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Opinions Needed!

Here is the scenario: my secondary system consists of a Rogue Cronus Magnum 100wpc tube integrated amp, a pair of Golden Ear Triton Two speakers, a Sony HAPZ1ES Music Server, a Magnum Dynalab MD90 Tuner and a Sony SCD777ES SACD player. I also have all the audiophile approved connectors, power cords and power conditioners. I like the sound of this system very much, but I am not too thrilled with the bass control of the amp to speakers.

I listen to this system at least 8 hours a day, every day of the year. In the 1 1/2 years of ownership of the tube integrated, I have re-tubed the amp twice to the tune of 450.00 each time(some nos tubes and all purchased from Upscale Audio). The cost of the tubes is killing me!

I have been thinking of replacing the Cronus Magnum with a Parasound Halo Integrated Amp which is solid state and 160wpc. I like the idea of tone controls and the generous amount of inputs on the Halo and all the reviews have been glowing. I also like the idea of the built in ESS Dac as my Sony SACD player is getting long in the tooth and could benefit from the newer dac. I am driving to the closest dealer this coming Saturday to audition one and may be bringing one home with me.

If it weren't for the price of re-tubing, I would keep the Cronus Magnum as I can live with the bass not being as controlled as I would like. I think the Halo will be better able to control the bass. My question is, good move or bad move? I know this is a sideways step, but I really can't afford to keep buying tubes!

I doubt I will sell the Cronus Magnum, my plan is to rotate it in and out of the system when I need my tube fix.

Thoughts?

Thanks

stereo5

Showing 2 responses by almarg

almarg's avatar
almarg
9,670 posts
 
Stereo5, recall this thread, in which you had posted:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/primaluna-prologue-integrated-help-needed

Perhaps the reason your Cronus Magnum amp is having trouble controlling the bass is similar to the bass issue the OP in that thread was having using a PrimaLuna tube amp with the same speakers. Although the symptoms he experienced were different and more severe.

As you’ll recall, in that case a low frequency throbbing occurred when the volume was turned up beyond a certain point. The reason turned out to be that the PrimaLuna tube amp was not happy running essentially unloaded (i.e., into a very high impedance) in the deep bass region. (The impedance curve for your speakers is shown here: www.stereophile.com/content/goldenear-technology-triton-two-loudspeaker-measurements).

I suggested putting an appropriately chosen load resistor across the amp’s output terminals for each channel, which resolved the problem. It may be worth trying the same with your amp, although keep in mind that with your 100W amp you would need higher wattage resistors than the ones I suggested in the other thread.

Good luck. Regards,
-- Al

almarg's avatar
almarg
9,670 posts
 
Two thoughts regarding the tube life you have been experiencing:

1)If possible, check your line voltage with a **good quality** multimeter. If it is too high it could conceivably be shortening the life of the tubes. If it is out of spec (120 +/- 6 volts in the USA) the power company should take corrective action.  If it is near the upper limit of that range but not out of spec, you may want to consider purchasing a power regenerator rather than (or in addition to) a new amplifier.

2)I wonder if the cryo process to which most of the tubes have been subjected may be reducing their longevity. Not trying to start a debate; I honestly have no knowledge of the answer.

Regards,
-- Al

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