from Sphinx to Cronus Magnum?

The Cronus does have 4 ohm taps! BTW, solid state amps do not have selectable transformer taps like tube amps!

General Features and Specifications:

- 100 WPC
- 5Hz-30KHz bandwidth +/- 1dB
- 4 and 8 ohm transformer taps
- Slow start turn on sequencing

- Massive high storage linear power supply
- (2) 12AX7, (3) 12AU7, (4) KT120 output tubes
- Gold plated RCA inputs
- Gold plated binding posts
- Machined aluminum faceplate
- 4 inputs (phono, line 1,2,3)
- 45/60 dB gain phono input +/- 0.1 dB 20Hz - 20KHz
- 2W Headphone amplifier
- Aluminum remote with volume and mute
- Buffered variable outputs (great for subwoofers)
- Active outputs for subwoofer or biamping
- 4 RCA inputs (phono, line1, line 2, line3)
- All precision components
- Heavy (2 ounce) copper circuit board
- Full tube cage/cover (optional)
- Fully tested, burned-in, and auditioned
- Detachable IEC power cord
- 18" W x 17.5"D X 6.75" H (actual)
- 25" W x23"D X 11" H x 55 LBs (shipping dimensions)
- power requirements: 120V/240V - 50/60Hz
- Entirely designed and hand built in the USA

Specifications subject to change without notice

Knowing this is old post....just letting anyone reading this trying... to decide between these two great integrated Amps ...that neither have 4 ohm taps...maybe because both are powerful ?... I own the sphinx and they are Not needed... driving Kef ls50s in a small room...But !?!... it it would be nice to have them on the  Cronus Magnum II or III ???   are they... not needed???....Maybe Cronus owners with low impedance Speakers could elaborate.....     

I agree with Iradder. I heard both using speakers (I can’t remember the name) at Hollywood stereo in Florida and the difference was night and day.

I have a good history with this discussion. I have progressed through the Sphinx, then on to the Sphinx V2, and now I own the Cronus Magnum II. While I appreciated all that the Sphinx V1 and V2 had to offer, I must rave about the improved sound, soundstage, clarity, instrument positioning, and more that the CM II has above the Sphinx. Again, the Sphinx is a fantastic integrated, award-winning amp in its own right, but the CM II is just a whole other level. My wife could hear the improvement! Tubes just make the difference. I can use all the audiophile accolades to describe the difference, but it's more emotional than logical. I hope this helps, but trust me, you would not be disappointed in making the jump to the Cronus Magnum II. Good luck.

I've listened to both the Sphinx and CM2 at the dealer and the sound quality difference was very noticeable.  The CM2 to me sounded a lot better in every way - cleaner highs, mids and better bass. I ended up spending the extra money for the CM2. For the money, the CM2 is a solid amp and it also looks great to add...you can't go wrong with it.  There are a lot of great amps out there...take your time and listen to a few.  Good luck!  

Hi Margot, did you end up upgrading to the Cronus Magnum? Wondering what your thoughts were. I'm also thinking about moving from the Sphinx to the Cronus Magnum.

Thanks, all, for your insights here which are helpful! And, Al, I love the pictures of your listening room. Looks amazing!

cheers, Margot

May I suggest adding a good subwoofer?
A good musical foundation, or "base", gives your ear/brain something to compare the mid/highs to for a more natural perspective.
Really good bang-for-the-buck.

Hi Margot,

I can't speak to the intrinsic sonic characters of the Sphinx or Cronus Magnum. But given the impedance curve of the LS50, shown in the first figure here, the interaction of the speaker's impedance variation as a function of frequency with the higher output impedance of a tube amp, relative to the negligibly small output impedance of the Sphinx and nearly all other solid state amps, will alter the sound in predictable directions. Specifically, a tube amp will provide greater emphasis to frequencies at and around speaker impedance peaks (especially in the mid-range in this case), and lesser emphasis to frequencies at and around impedance troughs (especially in the mid-bass region in this case).

Those differences will probably be more pronounced connecting to the Magnum's 8 ohm taps than connecting to the 4 ohms taps, since the 8 ohm tap of a tube amp will have a higher output impedance than the 4 ohm tap. Which tap will be subjectively preferable, though, is of course not predictable, and you should try both if you purchase that or any other tube amp having multiple taps.

Also, keep in mind that you will be able to alter and tailor the sound of the Magnum significantly by substituting tubes of different makes and vintages.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours as well. Best regards,
-- Al