Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III

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.

In terms of sound quality, I have heard it said that it sounds more like a solid state amplifier than a tube amplifier, so that has given me a bit of pause. 

That’s a big question.  Are you looking for something that skews a little warm or something neutral?  If the former you’re probably better off looking at other options.  Also, the phono pre is really important, and I wouldn’t leave that to the one included in most integrateds and would absolutely get a separate phono pre at some point.  Just my $0.02 FWIW, and best of luck. 

I own the Magnum II and it’s exceptional. It’s really suited for albums because it has the tube sound. If I am listening to Jazz, Blues or vocals, it’s really my favorite. I have three other amps, one is a tube integrated. I would agree with the previous comment that the internal phono preamp may leave you wanting unless you have a very basic turntable. The better the phono preamp, the better the Rogue will sound. IMO.