Nrd is officially back in 2023! The marathon was a great kickoff and these individual reviews are so much fun. You can tell Ron had put a ton of time and love into these tube amps and crafting the review material.
i just got back into audio a few months ago and started with the Rogue Audio Sphinx V3 and really liked it but in the end I wanted something smoother, so I recently upgraded to the Chronus Mag3. Paired with my Magnepan LRS+'s I now hear music not audio equipment.
So glad to see the amp so competitively priced after all of these years while being made in the USA. Makes you wonder about Prima Luna’s price and profit being made in China.
i gave up on tube power amps when output tubes started to get VERY expensive. I do appreciate the sound of tubes from my Dynaco system 50+ years ago so satisfy that itch with tube preamps. I bought a Rogue Rp-5 driving a pair of M700 monoblocks a few years ago and have been very happy with it. The preamp sounds great and i think thats because af the care they took with regulating eaxh stage of the preamp and very careful layout of the circuit board. i also appreciate the control layout that lets me tell whats going on from just a glance at the front panel, I much prefer Not having everything controlled by one multi-function knob and display, I'm just a knob and buttons guy at heart.
This review left me thinking how the industry is going back to its roots. Integrated amplifiers with excellent phono stages and quality parts. Pairing this integrated with a high quality efficient speaker is all you need to consider as well as investing in an analog transcriber..
@@scottroberts4551 I'm about to buy Magnepan LRS+ or 1.7i, can't decide. Also wondering about Rogue Cronus III vs Rogue Pharaoh II, which has much more power into 4 ohm and high damping. Any thoughts? I do like to go loud.
Which power amp do you pair it with? I hear a lot of folk are pairing tube preamps with Class D power amps these days, in order to combine the 3D midrange with even tight Class D bass.
Great vide Ron. I have enjoyed your you tubes… What are your thoughts about upgrading the cm2 to a three if you don’t use a phono or head phones. How do they sound with the new Calladans by Clayton Shaw?
from JM Audio XTC builder - I read this about using the Rogue Cronus to drive any headphone I found this - "I have a Rogue Cronus Magnum II integrated amp. The headphone amp on this integrated is frankly not very good. Rogue has created an updated version of the amp"- I think the dedicated Rogue headphone amp is a better choice in case anyone is looking for a better solution -JM
Roge Audio, most under rated amps. I own M180 mono, and for the price they punch way above their price point. I have compared it to Audio Research and McIntosh amps, and walked away with a smile on face knowing very well I have made the right decision. Thank you for the video, I wish you could review the Rogues Monoblock amps. I know you have had rogue gear going way back. Thank You.
Yes, it is a winner. You should have rolled in some NOS 6550's, NOS 12AX7's, and NOS 12AU7's. Absolutely magical. The KT120's in it are very good though.
NRD, could you comment on the loud speakers you used for the sound clips? Thx. I upgraded from the original Cronus to the Mag III last year. Definitely worth it.
Hi Ron, I’m not knowledgeable enough in the field of speakers ohm requirements. You mentioned that the potential buyer needs to specify 4 ohm or 8 ohm at the time of ordering. That is not desirable in my opinion. However, if one wants to run it with 6 ohm speakers, what ohm should be specified? Thank you.
I feel like you are looking for a tube amp to sound like a modern amp. I remember the sound of old tube sets. They were not as clean as they are today. However, they were rich and warm.
I own the CM III and could not agree more .. does everything well … I have arrived at a reasonable price .. great value for sound. Searching for the perfect speaker match
Some very familiar to most if not all other genres in music selections. Acapella, Orchestral, Rock and Roll...Jazz or other Jazz selection's and Opera. And I don't disagree with your assessment of what you heard though my hearing picked out specific or a specific issue with 2 of the four. Oh, outside of 2 specific pieces...I don't care for AC/DC. You want to talk precision try Steely Dan. Try some classic early Stan Getz. But overall Great Review. And I'll admit unless my review would be in first person my experience could be affected by the growing within my Elder Status and the physical issue if. 15% loss in some mid tones due to a bone obstruction in one of my ears that gives my mental coherence or hearing coherence as one ear hears with emphasis in Bass and the other Treble.
@@Newrecordday2013 I ended up sending my Chronus in a few weeks ago to be updated to the Dark version (one of the first), just got it back, been playing it this afternoon. All I can say is WOW. So smooth, it's hypnotic...
I'm listening to the sound samples of the black ice and I usually don't notice much difference with samples from my tv going through my AVR but I really noticed the sound. I can only imagine what it's like in person. I have a separate 2 channel audio with some really nice speakers that I built but I want a tube amp.
