ROGUE CRONUS DARK: The Price Is Right!

[@DaveSchulze]

I’ve had this since it came out. Upgraded from Cronus Magnum III. LOVE IT! I’m a huge Rogue fanboy though. My Zu DW Mk2 sing on this thing. So much so that it makes me want better speakers, like some Zu Union or Soul, maybe Spendors, or those open baffles… like Clayton Shaw. 🤔 FYI, my front end is an AppleTV to a Schitt Gungnir DAC. Audience basic cabling. So source could be better, yet the Dark really does reveal more in detail and clarity sound while remaining warm, organic, and engaging.

[@keplermission]

Harbeth Super HL 5.

[@DaveSchulze]

@ Thanks! It’s been on my list.

[@jacobpaternostro9109]

@@keplermission seconded

[@johnpischedda6951]

@@DaveSchulze give the Harbeths an audition ! I drive my Super HL 5 plus with a 40 w tube amp sounds amazing in my medium size room.

[@dxbwinenaudio]

Try Qualio IQ. Open baffle too. And lovely sound

[@bf0189]

I'm gifting my Dad the same CSNY live LP for Christmas. He suffers from dementia and probably doesnt have much time left but he remembers music really well and is an audiophile still even if he can't work a system anymore. I cant wait to listen to it with him on his Beogram turntable that he gave me as a family inheritance gift.

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

Love this, this is what it's all about, you can't pass on a digital file and listening to a stream vs giving someone a physical vinyl copy and sharing the experience of playing and listening together will always beat anything else 😊

[@budroe4057]

What an awesome idea! Good on you. Great for your dad.

[@tweakerman]

Tube pre-amp & solid state power amp, that's the way I've gone, another great video steve👍

[@bengleason508]

Thanks Steve! I would love to hear more about late night listening. Thank you for the great content!

[@johntucker5994]

Very good review Steve....thank you! In watching your reviews, I always take note when you are excited about a piece of gear (a very good sign) and also when you mention that the gear playing music elicited an emotional response in you. I would love to see you do an episode highlighting amps and/or speakers (that are still available) that you love for the way they allow the listener to emotionally connect to the music. I'll take that attribute over technical superiority since the emotional connection was what hooked me on music in the first place. Having watched you for many years, I have learned to trust your ears and preferences. Thanks again.

[@blairholmesproductionsinc.9432]

That’s a great idea! Love the way Steve talks about emotion through the gear. And yes, isn’t that why we love music?!

[@johncain3212]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I personally like the old fashioned industrial look. I personally own a Black Ice Audio F-35 amp That in my opinion , not only is it amazingly beautiful to look at, it also sounds just as good as it looks. I bought a pair of Klipsch RP600 MII's because of Steve's review. I also bought a pair of Klipsch Heresy IV's because they are very engaging and just plain fun to listen too. When I want to engage my self into critical listining of music when alone, I use my Tannoy speakers. Thank you, very nice review Steve. I might add that those speaker stands used on the review Klipsch Ojas speakers might work wonders with the Heresy's IV's and a couple of sub woofers.

[@caribbeangtr8077]

Steve, as usual, your reviews are always great and informative.

[@TriAmpHiFi]

Terrific choice on which gear to be reviewed, again. Thanks AudioPhiliac👍 Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊

[@chrish.4067]

I'm going to savor watching this video as I just stepped into the Rogue Audio world! I had no idea that Rogue Audio gear was so good. I'm off the gear merry go round for a while. Thanks Steve for spreading the word! The AA rep told me about the Cronus, but I was feeling flush, so ended up with the RP7 pre and the Stereo 100 Dark. I bought the Stereo 100 standard first, but had fear of missing out, and ended up with the Dark. The Dark was not night and day better than the standard version, but the bass is more "right" and it's more resolving. I could have been happy with the standard. The system as a whole just sounds right. It's not analytical at all, but it's not tubey either. I've been at this a long time now and feel like I've gotten to where I've always wanted to be with my stereo. Just tweaking my sources a bit now. Did i say that I love that it's American made? I had SET amps with my Klipsch Heresy 4s for quite a while. The Heresys are that much more incredible now. I plan to try a sub, but the Klipsch have great bass now and more of everything.

