Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III Integrated Amplifier

By: Wayne Garcia

Delivering the Musical Goods

Spoiler alert—I love this amp!

By starting with such a bold statement, I don’t mean to suggest that the latest iteration of Rogue Audio’s Cronus Magnum is without flaws. (What is?) I’ll get to that later, but for now let me begin with this: Here we have a terrific-sounding, all-tube integrated amp that is so musically engaging, such a joy to use, and such a superb value that it’s completely won me over.

Actually, it’s won me over for a second time, as a decade ago I was likewise highly enthusiastic about Rogue’s original Cronus Magnum. But as good as that version was the latest iteration punches several levels above, thanks to a slew of tasty upgrades.

Designed by Rogue Audio’s owner Mark O’Brien, the all-tube Cronus Magnum III ($3495) features an upgraded triode preamp circuit coupled with Rogue’s Atlas Magnum power amp (which goes for $2995 as a stand-alone unit). The III version also incorporates improved component parts throughout, a beefier power suppl…