Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III

"The other reason I’m hesitant is that I see quite a few of them for sale online right now, which makes me wonder why - unless it’s just a matter of typical audiophile fickleness/upgraditis and not a reflection on the quality of the product"

Not an owner but heard countless times.

It's an established popular model for many years. That alone tells you it's a solid choice. The abundance of used means you can find one for a price you want to pay-if you chose to try used.

Plenty of user reviews here, and other sites.

Audiogon Discussion Forum

You will get maximum enjoyment of your LP's with the  Rogue Ares tube phono stage than with the built in.

It's maybe one of a half dozen "can't go wrong" 1st time try tube integrated amps.

Don't ask what the other 5 are. You'll get 274 different responses.

Current owner here. The thing that stops the Rouge from being a "no brainer" is it can't use EL34 tubes. Also, it was supposed to come with KT-120 tubes (Russian) but the turmoil with Ukraine is making these unavailable. Have used the Rouge on a limited basis (no phono experience) but what I've heard is respectable. Biasing is a breeze. 

I owned one several years ago, it was a steal in my opinion. Got it second had from Agon, excellent seller and transaction. I feel confident you will not regret picking one up. They are built like tanks, no doubt will offer years of trouble free listening pleasure. I agree with dweller, the biasing was super easy. As for the phono stage I used an outboard phono pre-amp, so I cant really weigh in. 

The comparison to a good solid state is fair. The Rogue was not lacking in power and grip. I felt it was a very smooth sounding amplifier. Presented authority, a nice open sound stage, never felt fatigue at all, ever. 

Honestly I wouldn't hesitate to buy one again, don't over think it. As a sure plus, the Rogue folks are excellent at customer service after the sale. They thoughtfully answered my questions pretty quickly. 

Let us know your thoughts when you have pulled the trigger and everything has settled in and singing.  

@doyle3433 @dweller Thanks for the input.  If I decide to go with one I'll post my impressions.

I am a current owner and I use the built in phono stage exclusively. To my ears it is very neural and authentic in sound reproduction. I have rolled all my 12AX7 and 12AU7 tubes. I was fortunate to get KT120s a few years back when you could still get them on ebay. I did hear that the KT88s sound warmer (more tube-like) with a minimal drop in overall output. I visited the factory this year to get my II upgraded to the III (non dark). I learned that they find the Magnepan speakers their choice for demoing the amp. I auditioned used mags and found that pair not worth it, not to mention my room cannot really accommodate that speaker size.

Unless something radical changes, this is my "life" amp I got the HT option and processor loop added so I ca use a tube preamp for my digital side and add an eq as my hearing needs evolve. 

My vote is a positive. the ultra-linear/triod switch was a big deal for me. I did find rolling the 12A tubes really brought out better sound. The factory tubes are fine, but there are better sounding tubes out there.

As far as my listening goes I enjoy progressive rock and when solo artists explore a hybrid classical/rock sound plus some classical, mostly piano. I strongly prefer vinyl, and stream when I want to explore music I don't own.