[@austinlibby7025]

Steve, I purchased the rogue dragon in basically because it did have tubes in the input section of the power amp and it was balanced and I put in connection with that. I put a PR7 preamp balanced and the sound is tremendous. I changed out the tubes and put in new old stock to May 7 RCAS and avoid it open it up and recommend those tubes. If you can find them you have to pay a price for them but the clear top RCA’s unbelievable for the preamp Steve you and I have cross paths from the 70s. You remember saw Morant’s I know and I was working in my uncles electronic store tubes, transformers, etc., tubes for TV and saw Morant’s came in when they had started buying parts from us and he introduced himself to me. I work part time I was a kid And took me under his wings and two other young guys and told us taught us how to listen and want to listen for what you learned and I learned he was a great engineer. Had a great timing for sound and I think Marantz is coming back to channel very high-end. We’ll see how it sounds and what it looks like but before I’d spend $12,000 for an for a power amp, it’s gonna have to kick my ass and I doubt that it will for 12 grand Anyhow good luck with your podcast. You’re very entertaining to a high-end hi-fi guy and I respect your opinion in many ways so I disagree but remember this is just a hobby it’s not and it’s not a life or death situation. It’s a hobby and let us all enjoy it for what it is

[@gdemirjian]

I have a Rogue Altas power amp and love it a lot with my Klipsch kg4 speakers. I feed it with a Rogue 66 Magnum tube preamp. Both units are from the early 2000's, and the speakers are from 1985. It's my vintage area for playing mostly records. The sound in very layered and smooth with vivid imaging and a huge soundstage. Very live sounding. Love your videos. Thanks.

[@richardwhite2344]

I enjoyed this video very much, Steve, I think everyone can relate when your looking at records in a record store and the absolute thrill of finding a record that you used to own. And you always say to yourself, "Why did I get rid of that record" Take care

[@hamidrezahabibi8111]

Thank Steve. I personally go for Quicksilver Audio; Octave Audio from Germany 🇩🇪 or Atmasphere Audio if I want to go a little further and of course OTL. Ampsound is also great but I guess they don’t have integrated amplifier. Rogers High Fidelity is also a magnificent all American 🇺🇸 company.

[@PasqualeDeRosa-n1v]

Looks amzing. Another great show Steve.

[@christopherspiro9857]

Nice review. Nice shirt, cool vibe.

[@dougg1075]

Got into tubes and high efficiency speakers a few years ago and I ain’t Neva goin back

[@phantomplastics6582]

I agree that adding tubes can take you from unenjoyable sound to glorious music and without losing detail. You can get a taste of that for low money and a money back guarantee with the Schitt Freya+. If you like that but want even better quality, the try the Modwright Instruments Analog Bridge. Amazing with the right tubes.

[@lewiswaddo5045]

I don’t know… I’ve only had tube amps for the past 15 years, but finally caved and grabbed a solid state amp rated at 220w and 120dB SNR and it sounds absolutely phenomenal!

[@billthestinker]

beautiful review

[@saint6563]

"Body" is a better descriptor than dimensionality. Dimensionally refers more to soundstage & body more to an instrument/voice.

[@paulgreen2303]

I had the Cronus Magnum II and now I have the Pass Labs INT-25. Both were/are great. Can't go wrong with either one.

[@TomSherwood-z5l]

I have an old Fisher tube integrated stashed away. Totally original. Not even recapped. I did have it in a second system before I moved and with some modest sized speakers and a CD deck, I did hear something astounding sometimes as far as 3D width and depth effects. But the whole system did not sound ideal with certain types of music. Forget any heavy rock! Jazz, pop and vintage music were impressive. As far as tubes go I look askance at modern imported vacuum tubes. I can dig out some vintage tubes from my stash if needed. I once was gonna overhaul the Fisher with modern parts but I got no room for a second setup and it ain't gonna fly in my main.

[@chrishamilton5960]

This is a really nice looking tube amp.

[@scottbernard8824]

Hey Steve, do you know the plate or screen voltage?

[@brighton_dude]

He's waiting for Grado Hemp headphones. He is in for a treat! I have three Grado headphones and I love them all.

[@11RESERVERED]

I have the Rogue M180s with my Cornwall IVs and Maggie 1.7s and they are wonderful. Using a pre from PS Audio and eventually will go Rogue RP7 or Hegel preamp.

[@asan1050]

Thank you very much!

