. Another good point is PL amps run cooler than most other tube amps resulting in the tubes can last up to 10,000 hours instead of 2000-3000 hours.