• 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

Totem Hawks on their way - Rogue Sphinx or Cronus Magnum?

The folks at Totem responded back to my inquiry today, and I think their response is probably accurate for any SS vs tube amp of similar quality and power:

"The Rogue would be a very nice compliment to the TOTEM HAWK , deciding between solid state and tube is a matter of personal preference both would pair well to the Hawk. The Solid state design would offer greater control and precision while the tube would offer better flow and timbre."

I think that "better flow and timbre" is probably a good definition of the typical tube sound. Obviously, both amps have enough power to drive the Hawks - it really comes down to what is most pleasing to ones' ear.

Having listened to mostly SET amps for the past several years, I should probably just go with my instinct and fork over the $900 difference between the two amps. Decisions, decisions.... :dunno:
 
Have you considered Jolida? In particular, this model? http://www.musicdirect.com/p-13623-jolida-jd502crc-integrated-tube-amplifier.aspx

Just so happens Galen Carol has one in stock as well as it's bigger brother, the 801
https://www.gcaudio.com/cgi-bin/store/showProduct.cgi?id=62

And also this little beauty

https://www.gcaudio.com/cgi-bin/store/showProduct.cgi?id=510

Also, adding to the confusion Primaluna seems to be very well regarded. Though I'm sure you've already looked into them as they're a bit more popular than these other brands.

Good luck with your search, Greg. I'm sure wherever you land will be a good place.
 
Last edited:
StevenZ said:
Have you considered Jolida? In particular, this model? http://www.musicdirect.com/p-13623-jolida-jd502crc-integrated-tube-amplifier.aspx

Just so happens Galen Carol has one in stock as well as it's bigger brother, the 801
https://www.gcaudio.com/cgi-bin/store/showProduct.cgi?id=62

And also this little beauty

https://www.gcaudio.com/cgi-bin/store/showProduct.cgi?id=510

Also, adding to the confusion Primaluna seems to be very well regarded. Though I'm sure you've already looked into them as they're a bit more popular than these other brands.

Good luck with your search, Greg. I'm sure wherever you land will be a good place.
Click to expand...

I believe that one of his criteria is "made in America". That is why I haven't responded. Not much made in America hifi that I can recommend.
 
Woops, you're right, Art. Sorry about that Greg. Should have re-read the before posting.

FWIW, my buddy speaks very highly about Rogue Audio.
 
I never heard your two amps you are considering, I did own Totem Hawks at one point. A very good speaker for sure, but for me they lacked a certain 'sparkle' to them. I bought them anyway to see if I would grow to love them (always liked them) knowing that they'd be easy to sell.

I mention this because in my listening room I have both - tube amp and solid state, and switch between the two. I have a NAD 375 BEEE for solid state, and a Grant Fidelity A-88 (with upgraded tubes) - a KT-88 producing 60 watts UL or 30 watts Triode.

I recently purchased the NAD though, after the sale of the Hawks, but the Hawks just didn't do 'it' for me personally on all my music. They were terrific for Jazz, and easy listening music. But when I was in the mood for some up tempo classic rock and more modern (to me) stuff like White Strips, Tool, etc. the Hawks didn't do it.

I do feel the bass is better controlled with solid state for sure. Tubes make the speaker sound more laid back.

Personally, I'd get one of each, set them both up, and then switch the amps. If one really fits the bill, sell the other one, if you like them both for different reasons, keep them both. But that's just me - I still have my Energy Veritas 2.2i's sitting here but not listening to them anymore. I prefer my new (to me) speakers that replaced the Hawks.
 
The only other USA manufacturers that come to mind are Decware and Wright Audio. Both offer "higher power" integrateds they aren't exactly going to work for you.
 
StevenZ said:
The only other USA manufacturers that come to mind are Decware and Wright Audio. Both offer "higher power" integrateds they aren't exactly going to work for you.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the suggestions Steven. I am content with choosing from the Rogue Audio product line, just choosing between the Sphinx and the Cronus Magnum is the quandary. I find their integrated designs to be a useful combination of features and a value for the money.

I think I am going to wait until I have the Hawks broken in, and listen to them on the various amps I already own and then make a decision.
 
Sounds good. If you need an ear to help evaluate feel free to hit me up. I'd be happy to hear your new speakers.
 
gguillot said:
The folks at Totem responded back to my inquiry today, and I think their response is probably accurate for any SS vs tube amp of similar quality and power:

"The Rogue would be a very nice compliment to the TOTEM HAWK , deciding between solid state and tube is a matter of personal preference both would pair well to the Hawk. The Solid state design would offer greater control and precision while the tube would offer better flow and timbre."

I think that "better flow and timbre" is probably a good definition of the typical tube sound. Obviously, both amps have enough power to drive the Hawks - it really comes down to what is most pleasing to ones' ear.

Having listened to mostly SET amps for the past several years, I should probably just go with my instinct and fork over the $900 difference between the two amps. Decisions, decisions.... :dunno:
Click to expand...

There are a few American options for a nice tube amp. One such suggestion is Cary Audio. I think you should look long and hard before making a purchase and not rush if you're the type that is trying to get it right the first time around. He is a link to some Cary products that may be in your price range.

http://www.upscaleaudio.com/Integrated-Amplifiers/Cary-Audio/
 
Hawks are finally here! Fresh out the box they sound terrific! I have many hours to go before those drivers loosen up, but I am getting a lot more low end than I expected at this early stage. :yes:


attachment.php


attachment.php
 

Attachments

  • Hawk Left.jpg
    Hawk Left.jpg
    40.9 KB · Views: 184
  • Hawk Right.jpg
    Hawk Right.jpg
    58.3 KB · Views: 185
gguillot said:
Hawks are finally here! Fresh out the box they sound terrific! I have many hours to go before those drivers loosen up, but I am getting a lot more low end than I expected at this early stage. :yes:
Click to expand...

Awesome in the beautiful standard mahogany finish!
 
Beautiful, beautiful! And I'm glad you like the sound too:D

Congrats. I heard Totem Model Ones in Portland on a recent trip. My first exposure to Totems. They'd sure be on my short list if I were in the market for speakers again. :thmbsp:
 
Those are very handsome speakers. I bet they sound good too. Congratulations.

I would go with the Cronus, but I have no basis for saying that, other than instinct...
 
I have a Rogue Hydra, which uses the same hybrid design as the amp section of the Sphinx. In general I prefer tubes, but I really like the Hydra. It doesn't have the hardness or flatness that I iften hear in SS designs. In fact, it doesn't really sound like anything. It does let me hear the upstream components very clearly.

So, I wouldn't necessarily shy away from yhe Sphinx due to it being hybrid SS. You may still prefer the Cronus of course, but I'd bet the Sphinx would be a fine option as well.
 
subframe said:
I have a Rogue Hydra, which uses the same hybrid design as the amp section of the Sphinx. In general I prefer tubes, but I really like the Hydra. It doesn't have the hardness or flatness that I iften hear in SS designs. In fact, it doesn't really sound like anything. It does let me hear the upstream components very clearly.

So, I wouldn't necessarily shy away from yhe Sphinx due to it being hybrid SS. You may still prefer the Cronus of course, but I'd bet the Sphinx would be a fine option as well.
Click to expand...

That's great to hear subframe. There are plenty of very good reviews of the Sphinx out there. Even one that says buy it for the tubed preamp portion of it alone.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom