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Recent upgrade to Cronus Magnum

A few weeks ago, my system consisted of the following components ...
Apple TV >> Naim Unitiqute (v1) >> Harbeth P3esr

While I liked the overall sound, I wanted to move up the chain and try something different. I felt the Unitiqute was a little underpowered. So when an Audio Rogue Cronus Magnum came up for sale (local craigslist), I jumped at the chance and bought it. I had a Cambridge Audio Azure 851D stored in my close, which I added to the chain. So now my system looks like this...
Node 2i >> CA Azure 851D >> Cronus Mangum >> Harbeth P3ers

When I first made the change, I was quite impressed with the increased loudness and a wider soundstage. However, I realized that, unlike the Naim, I was getting listener fatigue. There was a certain harshness (like metallic sound) to the vocals, especially female vocalists. Also, I was expecting some tube magic, which frankly is just not there. The Cronus Mangum sounds much closer to a solid state. Yesterday I put the Naim back in the system and much to my surprise the little box is keeping pace with the much more powerful Cronus Magnum. Yes, it doesn't play as loud and the soundstage is not as wide, but the sound is so much more refined, smooth and balanced. I'm wondering if I made a mistake. So before I make further changes, maybe the good folks at Audiogon can provide some relief.

What do you think is the weak link in my system? Should I keep the Cronus Magnum and try a more musical, refined DAC? If yes, what do you guys suggest (prefer used, below $2000)? Or do I ditch the Cronus and go for a more tube-like sound (Primaluna, Rogers, vintage ARC, etc)? The little voice inside me is telling me to sell the Cronus and move up the Naim integrated chain (e.g. Supernait), since I really liked the Unitiqute's refinement and balance. But then again, what if it's not the amp (Cronus) but the DAC (CA Azure 851D) that's the likely culprit here? Should I change the DAC first? Or maybe try rolling different (smoother?) tubes?

As you can see, I'm mighty confused and can use some pointers. So many variables ... aargh!!!!
128x128arafiq

Showing 2 responses by sfar

sfar's avatar
sfar
1,756 posts
 
I had a similar experience with the Cronus Magnum. I had a tube amp/preamp setup, an AES/Cary AE-25 amp and AES DJH preamp with a pair of Devore 8 speakers but was persuaded to try the Cronus Magnum based on reviews. To my ears it wasn't even close. I found the Cronus not nearly as satisfying in the ways that good tube gear often is, sold it and kept the AES gear for quite awhile. Still regret selling it even though my current Raven Audio amp is the best I've owned.

That's not to say that Rogue doesn't make great gear, lots of people swear by it, but they don't have your ears. Unfortunately, it's not going to be easy to sort it out for yourself without doing the kind of gear swapping you describe but if you were happy with the Naim sound and don't want to start down that path a Naim upgrade might be the simplest way to begin.
sfar's avatar
sfar
1,756 posts
 
arafiq - I have a Raven Audio Blackhawk LE, which was a limited edition of the original Blackhawk amp that was in the middle of the 'Avian' series. The current lineup is here - https://www.ravenaudio.com/product-category/amplifiers/avian-series/

I'm in Austin but Raven isn't, its facilities are in a couple of places in East Texas, including Onalaska on Lake Livingston. The shipment of one of their power cords came from Shreveport, La. If you're interested, call the owner, Dave Thomson, 318.703.4542. He's incredibly helpful and supportive. They have a free 45-day home trial available which might work well for you since you are so close.


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