[@smaarch1]

Thanks for the review Steve. I've enjoyed my CM1 for a few years now. Unfortunately it was taken out by a brown out a few months ago - obviously no fault of Rogue. I'm considering upgrading it to a CMlll dark so much appreciate your review. I don't use the phono stage in the CMl but an outboard EAR834P (CMl doesn't handle moving coil) but I understand it has been largely upgraded in this new iteration. Rogue is a great company to deal with. Just pick up the phone and a knowledgeable person picks up the phone and spends time to explain things. So yes I'll be taking drive to PA and have mine serviced. One small correction: the amp is designed for KT120 tubes at 100 wpc and are now shipping with KT88's at I believe 80 wpc.

[@keplermission]

You know, smaarch, 100 wpc ... 80 wpc ... doesn't really mean anything. Judging by rated watts per channel is a bad idea. It depends firstly on the quality of the input source. You know, if it was a cheap input (bandwidth limited) it might give a much higher power output? It's like judging shoes by size alone without any idea of quality. You might say my shoes are bigger than yours so I have to be better!

[@smaarch1]

@@keplermission great - an argument where none was presented. Gotta love the internet.

[@fletchermunson6225]

I use a Rogue hybrid RP-5 preamp. I love their products. Also a huge motivator is their outstanding customer service. No sending things back to China, they take care of you fast and for very reasonable prices. Love these guys.

[@DaveSchulze]

My only upgrade to my Cronus Dark would be Rogue separates, a RP-5 and Stereo 100 Dark or Hydra.

[@fletchermunson6225]

@@DaveSchulze I chose a pair of Belles Aria Mono amplifiers. Very happy with the combo. I just dont want to do power tubes again.

[@DaveSchulze]

@ I get it. They are expensive to replace. I had a Rogue Perseus Magnum pre w Quad 909 power years back. That was a nice combo.

[@mcknyc6401]

What I need is someone to review the new Chesky Audio speakers.

[@unacceptablebilly1689]

Hey Steve. Just wondering if you’ve ever listened to headphones with a sub for extra umph? If so what you thought. Thanx for all your great videos!

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Yes, I have done that, it works but the problem is that the subwoofer sound is slightly out of time with the headphones. Unless of course you are right next to subwoofer. It's worth a shot, but not something I recommend.

[@Aswaguespack]

When you said you had one word that came to mind I thought you were going to say supercalifragilisticexpalidocious my bad.

[@MarcelNL]

I was just thinking of a Juson Audio JTA100.

[@michaelvaladez6570]

I have to say i trust your ears and your verbage..you put me in the chair as i would expect from your review . I would consider this tube amplifier. And your shirt is definitely very Rogue..low impedance...my blessings. Again as i said before, where would we be without Steve Guttenberg trusted , honest reviews. This post is greatly appreciated..keep up the great work !!!!!

[@sudipdutt9699]

Hi Steve, how about reviewing Sphinx 3 Magnum edition? Best wishes from Kolkata, India.

[@bocrux]

I wish they would provide SNR measurements. How is the background noise level? Should we expect some hiss that we won't get out of a quality solid state amp?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Yes, it will be a bit noisier than many solid state preamps. of course once you have music playing you would not be able to hear the difference in the noise level.

[@jmal5390]

I have a CMIII and it is more or less silent with 93dB sensitivity speakers. If you turn the volume up louder than you would ever listen to the amp and put your ear near the speaker, you can hear very faint hiss, but a few feet away (let alone at listening distance) it is not noticeable. I've never tested it with the built in phono stage though. I would imagine it has a little more noise as they all do. I've read of others having transformer hum, but I have not experienced it with this amp. All in all, it's a very good amp for a very reasonable price. I own better amps, and I have heard better amps, but I hang on to the CMIII because it is really good, and has been reliable. I know that if I need to, I can swap it into my system and get solid, reliable high quality sound. There are very few competitors at this price though. You have to spend quite a bit more money to get a substantial improvement, and even that is relative. I have an $11k amp that is better, but just barely. The guys at Rogue are also great if you have any questions. I've called a few times with a simple question, and the owner/designer has answered the phone and spent a good amount of time answering questions and just talking audio. Hard to beat that.

[@caribbeangtr8077]

The price is crazy expensive for a 100 WRMS/Channel Amp.

[@justadad2304]

Somebody should tell him about Audio Note 😏

[@jmal5390]

What does the wattage have to do with the price? You don't pay for watts. Anyone can design a very high wattage amp on a budget. It takes knowledge and the right component choices to design an amp that sounds great.

[@OgamJan]

I think it is a very handsome amplifier, to me most valve amps are clunky. Out of my price range sadly, but one can dream.

[@AllboroLCD]

She needs a resistor on the volume control to slow that motor a little.

