Rogue Cronus too bright


Hi All:
I recently aquired a slightly used Rogue Cronus integrated amp. It's an upgrade from a Jolida 302B. The Cronus is a great amp and is a big improvement in alot of ways over the Jolida, imaging, detail, bass, etc. I do find however that it's a bit too bright for my taste. By that I mean on vocals like Norah Jones some of the high notes leave that wince in my ear that makes me want to turn it down, and it's not loud to begin with. My speakers are Totem Model 1 Signatures (87db) with Analysis Plus Bi-Oval 12 cables. A jolida CD playes and VPI table. Same result from either source. I didn't have this problem with the Jolida. I've upgraded all of the signal tubes in the Cronus. Preamp 12AU7 tube to a Mullard. 12AX7's to RCA long black plates, and other 2 12AU7s to RCA clear tops. Power tubes are stock KT77 from Rogue.

Can anyone offer any thoughts on this? Are these speakers not a good match for this amp? Are my tube choices contributing to the problem? Are there better tubes to try?

Thanks!
arch7

Showing 3 responses by arch7

Thanks for your responses! Can someone recommend other speakers that might work well. I need to stick with smaller mini-monitor type speakers, probably in the $1500 range (new or used). I'm not too familiar with other speakers. I think the Cronus is the keeper in this situation, speakers are negotiable.
Thanks again to all who responded.

I know my room is not ideal, but it sounded ok before. I've made a few room-mods. With acousitc material at the tweeter reflection points.

I have a Shunyata Cobra power cord, so I don't think that's a problem.

I'm curious about changing the amp over to 8ohm. Is there anything wrong with running 4ohm speakers at 8ohm? What sonic differences are there? Will they play louder or quieter?

I have spoken with Mark OBrien at Rogue. He's super helpful and recommended some of these tube tweaks I've made. I know this amp is not known for being bright, so it must be the speaker combo or placement or the room too.

Thanks!
Thanks for the responses. Stevecham, in the Jolida I had Electro Harmonics EL34 tubes and the stock signal tubes (also EH tubes). I'm using a Dyanvector 10x5 cart & Jolida JD9 phono stage. I get the same results from the CD or phono. My interconnects are Analysis Plus Cooper Oval and the turntable uses the VPI phono cable. I have a Shunyata Cobra on the chronus, a Shunyata Alpha (non-helix) on the CD, and lesser, but good power cords on the TT and phono stage.