Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III

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.

Thanks for all of the great input.  

Re: the built-in phono stage.  I sold off my old system several years back and I'm just getting back into the audio game.  I decided to try and keep things simple at the outset (best laid plans... ) which is why I decided on an integrated and an internal phono stage.  My plan is to get everything going, enjoy the system for a while, and then upgrade to an external phono stage.  I'm sure it won't be long before that happens 

"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.

@tablejockey  Agreed. It’s the audiophile version of survivorship bias - taking the wrong data points and drawing the wrong conclusion. What you really want to avoid is flavor-of-the-month items that are super-duper-hot for a stint (usually triggered by a major glowing review), but then a few years down the road you realize you haven’t seen or heard of it again - and usually the company that made them is long gone too (oops!). 

Rogue’s tube power amps give you a lot of sound for the money. They don’t outsource their production, and service its top notch too. Cronus has been a top seller for a long time (all versions) - so there’s orders of magnitude more of them in circulation than other models from boutique-maker tube amps. Being "entry high end", a lot of owners get an itch to upgrade - often because they love it, and want to experience the next level!