Looking at getting a freya + running into a pair of outlaw mono blocks each with 300 watts into 4 ohms at $1700 total. Would it be worth the money to step into this amp instead to power Maggie 1.7 ‘s.
Hey Ron, great clip as always, because you love tubes, I'm sure you have heard of Allnic Audio, It would be awesome if you could review some Allnic gear!
@newrecordday2013 , I would love to hear a comparison review between the Rogue Cronus Magnum III and Prima Luna Evo 400. They have many similarities and would likely be direct competitors. Thank you!
@@infooptimalfitness7720 I think if you A/B with other decent amps, you may notice it. That said, I'm not saying it's a bad amp - it's an engaging amp in many other respects, as well as having power, good feature set, great aesthetic etc. Enjoy.
It sounds pretty but I really don't think tubes can exert the ultimate level of control, grip and extension nor accuracy that a well developed solid state amp can do. Great video though.
I have the CM3 connected to my Magnepan LRS+'s and it sounds airy, detailed, warm, and magical to me; plenty of power/volume. Lately been playing the amp on Triode mode, experimented a little with tube rolling (RCA clear top, Genalex Gold Lion) but the stock JJ's sounded the best to me.
@@scottroberts4551 I heard a pair of 1.7i with the CM3 and it was perfection. We did a side by side comparison with a $30k pair of speakers and $20k worth of mono blocks and were blown away by how close it was.
On the website it says it has both 4 and 8 ohm speaker taps and there are 2 taps pictured on each channel. You said that it doesn't at 10:37. Is the website correct ?
You have to take the top off the unit to change to 4 ohm tap. I have magnepans so I tired both taps but the 8 ohm still sounded better and has no problem handling the Maggie’s. When I reached out to rogue they said 4 ohm tap would provide a better balanced sound and better bass response.
I have the CMIII and it's one of my favorite integrateds. I'm running Gold Lion KT88s and swapped all the small tubes with a mix of Bugleboys and GE clear tops. Paired with my Omega Super 3 XRS speakers (two drivers per speaker), it's incredibly satisfying to listen to. I'd love to try a set of Klipsch Heresys or Magnepans with it.
Once again thanks 🙏🏼 for this unique way of reviewing these great integrated tube amplifiers in tandem. 🫵✨💎 I am an integrated amplifier fan but I also like some separates as well. Since we’re talking American 🇺🇸 made; Bob Carver is a gem 💎 of its own.
Nrd is officially back in 2023! The marathon was a great kickoff and these individual reviews are so much fun. You can tell Ron had put a ton of time and love into these tube amps and crafting the review material.
i just got back into audio a few months ago and started with the Rogue Audio Sphinx V3 and really liked it but in the end I wanted something smoother, so I recently upgraded to the Chronus Mag3. Paired with my Magnepan LRS+'s I now hear music not audio equipment.
@scottroberts4551 . I have the same set up Cronus 3 with LRS+. Was there an improvers sound with “DARK” upgrade?
@@ericelmore887Yes overall. Smoother, more powerful, more detailed.
Have the Cronus Dark and missing my MMG... thinking to get the LRS+. The Dark is a great improvement over the already amazing.
So glad to see the amp so competitively priced after all of these years while being made in the USA. Makes you wonder about Prima Luna’s price and profit being made in China.
i gave up on tube power amps when output tubes started to get VERY expensive. I do appreciate the sound of tubes from my Dynaco system 50+ years ago so satisfy that itch with tube preamps. I bought a Rogue Rp-5 driving a pair of M700 monoblocks a few years ago and have been very happy with it. The preamp sounds great and i think thats because af the care they took with regulating eaxh stage of the preamp and very careful layout of the circuit board. i also appreciate the control layout that lets me tell whats going on from just a glance at the front panel, I much prefer Not having everything controlled by one multi-function knob and display, I'm just a knob and buttons guy at heart.
This review left me thinking how the industry is going back to its roots. Integrated amplifiers with excellent phono stages and quality parts. Pairing this integrated with a high quality efficient speaker is all you need to consider as well as investing in an analog transcriber..
Even inefficient speakers as well - pairs marvelously with my Magnepan LRS+
@@scottroberts4551 I'm about to buy Magnepan LRS+ or 1.7i, can't decide. Also wondering about Rogue Cronus III vs Rogue Pharaoh II, which has much more power into 4 ohm and high damping. Any thoughts? I do like to go loud.
Love my Rogue RP-5 preamp. Just the best I've experienced. Tubes in the pre and SS amp, Magic.
