Integrated Amp Upgrade-itis hitting....


Hey all. Put together a system with GoldenEar Triton 3's, a Marantz CD6005 and Musical Fidelity A3.2 integrated. Lately, been getting the itch to "upgrade" the amp though while excellent in function and aesthetics is getting a tad long in tooth. So, my mind has been wandering about something different. Top 2 options right now are a Marantz PM 8005 and Rogue Sphinx. I'm open to suggestions based on the above. I listen to a lot of electric blues and classic rock. A phono section is important as I do spin some vinyl as well. Just looking for some input from some fellow audio nuts....
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Showing 1 response by jhills

While doing some, at my home, auditions, of both SS and Tube amps and integrated amps to pair with my Magnapan 1.7s. Two of the tubed amps I was able to compare was the Prima Luna Dialogue HP and a Rouge Cronus Mag. II. When paired with the Maggies, both sounded very nice, with equally large sound stages and very good detail and imaging,  but the Cronus Mag. had better dynamics and an easier time driving the 1.7s. I finally (with no regrets) even over a couple of very nice SS amps - choose the Rouge. I was also pleased that the Cronus Mag II has a very decent phono stage, capable of running a mid or high output MC cartridge.
For the money or even considerably more money, I found the Cronus Mag. II pretty hard to beat.
If you haven't already chosen - maybe something to consider.
Happy listening,
Jim