2. amps-preamps
  3. 125385-34254

Looking for an upgrate from Cronus Magnum

I live with Cronus Magnum with KT120 tube 100wpc for 2 years. I feel that it has been great for jazz, accoustic and vocal music. However I also listen to rock, pop, R&B, and movie scores. I feel the Cronus lack clarity and punch in the bottom end. My speaker is Salk HT2-TL 87dB efficiency 4ohm impedance.

I am considering the following options with a budget $3500. What is your opinion? If plan B is the better route, which integrated amp you suggest? My speaker is a bit cold and analytic, i want to add some warmth to it. Thanks.

PLAN A
Change the preamp and driver tubes on the Cronus. Cost about $300. Could enhance the clarity over the stock JJ12AU7. But bottom end would still lacking. Get a subwoofer for bottomend $1500

PLAN B
Replace Cronus with one of these SS used:
Krell Vanguard
Pass INT150
ModWright KWI200
MF M6si
Parasound HINT

Current system:
Salksound HT2-TL speaker
Cronus Magnum integrated amplifier
Oppo 105
Morrow Audio MA3 Interconnect and SP2 speaker cables



ucc118

Showing 3 responses by charles1dad

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,219 posts
 
Hello Ucc118,
Intrinsically I like plan A. However Mapman makes a very good point. At least on paper your speaker’s specifications would seem to favor a transistor amplifier. However actually listening to the amp/speaker pairing is the ideal scenario. If at all possible audition the Pharoah or any other amplifier contender. You may find you prefer the tube amplifier with better quality tubes vs the current JJ brand tubes. Generally speaking I find tubes more natural sounding (exceptions do certainly  exist ). Some speakers are designed with the intention of using solid state amplifiers.
Charles,
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,219 posts
 
Ucc118,
What you’ve just described and experienced is the unquestionable result of a "higher" quality tube power amplifier. The additional 20 pounds and 2000.00 dollars certainly suggest bigger and better output transformers and power supply. I’m not surprised that sonic performance improved across the board. The watts rating can be deceiving, overall power supply quality is more relevant. Were you able to do comparisons to the solid state  Pass integrated and  Mod wright amplifiers?
Charles,
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,219 posts
 
Ucc118,
When you describe the Primaluna as providing more warmth,  emotional connection and fuller sound then you’ve made the right choice. These are the qualities that will keep you very happy for the long term. Congratulations!
Charles,
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