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from Sphinx to Cronus Magnum?

Hi audiophiles,

Currently, my system is a Rogue Sphinx amplifier, a Rega Apollo-R cd player, a Rega RP6 TT with exact cartridge, and Kef LS50 speakers. I am enjoying this very much, but have been wondering about upgrading to a Cronus Magnum at some point. In part, I am curious about a tube amp (have never had one) and I also am interested in doing the best I can by these great speakers.

Has anyone made this move from Sphinx to Cronus Magnum? I'd be curious about any observations.

Also, is anyone running the Cronus Magnum with the Kef LS50s? What do you think of the combination?

Finally, if I eventually want to upgrade to an external phono stage (and assuming I stay with the Exact cartridge), would I be better off with a Rogue Triton or a Rega Aria? The half size of the Rega is appealing because I could slide it into my rack next to the Apollo-R without adding a shelf, but I could add a shelf if I had to.

Thanks for your thoughts! Happy Thanksgiving!

Margot
mcanaday
nycjlee
286 posts
 
I've listened to both the Sphinx and CM2 at the dealer and the sound quality difference was very noticeable.  The CM2 to me sounded a lot better in every way - cleaner highs, mids and better bass. I ended up spending the extra money for the CM2. For the money, the CM2 is a solid amp and it also looks great to add...you can't go wrong with it.  There are a lot of great amps out there...take your time and listen to a few.  Good luck!  
lradder
55 posts
 
I have a good history with this discussion. I have progressed through the Sphinx, then on to the Sphinx V2, and now I own the Cronus Magnum II. While I appreciated all that the Sphinx V1 and V2 had to offer, I must rave about the improved sound, soundstage, clarity, instrument positioning, and more that the CM II has above the Sphinx. Again, the Sphinx is a fantastic integrated, award-winning amp in its own right, but the CM II is just a whole other level. My wife could hear the improvement! Tubes just make the difference. I can use all the audiophile accolades to describe the difference, but it's more emotional than logical. I hope this helps, but trust me, you would not be disappointed in making the jump to the Cronus Magnum II. Good luck.
brianportugal's avatar
brianportugal
130 posts
 

I agree with Iradder. I heard both using speakers (I can’t remember the name) at Hollywood stereo in Florida and the difference was night and day.

slgregson
1 posts
 

Knowing this is old post....just letting anyone reading this trying... to decide between these two great integrated Amps ...that neither have 4 ohm taps...maybe because both are powerful ?... I own the sphinx and they are Not needed... driving Kef ls50s in a small room...But !?!... it it would be nice to have them on the  Cronus Magnum II or III ???   are they... not needed???....Maybe Cronus owners with low impedance Speakers could elaborate.....     

yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,485 posts
 

The Cronus does have 4 ohm taps! BTW, solid state amps do not have selectable transformer taps like tube amps!

General Features and Specifications:

- 100 WPC
- 5Hz-30KHz bandwidth +/- 1dB
- 4 and 8 ohm transformer taps
- Slow start turn on sequencing

- Massive high storage linear power supply
- (2) 12AX7, (3) 12AU7, (4) KT120 output tubes
- Gold plated RCA inputs
- Gold plated binding posts
- Machined aluminum faceplate
- 4 inputs (phono, line 1,2,3)
- 45/60 dB gain phono input +/- 0.1 dB 20Hz - 20KHz
- 2W Headphone amplifier
- Aluminum remote with volume and mute
- Buffered variable outputs (great for subwoofers)
- Active outputs for subwoofer or biamping
- 4 RCA inputs (phono, line1, line 2, line3)
- All precision components
- Heavy (2 ounce) copper circuit board
- Full tube cage/cover (optional)
- Fully tested, burned-in, and auditioned
- Detachable IEC power cord
- 18" W x 17.5"D X 6.75" H (actual)
- 25" W x23"D X 11" H x 55 LBs (shipping dimensions)
- power requirements: 120V/240V - 50/60Hz
- Entirely designed and hand built in the USA

Specifications subject to change without notice

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