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Hybrid Integrated Amps

There are many discussions here on audiogon concerning hybrids vs all tube integrated amps. There are some who believe some hybrids have the capacity to sound like an all tube integrated.

I currently own a Rogue Cronus Magnum 3 with NOS tubes in the pre-stage and KT77s power tubes. I love the midrange bloom, the highs are smooth and the bass is quite tight. Previously I owned the BAT VK-3000 hybrid, Pass Int-30A and other amps throughout the years but none had that tube magic I so much enjoy. After reading reviews and making some inquiries about the new Pass Int25, it doesn’t seem to sound like a tube integrated but all did say it’s very musical.

Any thoughts?




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ronrags OP
278 posts
 
Verdantaudio 

I appreciate your response since I was curious what others have experienced with hybrids. As you stated the hybrids get close but no cigar which is what I would have expected. A couple of dealers I spoke to concur with your findings. It comes down to what sounds best to me overall with all types of genre and recordings.
The biggest difference was replacing all 5 preamp tubes with NOS tubes I purchased from Vintage Tubes. I also didn’t care for the stock KT120s so I ordered my Rogue with KT77s instead. That’s what I like most about tubes is the ability to tune it to my liking.
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