Rogue Cronus Magnum 3 Integrated Amp $3500 (100×2)
(6.75h, 18w, 17.5d, 55 lbs, Black or Silver)
Rogue Audio is built in eastern Pa, about 90 miles west of NYC. Mark O’Brien runs his owner-operated company that we should try to support- vs buying Chinese boxes- that often have Euro sounding names on the face plates.
Regardless if you’re influenced by red, white & blue (I am!) Rogue makes remarkably fine sounding, affordable gear. Rogue should win your business on performance alone.
CM3 is Rogue’s latest version of a full blown tube integrated amp. CM3 uses five tubes in the preamp (two 12AX7, three 12AU7) AND power amp (four KT88s) section. CM3 exhibits the lusciously warm timbre that tubes are known for. If you’re a fan of singer/songwriters and have revealing speakers like Brystons or Pans, CM3 might be right up your alley.
We need to talk… a tube power amp in particular, isn’t for everyone. CM3 has a tube power amp on board.
Tubes in the amp section run very warm. They sound smooth but don’t have the tight grip of a solid state amp. Tubes aren’t as reliable as solid state. Are you still on board?
The truth is, most of our customers would be happier with a Pharaoh 2 (P2) integrated that features a tube preamp but solid state amp section. But… Rogue understands some audiophiles are full bore tube guys.
Rogue matches tubes. Most companies do NOT. Rogue tests hundreds of tubes and makes sure the ones you get measure the same.
If you buy tubes from somewhere.com, you’re likely to have channels that aren’t even the same volume. With Rogue, you’re ahead of the game by getting matched tubes (in the preamp AND amp sections) to begin with. If you ever choose to replace them, please purchase MATCHED sets from us/Rogue. Please don’t fall for some scammer trying to sell you ancient unmatched tubes for fancy pricing.
CM3 has inputs of Phono (MM & MC!), CD, Aux 1 and Aux 2.
CM3 has outputs of variable (for subs) or fixed (record out or HT bypass)
CM3 sounds best through speakers that are smooth and detailed. Bryston and Magnepan come quickly to mind. CM3 isn’t necessarily the best choice for high SPL speakers like Klipsch because the noise floor of tubes can be an issue. You’ll find Sphinx V3 and Pharaoh 2 have a lower noise floor.
I want the best bass control of a grand piano or stand up bass so I prefer the hybrid design of P2. You may prefer the fuller bloom of a CM3. Rogue lets the listener choose.