Which power amp do you pair it with? I hear a lot of folk are pairing tube preamps with Class D power amps these days, in order to combine the 3D midrange with even tight Class D bass.
@@connorduke4619 I'm using a couple Belles Aria mono amps. 112 watts.
Great vide Ron. I have enjoyed your you tubes…
What are your thoughts about upgrading the cm2 to a three if you don’t use a phono or head phones. How do they sound with the new Calladans by Clayton Shaw?
I have the Cronus standard. Wondering if I should upgrade to the Cronus Magnum III.
Wow! The sound gives me goosebumps! The sound is simply amazing!
from JM Audio XTC builder - I read this about using the Rogue Cronus to drive any headphone I found this - "I have a Rogue Cronus Magnum II integrated amp. The headphone amp on this integrated is frankly not very good. Rogue has created an updated version of the amp"- I think the dedicated Rogue headphone amp is a better choice in case anyone is looking for a better solution -JM
Roge Audio, most under rated amps. I own M180 mono, and for the price they punch way above their price point. I have compared it to Audio Research and McIntosh amps, and walked away with a smile on face knowing very well I have made the right decision. Thank you for the video, I wish you could review the Rogues Monoblock amps. I know you have had rogue gear going way back.
Thank You.
Yes, it is a winner. You should have rolled in some NOS 6550's, NOS 12AX7's, and NOS 12AU7's. Absolutely magical. The KT120's in it are very good though.
NRD, could you comment on the loud speakers you used for the sound clips? Thx. I upgraded from the original Cronus to the Mag III last year. Definitely worth it.
Hi Ron, I’m not knowledgeable enough in the field of speakers ohm requirements. You mentioned that the potential buyer needs to specify 4 ohm or 8 ohm at the time of ordering. That is not desirable in my opinion. However, if one wants to run it with 6 ohm speakers, what ohm should be specified? Thank you.
i own the Cronus, and you just convinced me to get the upgrade, wow, love Rogue. the sound clips are very good now to pair it with the Cornwalls
I did the upgrade from the original 55 wpc Cronus to the Mag III. Definitely worth it.
Thanks, considering the cost its not that bad for the return @@christianmani1730
I feel like you are looking for a tube amp to sound like a modern amp. I remember the sound of old tube sets. They were not as clean as they are today. However, they were rich and warm.
I own the CM III and could not agree more .. does everything well … I have arrived at a reasonable price .. great value for sound. Searching for the perfect speaker match
Check out the Spendor D7.2, you will think you're in heaven.
Beautiful looking and sounding tube amplifier
Some very familiar to most if not all other genres in music selections. Acapella, Orchestral, Rock and Roll...Jazz or other Jazz selection's and Opera. And I don't disagree with your assessment of what you heard though my hearing picked out specific or a specific issue with 2 of the four. Oh, outside of 2 specific pieces...I don't care for AC/DC. You want to talk precision try Steely Dan. Try some classic early Stan Getz. But overall Great Review. And I'll admit unless my review would be in first person my experience could be affected by the growing within my Elder Status and the physical issue if. 15% loss in some mid tones due to a bone obstruction in one of my ears that gives my mental coherence or hearing coherence as one ear hears with emphasis in Bass and the other Treble.
Rogue just announced the Chronus magnum III DARK version, can't wait for your review!!!
Good call! I just sent an email.
@@Newrecordday2013 I ended up sending my Chronus in a few weeks ago to be updated to the Dark version (one of the first), just got it back, been playing it this afternoon. All I can say is WOW. So smooth, it's hypnotic...
@@scottroberts4551 I have same set up as you. What was the difference you heard when making the upgrade to the Dark version?
I'm listening to the sound samples of the black ice and I usually don't notice much difference with samples from my tv going through my AVR but I really noticed the sound. I can only imagine what it's like in person. I have a separate 2 channel audio with some really nice speakers that I built but I want a tube amp.
Ron, Two questions... 1) I wonder if Rogue will update earlier versions?? 2) Who is the artist/group at the 16;29 time stamp?? Thank you in advance.
Rogue does have options to upgrade their older units.
I believe it is ‘our final night’ by Edward Joe Myers
Looking at getting a freya + running into a pair of outlaw mono blocks each with 300 watts into 4 ohms at $1700 total. Would it be worth the money to step into this amp instead to power Maggie 1.7 ‘s.
So happy to have you back.
Hey Ron, great clip as always, because you love tubes, I'm sure you have heard of Allnic Audio, It would be awesome if you could review some Allnic gear!
