Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III crackling static in left channel


This has been going on almost as long as I've owned the amp, 5 years.  I bought it new in 2021, so it's 2 years out of warranty, so no help coming from manufacturer.

I can stop and or aggravate crackling by wiggling the tip of the left 12AX7, less so by touching the left 12AU7. I've transposed the two AX7s and it helps temporarily. I don't suspect the AQ Evergreen cable or its connection to the DAC.

I've tried switching inputs to Aux 1, Aux 2 and CD, but the noise occurs in all three.

Any thoughts, suggestions welcome.

 

dreedbollinger

I believe they were some NOS (now) EI tubes (Telefunken wantabe's). On the cheap side you can use JJ's or EH tubes - both have gold pin versions. I like the JJ's much more - they have been reliable and had a tone that fit the needs of my pre-amp, amp, and speakers. EH's more neutral in tone, sort of 'boring' in my ear. I've never heard them in a Rogue so I can't comment, but from what I've read about Rogue's stuff I would probably enjoy the JJ's contribution more than the others I mentioned. 

Hope that helps some.

Hi , it’s been acting up  since new ? Are you using the original tube set ? Without additional information I would consider new tubes. If the problem persists call Nick at Rogue or email support. I have 4 pieces of Rogue gear and due to age 10+ years have sent them in for service and upgrades. If you want to replace the 2 AX7’s and possibly the AU7’s and not break the back maybe new production Gold Lions. There could be a number of things wrong from a failing resistor in one of the phase  tube stages to a failing diode in the power supply just to GUESS at a couple. Call them and if they want to check it use Pirate Ship and your original packing. Best of luck , Mike B. 

newbee + Mike B

Thanks!  I ever-so-slightly bent the pins, replaced, no crackling so far, even when nudged. Will eventually replace all small tubes with Au pins.

Btw, I emailed Rogue two days ago; not a peep so far.

Email them directly or call tomorrow morning. Don’t start bending tube pins or trying to compress tube sockets. I have a Had Inspire that I should have used tube socket savers and they’re loose as a goose. I do not get any static from them being loose. I asked Rogue once about a non response to an email and it was a result of how I sent it. I’m not co-signing a lack of response, but I have had fantastic support. One time I had Nick and the repair tech on speaker phone for 30 minutes as they talked me through some live diagnostics. Then I had a big pop without any damage and they said better ship it. They fixed my known issue and diagnosed a pending issue too. FWIT I had my M-180’s upgraded to Dark status and fully retubed last time in. Get your amp repaired and retube it. Consider a full or partial upgrade to Dark. PM me on the side and we can talk tubes. Also there’s a Rogue owners group on Facebook , I’m considering joining. [email protected]