Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III

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!

Agreed. It’s the audiophile version of survivorship bias - taking the wrong data points and drawing the wrong conclusion

I didn't really draw a conclusion from the fact that many CM IIIs are currently for sale, it was more of an observation/curiosity.  But point taken.

Current Cronus III owner. Previously owned one, sold it, and immediately regretted my decision. My current unit runs KT120 tubes and would not change a thing, although I might try KT88 tubes in the future. 

My listening space is relatively small (11x13) so there is more than enough power for the Omega CAM monitors and SVS subs (able to connect to 2 subs was a selling feature). This is likely my last amp and will just consider factory upgrades.

Bottom line - you cannot go wrong with this amp, and you have no trouble selling it if you want or need to.