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REVIEW: Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum Dark Integrated Amplifier (Tube)

Model:	Cronus Magnum Dark
Category:	Integrated Amplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$4,495
Description:	Integrated Tube Amplifier
Manufacturer URL:	Rogue Audio

Review by JoshT on February 25, 2025 at 09:35:33 IP Address: 73.38.237.79

Add Your Review for the Cronus Magnum Dark

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I recently upgraded my Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II to a Cronus Dark. Truth be told, I kind of backed into the decision: I have enjoyed my CMII in my study system for years (see my system profiles), but I did something stupid recently while swapping out signal tubes that blew a power tube and also resulted in a hum from the unit itself. When I called Rogue to discuss costs of likely repairs, the upgrade options were more attractive. The effective trade in value of my "broken" CMII towards the Dark was close to what I paid for the CMII when it was new. Bear in mind that I cannot comment on the CMIII, or on how much of what I've observed with the Dark would also apply.

As an aside, the upgrade path is *almost* identical to getting a brand new amp. Only the case and transformers are kept. You even get the nice metal remote, a new faceplate with the "Dark" designation, and a new tube bias tool. The upgrade also includes the improved signal tubes, which Nick at Rogue says consist of "a gold pin JJ ECC802 in the preamp position and Psvae Art series tubes in the input and driver stages." You do not get new power tubes, so factor that into the price calculation. FWIW, Nick said the new units currently ship with Psvane Classic Series KT88s. I am using Tung Sol KT120s I bought before the invasion to great effect and will try my JJ KT88s in due course.

The CMII and the Dark both have full, rich and clear sounding presentations. It is a big sounding amp! In either configuration, the amp manages to be muscular and dynamic while also being smooth, with no edginess or graininess. But while I really liked my CMII, the Dark upgrades have improved it noticeably. Regardless of source, I find the Dark to be even more dynamic than the CMII. It is also noticeably more transparent and detailed, while being a wee bit sweeter and more liquid sounding. The CMII was very fun to listen to - the Dark is even more fun and adds a seductive ease and refinement.

On Rogue Audio's website, you can find a list of the modifications that bring a CMII to CMIII status, and a CMIII to Cronus Dark status. Which mods account for the improvements is beyond me but the end result is very nice.

I am particularly happy with the new built in phono stage in the Dark, at least with MM cartridges (I have not yet tried it with low output MC carts). Here the improvement is night and day and makes the amp a full service product. What was a bit lackluster is now lively and engaging and highlights why so many of us love playing vinyl. My reference for this system had been the PS Audio GCPH, which was superior to the CMII but is inferior to the Dark. One might even say, in a moment of exuberance, "I am now complete, and with one less box and set of cables!"

Also new to the CMIII and Dark is on-the-fly Triode/Ultralinear switching. I prefer the triode setting with my Klipsch Heresy IIs. In this system, triode adds more layers of detail with no sacrifice in perceived drive or bass control. To my ears, however, the differences are very subtle. When I home auditioned a Carey Audio integrated years ago, I found the triode setting necessary for good sound quality. Not so with the Rogue Cronus Dark. Both sound great.

Of less importance to me is the built in headphone amp. For one thing, I rarely use headphones in any system. Also, it seems a bit silly to burn tubes for a solid state headphone amp. All of that said, I did listen to a few albums with some OK phones and enjoyed what I heard. The presentation is laidback and nice, and perhaps more engaging than what I remembered from the CMII.

There are some caveats to this amp, which can be a bit quirky.

First, you have to mute the amp when listening to headphones or you'll hear a bleed-through of music and a hum from the speakers, and noise when inserting and removing the plugs. That is normal according to Rogue and many reviewers.

Also, while my unit is silent through the speakers, it does have a very quiet hum from the transformers, as do other Rogue amps according to user reviews online. That too is normal according to Rogue. The hum is inaudible from a distance or when music is played, but it irks me a bit that it's seemingly luck of the draw. My CMII didn't hum at all when new and a friend of mine has one that is silent.

And the capacitors behind the left power tubes in my unit do not match pictures and videos of the Dark I've seen online. That too is normal according to Rogue: "We have used a few different branda of capacitors in the power supply, but they are all the same value (some are different colors and some are taller as well)." Interesting. They sure sound fine regardless!

I may add an addendum or two over time, but I feel familiar enough with this product to recommend it very strongly, especially for those with relatively sensitive and easy to drive speakers.

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Product Weakness:	The headphone circuit is kind of wonky and there is a slight hum from the transformers (though it's only noticeable up close in a quiet room).
Product Strengths:	Big, bold, balanced. Great dynamics, and solid bass depth and control for a tube amp. The level of detail and transparency is impressive, but the sound remains a bit sweet and liquid. Fun and seductive. The build in phono stage is worthy of the rest of the amp. The amp is virtually silent through the speakers.

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Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier:	The amp being reviewed
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	For digital, I use Roon for Tidal and ripped CD files.; the Core is a Nucleus; the endpoint is an Allo Digione Player into a Bel Canto DAC2.5. For vinyl, Technics SL-1301 with Shure M97x and LPGear upgraded stylus.
Speakers:	Kipsch Heresy II
Cables/Interconnects:	Varies
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, Rock, Post Rock, Indie, Noise, Classical
Room Size (LxWxH):	14 x 12 x 9.5
Room Comments/Treatments:	Office with Oriental rug, pictures on walls, large LP storage shelving, window treatments.
Time Period/Length of Audition:	8 years for CMII and 30 days for Dark upgrade
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	AudioQuest 1200.
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

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