Have you review the dark version and if so how does it compare to the 3 a
@newrecordday2013 , I would love to hear a comparison review between the Rogue Cronus Magnum III and Prima Luna Evo 400. They have many similarities and would likely be direct competitors. Thank you!
🙋♂️THANKS NRD FOR HELPING US GET A BROADER VIEW 🤗💚💚💚
What speakers are we hearing in the sound clips?
Precisely my question, which speakers is he hearing?
What the name of the last clips sir? Yup the ochestra one..wow the Boom!..peace!
Had a home demo of this piece. There's a slight grain that pervades over the sound. I found it sort of bothersome. It's a nice looking unit though.
Could have been the source, speaker selection or the room. I get none of that with my CM lll.
@@infooptimalfitness7720 Yes, I believe it's a trait of the amp. I think the Absolute Sound review mentioned something similar...
@@barrybrennan2135 again maybe for you or others but I get no grainy sound. But then again I use a great source and great cabling.
@@infooptimalfitness7720 I think if you A/B with other decent amps, you may notice it. That said, I'm not saying it's a bad amp - it's an engaging amp in many other respects, as well as having power, good feature set, great aesthetic etc. Enjoy.
I would love for you to review a Prema Luna 400.
It sounds pretty but I really don't think tubes can exert the ultimate level of control, grip and extension nor accuracy that a well developed solid state amp can do. Great video though.
I appreciate the way you say appreciate
Song @ 14:20?
Playlist would be nice..
Top of my priority list.
Wow, wow, wow!!!!👍🏼
Try the cM3 with a pair of Maggies; ;
I have the CM3 connected to my Magnepan LRS+'s and it sounds airy, detailed, warm, and magical to me; plenty of power/volume. Lately been playing the amp on Triode mode, experimented a little with tube rolling (RCA clear top, Genalex Gold Lion) but the stock JJ's sounded the best to me.
@@scottroberts4551 I heard a pair of 1.7i with the CM3 and it was perfection. We did a side by side comparison with a
$30k pair of speakers and $20k worth of mono blocks and were blown away by how close it was.
@@scottroberts4551 What were your observations in Triode mode? Which did you prefer?
Has anyone tried this with Klipsch La Scala 5's?
anyone knows whats the first song in the sound clips chapter at 11:43?
On the website it says it has both 4 and 8 ohm speaker taps and there are 2 taps pictured on each channel. You said that it doesn't at 10:37. Is the website correct ?
Not sure what pic you are looking at but the photo I pull up clearly shows one set of taps on each side. Thanks!
You have to take the top off the unit to change to 4 ohm tap. I have magnepans so I tired both taps but the 8 ohm still sounded better and has no problem handling the Maggie’s. When I reached out to rogue they said 4 ohm tap would provide a better balanced sound and better bass response.
I would like to see reviewed 2 brands. Tsakiridis Devices and Jadis.
I heard that in Ron’s demo video as well
Is it much quieter than the original? The original CM was noisy AF.
That’s odd, I don’t recall my OG Cronus being noisy and this one is dead silent.
@@Newrecordday2013
Haven’t ever encountered a tube powered component that can be described as “dead silent.”
The celtic song sounded pretty good..rest sounded kinda muddy.
It's the recordings.
i wish these companies would dispense with digital and phono inputs. just give me a good line stage and amp.
does anybody besides myself and notice that there’s almost never a bad review? that’s because their afraid of getting sued for slandering 😮
What exactly is a “bad” review?
11:43 Oh yes! Amén, Amén and Amén!
I agree! Who is that artist?
You Lost me at $3500
Gotta pay to play or buy used like most of us do.
I got mine for less from Mike at the Listening Room.
@@scottroberts4551 What's that?
I have the CMIII and it's one of my favorite integrateds. I'm running Gold Lion KT88s and swapped all the small tubes with a mix of Bugleboys and GE clear tops. Paired with my Omega Super 3 XRS speakers (two drivers per speaker), it's incredibly satisfying to listen to. I'd love to try a set of Klipsch Heresys or Magnepans with it.
I love the sound of my Magnepan LRS+'s w/my Chronus Mag III
Was thinking to upgrade my Zu Omen DW2 to the Omega Super 3 XRS or the Magnepan LRS+... decisions!
Fürst
Once again thanks 🙏🏼 for this unique way of reviewing these great integrated tube amplifiers in tandem. 🫵✨💎 I am an integrated amplifier fan but I also like some separates as well. Since we’re talking American 🇺🇸 made; Bob Carver is a gem 💎 of its own.