Considering Rogue Audio or P.S. Audio


Currently have Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum Integrated and want separates.  I'm running them into Spatial Audio M3 Turbo S speakers at 4 ohms.  Considering the Rogue Stereo 100 and RP5 or RP7.  Also looking at P.S. Audio BHK Signature pre- and BHK amp.  I am aware the BHKs are more expensive but would like feedback on this comparison and if you have any other ideas (no shortage here I'm sure).
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By the time you add sufficiently good enough interconnect and power cord separates are so cost prohibitive relative to equally good or better integrateds I would look at something like the Raven Reflection MkII integrated long before I would even consider separates.
I just put in an order today for a BHK Signature preamp. I used to have an RP-7 and I thought it lost out in terms of neutrality, bass power and transient attack compared to the Pass XP-22 that replaced it. As much as I like the Pass, I’ve also come to feel that it’s missing the visceral impact that Jim Austin credits to the BHK in his comparison to the Pass. I think the Pass may be a bit reticent in the upper bass and lower midrange, a critical area that has to be right. So now I’ve decided to give tubes a shot again. The BHK measures better than the Rogue. All of the glowing reviews and Bascom’s videos have convinced me that I need to check it out. I also have a PS Audio DS DAC and P20 regenerator that I’ve been very happy with, so I feel like this is a good move. I’ve also been on sort of a quest to reduce or eliminate engineered global feedback, since I think that’s important for my time and phase accurate Vandersteens.
Do you have any noise issues with your Rogue integrated? I constantly had hum in my speakers no matter what I did with my CM2. A shame because I loved the Rogue sound but it kept me from moving up the Rogue Audio chain. Have you thought about Linear Tube Audio? Also the Luxman tube separates (CL-38uC & MQ-88uC) are excellent components. 
Thanks for the advice.  I have considered Pass Labs and Luxman as well.  I think I may close in on the PS Audio BHK series.  I've got the PS Audio Directstream DAC and was blown away by the improvement in my digital signal path.  I actually didn't fire up my VPI turntable for several weeks after getting the Directstream.
jsqt  My rogue had a constant hum through the speakers though not a problem when listening to music. I used several new and nos tubes nothing changed until I went back to the stock JJ tubes. Lost a little warmth but very quiet. 
 I constantly had hum in my speakers no matter what I did with my CM2. A shame because I loved the Rogue sound but it kept me from moving up the Rogue Audio chain.
Same experience here. I also had hum with the Stereo 100 amp. Ground hum seems to be the fly in the Rogue ointment. Apparently they finally deemed it necessary to address this problem in the CMIII.

OP, consider Audio by Van Alstine products. I have their Fet Valve CFR preamp. It's very quiet and takes on the sound of whatever tubes you choose to run. All the parts are of high quality. 

And yes, separates will be an upgrade over your CM, but the components must have good synergy. The PS Audios are an easy choice if you have the dough. 


I had a constant low-level hum both mechanically (transformers) and through the loudspeakers from my Cronus Magnum II.  I tried everything under the sun to reduce this--I documented some of my experiments a double of years ago on this forum.  Nothing worked, no different wiring, power conditioners, earthing, etc. etc. etc.  I really like the sound of the CMII, but I ended up listening for the hum during the really quiet passages.  So it had to go.

OP: I'd look at Backert and Raven, or perhaps tube preamp + SS power.

I have heard the RP-5 and Stereo 100 at dealers and shows and it is right up there with the best sounding systems I have ever heard regardless of price.
Hum must be related to the user’s home wiring. I have never had any issues.
I just took delivery of a Rogue RH-5 headphone amp linestage. I am not into headphones and I bought the RH-5 because it has balanced output. My new solid state power amp has balanced connections and the difference between balanced and regular RCA connections is well worth the capability- more dynamic, vibrant, resolving and clean sounding. Worth your consideration.