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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
tvad
9,467 posts
 
With a nominal impedance of 4 ohms, the Model 1 Signature speaker is not a particularly good match with a tube amp.

You don't need better wire, better tubes or a better source. Look for a better speaker match...something with a higher nominal impedance...8 ohms or higher.

Otherwise, look for a SS amp.
arch7 OP
35 posts
 
Thanks for your responses! Can someone recommend other speakers that might work well. I need to stick with smaller mini-monitor type speakers, probably in the $1500 range (new or used). I'm not too familiar with other speakers. I think the Cronus is the keeper in this situation, speakers are negotiable.
tricon_dave
77 posts
 
I've had my Cronus for about 4 months and have not noticed any brightness, harshness or tube glare. Mine has the upgrades mentioned above and I am using RCA Cleartops for the 12AU7s and Telefunkens for the 12AX7s. I have found that I am particularly sensitive to brightness and tube glare and don't experience this at all with my Cronus.

Speakers are Quad 2805, which seems to be an excellent match with the Cronus.

Dave
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Check out the new ACI Emerald XL. Minimum impedance is 7 ohms. $650/pair. You'll need a subwoofer, though. I believe an entire ACI package might be available for your $1500 budget. They can be auditioned in-home for 30 days.

Also, though they are beyond your budget, and they're floorstanders, the AV123 Strata Mini look intriguing. They go down to 27Hz, have a nominal impedance of 8 ohms (6 ohm minimum), and they retail for $1995/pair. They can also be auditioned in-home for 30 days.

Finally, if you don't require the full range, used Reference 3a MM De Capo would be worthwhile investigating. 8 ohm nominal. 42Hz-20kHz. Around $1600 - $1800/pair.
mcfavre4
85 posts
 
A superb choice would be the Stone Image Rothschilde A2. Not too well known or marketed but they completly outperform any monitor I have heard under $3000, including the Model One Sigs I once owned. They look similar but are more cohesive, warmer, smoother up top and have better bass definition. I have owned dozens of monitors and these are truly special and a bargain. The company is great to deal with as well - http://stoneimage-audio.com/Index_2.htm - I was skeptical but cooresponded with jimmyr and truly have had no regrets and cannot fault the speakers at all. I use SS now, had used a variety of gear from Naim to Rogue. None sounded bright but they sure show the differences with all amps and sources. The last set of speakers that tried to compare were Merlin TSM Ms. The Merlins are also great but the Rothschilde were the ones I preferred for my room.
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