Replace Rogue Cronus 3 with Rogue Pharoah 2 or HiFi Rose rs520 or suggestions

Thank you for all the advice.

i think u have tried different preamp tubes as well as KT120 

tubes in the Cronus.

the dealer that sold me the Rogue gave me some alternatives suggestions besides the Rogue Pharoah 2. I was thinking about Hegel h390 but he suggested the Simaudio 340i with built in dac and phono stage.

i know very little about the Simaudio line but he said it best the Hegel when he had a H600 when he was looking at the Hegel line to carry.

it gets good reviews too. Any experience with Simaudio?

I recently had some mods to my amps with Rogue. While having some phone time with Nick about upgrading to Dark status he commented that his personal system is the Rogue Stereo 100 Dark and the Megapans. He said he absolutely loves it. My suggestions are as follows, if you’re using JJ’s definitely upgrade the signal tubes in your existing amp as they make a huge difference. And since you have local access to a Rogue dealer audition at home the Pharaoh II , if you can access a preamp try the Stereo 100. I have multiple pieces of Rogue gear and have replaced every signal tube for a dramatic improvement. The only piece I’ve not tube rolled with is my Hera as it takes the Russian 6H and at $200-300 each for nos I’m not able to afford 8 of them. FWIW my stuff are all separates and I alternate between a tube power amp and SS depending on my speaker selection. But that comes with needing additional cables and with you’re running  integrated and that’s not what you’re asking. Also running a pre / power combo that has 22 tubes total comes with its own set of problems, the hybrid is definitely a plus if you like the sound. If you audition one ask if you might try it with different signal tubes or at least realize there is a HUGE improvement replacing those damn JJ ‘s. I’m my second system I have a Rogue RP-1 paired with a 60 wpc amp with great results . The RP-1 with Tekefunkens is really nice and would pair well with more a powerful GanFet amp, but again that’s not what you’re asking.  BUT AS MENTIONED  by others there are many SS units that will pair very well with your speakers. As a tube enthusiast I must admit the speed and clarity of good SS is spectacular but I just like tubes MOST of the time. Happy Hunting , Mike B. 

I have no experience with the Cronus and Maggies. But the Cronus responds dramatically to changing the preamp tubes to mid priced NOS tubes. Much more tube like, bigger soundstage and separation.  Will never replicate the sound of 300B amp

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650105803-parasound-halo-hint-6-black/

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650194983-rotel-ra-6000-integrated-amplifier-demo/

Have you considered one of the Pass models or Parasound. I ran 1.7i with a Parasound HINT with fantastic results, have since moved up to the 3.7i with a Pass set up again fantastic sound. You can stretch your dollar by buying used.

Rogue amps have a house sound that skews more neutral and are not as tonally full or warm sounding as some other tube amps, so in addition to the Cronus maybe being a bit underpowered this may also be contributing  to what you’re hearing.  I had their hybrid Medusa power amp in my system for a bit, and it was very good but warm or tube like would not be words I’d use to describe its sound — more solid state neutral sounding with excellent imaging/soundstage, and I’d be a little concerned the Pharaoh may be a bit more of the same as your Cronus.  I think you should give the Unison Unico hybrid amps a look as they skew a little warmer and have a tube input stage and MOSFET solid state output that may work well with your Maggies, and specifically the Due and 90 models should be enough to power your Maggies effectively.  This dealer offers a return period and used to offer a 10% discount though not sure that’s still in effect (might have vanished with tariffs).  I know someone recently bought the Unico 90 from The Music Room and got a 10% discount, and they also offer a return period so that’s another option.  I also linked a recent review of the Unico 90 so you can get more of a feel for its sonic characteristics.  Just another potential option to consider, and best of luck.

https://soundapproach.com/unison-research

https://twitteringmachines.com/review-unison-research-unico-90-integrated-amplifier/

Avanti1960 thank you so much for the reply.

that was exactly what I thought using the Cronus but could not put it into such precise wording.

you make a lot of sense. Most reviews of the Pharoah 2 has been favorable but there were a couple that had me question the class D amplifier.

@dylanfan 

The Rogue Cronus Magnum I, II and III are very nice sounding amplifiers but sound best with much higher efficiency speakers than your Magnepans.  Your speakers per spec recommend no less than 100 WPC at 4 Ohms.  

The Rogue begins clipping at 35 watts at 4-ohms, well under the recommended power.  The sound will be thin and strained at higher volumes- so you are on the right track to find a new amp. 

The Rogue Audio Pharaoh II delivers at least 200 watts per channel a 4-ohms as tested,  I heard your speakers driven by the Rogue Audio DragoN amplifier which have nearly identical amplifier design and execution as the Pharaoh's amplifier section.  The sound was full, powerful and clear without being dry or clinical. They are a proven good match with Magnepans.  

I have heard the HiFi Rose integrated several times driving  various MoFi Sourcepoint speakers.  The sound was powerful but somewhat dry and brash.  Based on these experiences I would recommend the Rogue Pharaoh amp with your speaker.