[@danmarjenka6361]

Another way is to reduce the volume of the source device to 50 or 75 percent. For example, on a WiiM streamer, in the settings you can reduce the MilliVolts of the output. The same thing can be done if your DAC has a volume control.

[@howardmendenhall6966]

Output iron way too small for my liking.

[@jonathanmoore8886]

Touchy volume spinds like the Denon pma 1700ne. Very toichy volime control

[@JK-rt2jj]

The price is right? Well, uhm.. I would say.. Maybe..

[@ChrisTaylor-dz6nk]

6550.🎉🎉

[@johnh539]

Steve sadly as a Subscriber of yours for a few years your content will become less relevant to us in Europe the predictable Trade wars between the USA and Europe mean that instead of American gear costing nearly a third more here they may end up costing double or even be un-available here. That this will be a disaster for the world economy poots the hify industry in context but does not lessen the tragedy.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

I agree

[@annebokma4637]

Let's hope not all companies go under before it gets better again.

[@fstrati]

I agree

[@toddcrookham515]

News flash a Strong America lifts all economies around the world! In the last year of President Donald J. Trumps economy it cost about $75,000 u.s. dollars to get in to a home and currently to get into a home in America cost $135,000 u.s. dollars to get into a home today! In 2016 wages were high relative to cost, today income is flat lined while cost continue to rise! All these things impact global economies! As our leftist government continues to push us away from petroleum and towards an inefficient electric fantasy we a directly being hurt with rising cost of living, electrical grid failures, overworked grids that are starting fires and failing economies! Tariffs force companies who are dumping cheap products in your country to either raise their prices or to avoid the Tariffs build in your country! Case in point, Toyota was under selling American trucks, we placed a Tariff on all imported trucks and Toyota now builds their trucks here in America to bypass the Tariff! This creates American jobs for workers and parts manufacturers! You see negativity were opportunity exist! We (Americans) have been living under a tyrannical government that used the power of the Federal government to attack and attempt to silence and imprison people for speech!

[@middleearthltd]

I don’t get worrying about something that has never happened and as a general matter will never happen. Are the Europeans dumping slave labor produced stereo components with government subsidies into the U.S. market with the intention of destroying U.S. stereo component manufacturing ? The media and talking heads have created a world full of fear and nonsense. The European VAT is a reality that does in fact jack-up prices for Europeans.

[@antoniojoseandreomartinez9710]

👍❤️🫂

[@Spicycomment1]

Man, your vidéos sounds the same, i could take this video, put another product in, and it would be the same ...just change title, they aml look same same

[@evantench6651]

Your comments all read the same. just change video they aml look same same. you make a valid point though.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

But you keep coming back so thanks!

[@gdwlaw5549]

His ears are same. Look forward to you starting a youtube channel. I’m sure it will be amazing after ten year😅

[@tjclip24]

Yo, if you don’t understand the terminology he’s using, of course it will all sound the same. This community usually likes to welcome newcomers to the hobby so instead of bringing unsolicited vitriol and useless toxicity to the comment section, maybe just ask questions about the words Steve uses to describe his experiences.

[@gdwlaw5549]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac we do and thank you Steve

[@LIL-MAN_theOG]

THIS IS THE ISSUE with Rogue Audio and other amp makers like Ampandsound....they ask you for a $4000 amp but it looks ugly. I could buy many other amps, that are just as good, that look better. Im tired of these amp makers making me pay premium for an ugly piece of kit. I can pay for an Audio research i50, which is around the same price that looks way upscale for the money.

[@Harrisongrey19]

Yea bc looks affect the sound right? 🙄

[@DaveSchulze]

I LOVE the way it looks. Especially with the cover. It’s like a muscle car from the 60s. But each his own style.

[@charliedemottwildey8575]

​@@Harrisongrey19 looks matter in a set up, you want good great to look good. Sound is more important but it's still reasonable to want gear that matches your style. That said, I like how this unit looks!

[@keplermission]

Audio Research I/50 is half the power output of the Rogue Cronus Dark and the I/50 is a Rogers LS3/5A matching amplifier, whereas the Cronus Dark matches the Harbeth Super HL5, so in effect we're talking room size and judging from the Audiophiliac System Of The Day ... Steve doesn't have any viewer's systems in a room of the right dimensions for a Super HL5, so it might figure you know, that a I/50 better suits the rooms of Steve's comment threads? 🧐

[@DaveSchulze]

@@keplermission Man I really want to hear the Harbeth Super HL5 w the Cronus Dark