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I recently got a pair of totem model one signatures, and want to upgrade amplification soon. Currently have parasound halo a23 and p3, will probably sell them soon. I've played guitar my whole life only with tube amps and suddenly have no idea why I don't have tubes for the 2 channel system.
Totem recommended 4 integrated amps, none of them tubed. I listen near field in a small, dedicated, well damped room.
Should I just get a tube pre for now, or go with an integrated from one of these manufacturers and be done? I don't see the need for monoblocks. I also doubt I would do any tube rolling. Fully realizing how subjective this is I would love to hear from some experienced tube fans on this issue. Thanks in advance.
Follow Ups:
Very good replies from all, thanks. I just read a review on the little Rogue integrated and it sounds fine, I'm just not completely sure how it will drive the Totems, rated 87. Of course I'm in a small room but more watts are usually better than less. What does the $250 upgrade get me? How close would I be to the bigger integrated Tempest II?
Rogue has dealers in Houston and Austin, both a little distance from me in Dallas. May need to make a road trip to hear these, although it may make it tough to arrange to hear one in my room.
Thanks again for all the replies.
Jim
Hi Jim,I am using the Cronus with my 87db Quad 2805's to very good effect. In my 13 X 15 room I can easily get to 90+ db as measured from the listening seat and the Cronus is only turned up to 1:00 (with my CD) and 2:00 with my phono.
The upgrade gets you better tube sockets, bigger power supplies, better internal wiring, upgraded transformers, upgraded resistors and caps in the critical positions. Mine also has all of the switching, phono, headphone, remote, sub-out disconnected to make as pure a signal path as possible. I also had mine wired in triode. Since there are no dealers near you, you can call Rogue directly and talk with Mark O'Brien.
I have not found the Cronus to be "dry" sounding as one of the other posters mentioned, but maybe it is the rest of my system or some of the input and driver tubes I am using (RCA Clear Tops and Telefunkens).
Good luck.
I was trying to compare it to the Manley, which has its own distinctive, lively sound. The Cronus i heard has a nice rich mid-range, good extension, and better than average tightness in the bass. Remember there are better tube amps, but they cost more. For the money, this is one of the 2-3 best for sure. Manley is in the same class, but costs a bit more.
I agree that the Cronus is a fine amp, but it is a little too dry for my taste. The Stingray has a distinctive punchiness that I equate with guitar amps, but at the time, )It is very well balanced.
I've been very happy with my VAC Avatar: switchable from triode to pentode(?) had a very good phono stage, and a home theater switch to allow your stereo to integrate with your HT amp, tube biasing allowing you to mix tubes if need be. I got mine for about $1500 used and am using it with the 91db Dunlavy scIII's. It goes loud enough for me. Good luck on your decision, check out audioreview.com for more info.
Jim
I dont know what you are looking to spend but in my mind the best value in top quality is this amp right here..Its 3600 retail and you can get them for less and the reason its less than it was is because mac eliminated some volume controls and switches on the front and did a couple other things..I heard this amp and its VERY impressive and this was on a pair maggies the MG 20s and it wasnt even using a premp and it had body and character and accuracy that I dont find in a lot of newer amps..THey have a winner with this baby.
- http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/mcprod/shopdisplayproducts.asp?hid=&id=14&cat=Power+Amplifiers&prodid=1093&product=MC275 (Open in New Window)
Check out the Rogue Cronus, it retails for $1,800. It is an excellent value, sounds really good and has plenty of power. I used it to power Audio Physic Virgos and now the new Quad 2805. You might also consider having Rogue do their upgrades for $250.Customer service at Rogue is second to none. When you call, you will almost always get one of the two owners, Mark O'Brien or Mark Walker. Both are very helpful, generous with their time and knowledge.
rogue is a very good value. The others not that much better, but worse value.rogue also has relatively low impedance outputs, which you will need to drive your Totems.
Good Luck: also if you could tolerate kits, or maybe built up is to get an upgraded dynaco st-70, and then a good simple tube preamp. This probably has even more value, but is not an integrated, and doesn't possess especially good WAF. You also didn't say whether you listened to vinyl or CD, and how much power you needed.
However the dynaco stuff upgraded is very good, and if you where/are a guitar player, then the vintage/sound match is good.
I have Rogue M99 and M150's driving my Maggie 3.6R's and they do a great job.
Unbeatable value and service from those guys.
Jerry
your 150's?Do you have enough power? what types of music do you listen to?
I upgraded my magnum 120's to M-150's and also have a magnum 99...using 1.6's right know, but am Seriously thinking about getting the 3.6's, even after a less than stellar listening session recently.
I'm mainly worried that I will not have enough power, as I STILL feel I need more power to run my 1.6's (though I listen to music louder than the aveage person...I'm sure of that!), though I must say the are a great improvement over the mag-120's!.
Great products + I don't think you can get better support from any other 'Hi Fi' company, as I'm sure you know.
Jon
Hi Jon,
Sorry, I didn't see this post for a few days here. I use the M150's with Speltz Autoformers on their 3x setting so that the 3.6's look like a 12 ohm load (vs. a 4 ohm load) to the amps. I then run 'em off the 8 ohm taps and get a great sound. I listen to just about everything from acoustic to jazz to classical, some rock... no rap or metal. I typically listen at or below 80-85 db (peak) so I'm not a real volume cranker. In this setting, and in my room, I have great sound. How much volume you feel you need and the room acoustics (live vs. subdued) may have impact in how it works for you. However, I think you can extrapolate from your experience with the 1.6's; the 3's are definitely more of a load.
Hope this helps,
Jerry
Thanx Jerry.
I do listen at louder levels, but have been able to back off a bit after an ear infection (in which I got my ears cleaned...unbelievable how much better my hearing is now). I have no regular doctor, but will take much better care of my ears from now on.
Fortunately I see a pair of 3.6's in the very soon future (still deciding on the oak/offwhite or the cherry/offwhite...the cherry being $300 extra).
Ah yes, and the gods will soon be gracing me w/ a Zeus! So I doubt I'll ever have to worry about power again.
I like the idea of the autoformers-I haven't heard of that brand, but I'll check 'em out.
BTW I listen to new and old school jazz, wide range of classical, classic rock,new and old funk, metal, industrial/techno, and some rap (though rarely on my maggies!)
I'm sold on Rogue and will get the monos as soon as I unload some of my amps. Rogue is just as good as the others or at least very close. It will hold it's value. Rogue will be a leader for years to come.
And when you call up with a question or need help, they'll take the call like you are an old friend and treat you like gold.
I'm not saying the others are bad in any way or do not take calls, etc. But have you compared the prices?
Two months ago Rogue to me was just another obscure brand. Now I'm their biggest fan!
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