I just measured my CMII from the volume knob on the front to the point where the end of a connected interconnect cable could bend out of the way at the back and it is 18" . If you can use hole saw etc. to create openings for the cables that would also work.
By all means go for the CMII. It sounds great out of the box with the LS50s. With some thoughtful tube rolling of the 5 small signal tubes you can get it to sound better than anything on the market under $5K.
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Thank you sir! That is a great boost of confidence. There are tons of vents in the back of my console (which is wood) and it would not be a chore to drill some more holes to prevent the need to overly bend cables.
I'm going to line up a side-by-side with the PrimaLuna at the shop next weekend just to be 100%, but otherwise I need to start shopping for a new standalone DAC.. |
How much headroom (inches) will you have above the unit? The CMII runs pretty warm. As well as through-ventilation give the KT120s a little space above. Otherwise, can’t go wrong with CMII. |
Thanks -- I don't think headroom will be an issue. We'd discussed 4 inches or so at the shop and that's easily doable. If you think more is better, I'd welcome the advice. The shelves inside the console height adjust pretty easily and this will take priority over the rest of the gear in there. |
Remember, too, that you'll want to adjust bias from time to time. Being able to look down into the well revealed when you remove the plate is helpful when trying to seat the bias-adjust tool on the individual pots. With 4" you might be able to use a mirror and dexterity, or else slide the unit half way out. Bias doesn't need to be checked that often; indeed, they recommend against too frequently. |
They run really warm
but they do sound quite lovely...
you might try VTL , used might hit your price point
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Like you mentioned , try The Primaluna Dialogue Premium integrated. You might prefer the sound over the Rogue. Always nice to have options.
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Indeed! I have a side-by-side scheduled for next weekend between the Primaluna and the Rogue. |
put it on the top with at lest 4" (I would want more closer to 6" maybe 8"). reason for the top so you don't over heat the other components |
Constantly impressed by the high quality or low quality? Middle quality? I've been impressed with Jolida amps (at least the one I used for years) as a low cost alternative to other stuff…plus the Jolida dudes in MD are nice to talk to. Tubuler. |
My buddy swears by his Jolida and is definitely pushing that option. I'm bringing him along to listen to the Primaluna and Rogue this weekend.
The fact that avanti1960 provided me measurements and advice from his own kit within 20 minutes of my original post says a lot about the HIGH quality of advice here. My sincere thanks to all of you.
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I owned a Rogue CM2 before moving to an Ayre SS amp. Fantastic amp for it's money. I wished I kept it for a second system, I will be building out next year. Honestly for me, I also loved the way the Rogue looked compared to the others. Good Luck! |
I went in the other direction. The CMII knocked the Ayre AX-7 down to my second system. |
Nice. I when up to an Ayre AX5 Twenty. Much more refined than the Rogue. Both are excellent amps. |
After all the helpful advice, I didn't want to leave folks hanging. I did go back for an A/B with the Rogue Cronus Magnum II and the PrimaLuna Prologue (instead of the Dialogue). Both great sounding amps, but Benny Golson breaking in on the sax in "Moanin'" made the difference. The PrimaLuna didn't give me the same elation that the Rogue did.
Great local shop here outside D.C. let me bring the Rogue home for a couple hours and it's going to fit great in the space (with a nice cut out in the back of the cabinet for the wires). Headroom should be no problem as there's over 12" above it.
Ordered it a week ago. Eagerly, eagerly awaiting its arrival. |
What did you decide on?
I’ve got both a CM and a Dialogue Premium, I like the PL slightly better, but quite happy with the CM. I think the PL has a bigger and deeper soundstage, better grip on the bass, and more detail. Both with 120 tubes, but the pre tubes are different, so….
Cool thing about the PL is the ability to switch between ultra linear and triode from my seat. Matched with a pair of Totem Arros, I was quite impressed with the soundstage on Roger Waters “Amused to death”.
The CM is no slouch and it’s pretty much a coin toss.
Just my 2¢
mdr |
I got the Cronus Magnum II. I thought the Prologue was great, but I enjoyed the Rogue more when listening to my preferred music styles (jazz/acoustic). I do think female vocals were a shade better on the PrimaLuna, at least on the recordings we went through. I’d like to hear the Dialogue too, but the price difference between the DiaLogue and the CMII left some wiggle room for accessories.. |
Good for you. Enjoy.
I found tube rolling in the CM (non 2) showed more of the differences between the tubes than my pervious amps. |
Just looked at the Command Performance AV website, which has been completely updated. They also seem to carry a slew of brands. Are they still in that semi-subterranean space? Last time I was there it already seemed cramped, and they seem to be growing... |
Yup -- they are still in the basement space in Falls Church City and seem to be very busy. Hopefully they'll continue to be on the upswing--they are good folks. |
