Rogue Audio Cronus DARK Integrated Tube Amplifier

Rogue Audio's special Cronus Dark version of its Magnum pure-tube integrated amp boasts 25% more capacitance in the power supply, upgraded signal tubes, upgraded OP Amps in the phono stage, and much more.

An Impressive Upgrade Of An Already Over-The-Top Tube Amp

For 20 years the Rogue Audio Cronus has been the finest integrated tube amplifier in the world in its price range. It has gone through three major upgrades and several minor upgrades. Rogue has improved the sound, increased the power, and added features. But was it enough?

The new Cronus Dark offers an impressive package of upgrades to reach a new level of refinement. Dynamics are better and the imaging defies reason for an integrated amplifier at any price point. The detail is remarkable and furthers the illusion of a live performance.

Here are the upgrades from the standard Cronus Magnum III:

• 25% more capacitance in the power supply
• Upgraded signal tubes
• Upgraded OP Amps in the phono stage
• Upgraded Cardas rhodium-plated binding posts
• Upgraded capacitors and resistors in numerous key locations

Pure Tube Design

The Cronus Dark outperforms other integrated amps costing many times more. The pure tube design provides a smooth, almost liquid sound that has made this amp a reviewer favorite. With circuitry borrowed from Rogue Audio's most advanced amplifier designs, the Cronus Dark's 100WPC power delivery effortlessly reproduces even the most demanding musical passages.

A Triode / Ultralinear switch allows for on-the-fly switching between Ultralinear operation and pure triode. Ultralinear offers the most power and a commanding grip on the bass, while triode provides a slightly softer and more romantic sound.

The Cronus Dark uses a triode preamplifier coupled to Rogue Audio's excellent Atlas Magnum power amplifier. A large oversized linear power supply stores tremendous energy for low frequency response and dynamic headroom. The tube circuitry is cutting edge with short signal paths exacted in a low noise design. Finally, precision components are used to provide the transparency and air that are so critical to accurate musical reproduction.

Extraordinary Phono Stage

For vinyl enthusiasts, the phono section excels with both MM and MC cartridges. Two gain settings provide for 45dB and 60dB of gain so you can now use either high or low output cartridges. The phono also has five individual load settings so you can fine tune the phono for optimal results.

Additionally, the line stage has an amazingly low noise floor for a completely black background for your listening.

Premium Headphone Circuit

The premium headphone circuit is based around MOSFET buffers capable of massive current sourcing. The design is basically a simplified single ended version of Rogue Audio's RH-5 headphone amplifier and puts out enough power to drive the most difficult headphones for clean crisp personal audio.