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Looking for an upgrate from Cronus Magnum

I live with Cronus Magnum with KT120 tube 100wpc for 2 years. I feel that it has been great for jazz, accoustic and vocal music. However I also listen to rock, pop, R&B, and movie scores. I feel the Cronus lack clarity and punch in the bottom end. My speaker is Salk HT2-TL 87dB efficiency 4ohm impedance.

I am considering the following options with a budget $3500. What is your opinion? If plan B is the better route, which integrated amp you suggest? My speaker is a bit cold and analytic, i want to add some warmth to it. Thanks.

PLAN A
Change the preamp and driver tubes on the Cronus. Cost about $300. Could enhance the clarity over the stock JJ12AU7. But bottom end would still lacking. Get a subwoofer for bottomend $1500

PLAN B
Replace Cronus with one of these SS used:
Krell Vanguard
Pass INT150
ModWright KWI200
MF M6si
Parasound HINT

Current system:
Salksound HT2-TL speaker
Cronus Magnum integrated amplifier
Oppo 105
Morrow Audio MA3 Interconnect and SP2 speaker cables



ucc118
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,661 posts
 
Plan A
Keep what you have and give a subwoofer a shot!
pdreher's avatar
pdreher
1,208 posts
 
Agree with plan A.  I've always found I regret going from a tube amp to SS.
johnziomas's avatar
johnziomas
41 posts
 
Agree w/above.

plus the combination of the 2 in step A, especially adding a sub, will give you the best improvement in my opinion.
inna
7,296 posts
 
You could try Rogue Pharaoh hybrid integrated, I think it is $3500 new.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,198 posts
 
Yes Pharoah hybrid will handle speakers like those much better than Cronus magnum. 

Rogue in general is a great line.  Gotta match the right amp with speakers though always for best results.  Ive heard the Pharoah and it is a unit I could live quite happily with.   Has built in phono and dac as well.  
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