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

Showing 6 responses by samzx12

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.  
I haven't heard them but do a Google search.  I'm sure you'll find plenty of material on each.  But I would be willing to bet the PL would sound better than the Cary.  
The PL will have no problem driving the Totum and other speakers with less efficiency unless it's very inefficient.  The power supply is huge for a 35w tube amp.  

It's all in what you want when it comes to tubes or solid state.  Some nice SS recommendations given here.  I would purchase from a reputable company in case you are not satisfied and want to sell it.  
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.  
Lots of opinions here. Have you contacted Totum or get a consensus of what manufacturer mates well?  A good tube amp with beefy power supplies will push them just fine IMO. I would think a cheaper SS amp may give a nice punch but isn't going to sound very well where it counts most. The mids. Again my opinion only :)  
Most of us don't have the chance. Have you asked Totum their recommendations or what's on your list?