• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Care of Rogue Cronus Magnum

lusciousdoug

New Member
Considering purchasing a Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum Integrated Amp. This would be my first entry into serious tube world (i do own a Bellari Vp130 and have rolled the tube) and am wondering what type of maintanence and care i should expect. How often will i need to replace tubes? What will be an average price for those tubes? What else? I know there is a regular biasing of the tubes that reviews say is pretty easy.
 
Register to hide this ad
I always largely base my purchases (not just as a consumer,but as a long serving service technician) on a manufacturers after-sale and out-of-warranty service and support
and I have always advised my friends,family and customers to do the same.These are serious considerations,especially when dealing with resale value or equipment breakdowns.

How is their track record,especially as regards manuals/schematics,service information and replacement parts for their equipment? How are owners of ''second-hand'' equipment treated?

I would strongly advise that you to do some in-depth research in this direction before you make any purchasing decisions.

Just my 2¢

Cheers,

Art
 
Seems
I always largely base my purchases (not just as a consumer,but as a long serving service technician) on a manufacturers after-sale and out-of-warranty service and support
and I have always advised my friends,family and customers to do the same.These are serious considerations,especially when dealing with resale value or equipment breakdowns.

How is their track record,especially as regards manuals/schematics,service information and replacement parts for their equipment? How are owners of ''second-hand'' equipment treated?

I would strongly advise that you to do some in-depth research in this direction before you make any purchasing decisions.

Just my 2¢

Cheers,

Art
wise advice. I guess my question was mainly about typical care for new tube equipment as opposed to vintage, and then specifically this model. But your advice is well taken and a good route to go. At face value their reputation seems excellent and I have a local shop I can work through with any issues.
 
Having personally met almost all of the "major players" at Rogue Audio at the big audio shows (Mark, Nick, Bill and the gang), and having talked to them frequently on the phone over the last decade- I can say, this is a company populated by a bunch of stand-up guys. They are true "gearheads" who love to build great stuff, and are very good about before- and after-the-sale support.

AFAIK, they still support every amp they've ever built. They've been building amps for over two decades now, and I have yet to see a dud model from them (in terms of sound or durability), as well. Some of the early models can do well with upgrades (i.e, like upgrading an earlier Cronus from EL34s or KT90s, to KT120s- that's a good idea), but they support those things as well, with all the parts needed. Upgrades aren't "dirt-cheap"- but the prices, IMHO, are fair, for what they do. You can even have major upgrades done- for example, an early M120 monoblock upgraded up to a modern M180 Magnum- it's a couple grand to do that, but you get what are effectively the same as their $6000 amps now...

As for tube pricing- IIRC, replacement KT120s from Rogue Audio, are about $60 or so each, plus or minus a bit. You can buy from one tube, to as many as you want in a set. Smaller tubes are primarily 12AU7s and 12AX7s in most models, with a few models that use 6H30P tubes too, and some models that use 6SN7s here and there too. All easily available from Rogue, or from myriad other sources.

Regards,
Gordon.
 
Considering purchasing a Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum Integrated Amp. This would be my first entry into serious tube world (i do own a Bellari Vp130 and have rolled the tube) and am wondering what type of maintanence and care i should expect. How often will i need to replace tubes? What will be an average price for those tubes? What else? I know there is a regular biasing of the tubes that reviews say is pretty easy.

So did you buy a Cronus and if so what do you think about the sound?
 
Back
Top Bottom