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Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III Integrated Amplifier

Regular price $3,495.00
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Call, TEXT or Contact Us to Order: 410-239-2020

Before ordering this piece of high-fidelity awesomeness, we ask that you call, text, or email us. Some of our brands don’t allow direct online sales, and more importantly, we want to make sure it’s the right fit for your system, your room, and your goals. You’ll connect directly with Mike, our owner and setup expert, for no-pressure guidance to get it right the first time.

Mike's Take

These are some of the best values in high fidelity audio: one hundred watts per channel of tube power, enough to drive any pair of speakers including Magnepan. Everything is made in the United States: the chassis is bent by a local machine shop, the transformers are U.S. made, and the remote control circuit board is hand soldered in Pennsylvania.

You can switch between Triode and Ultralinear modes on the fly. Triode is a warmer, more vintage sound with a little more midrange emphasis. Ultralinear is cleaner, more linear, and more modern.

The Dark Edition has twenty five percent more power supply capacitance and uses upgraded components throughout. It feels significantly more powerful with larger and harder to drive speakers like the 3.7.

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Description

The Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III is an all-tube integrated amplifier delivering 100 watts per channel, with a built-in phono stage, headphone amplifier, and the ability to switch between ultralinear and triode modes on the fly. It's designed and hand-built in Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania, and it sounds like it.

Key Features of the Cronus Magnum III
  • 100 Watts Per Channel: KT88-driven output stage in ultralinear mode, 60 WPC in triode mode
  • Triode/Ultralinear Switching: Switch between power and grip (ultralinear) or a softer, more harmonically rich sound (triode) on the fly
  • Built-In Phono Stage: MM and MC compatible with two gain settings (45dB/60dB) and five load settings
  • High-Performance Headphone Amplifier: 2W MOSFET-buffered output based on the RH-5 circuit
  • All-Tube Preamp Section: 2 x 12AX7 and 3 x 12AU7 driving the signal path
  • Buffered Variable Outputs: Dedicated subwoofer output plus active outputs for bi-amping
  • 4 and 8 Ohm Output Taps: Matches a wide range of speaker impedances
  • Slow-Start Sequencing: Protects tubes and extends component life
  • Aluminum Remote: Volume and mute control
  • Handcrafted in the USA: Designed and built in Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania
Amplifier Architecture

The Cronus Magnum III pairs a pure tube triode preamplifier with Rogue's Atlas Magnum power amplifier circuit. The preamp section uses 12AX7 and 12AU7 tubes to shape the signal before handing it off to four KT88 output tubes that produce 100 watts per channel. The large, oversized linear power supply with slow-start sequencing provides stable, clean power to the entire circuit, and short signal paths keep the noise floor low. This is the same fundamental architecture that earned the Cronus line its reputation, refined over three generations.

Triode and Ultralinear Modes

A front-panel switch lets you choose between two operating modes. Ultralinear mode delivers the full 100 watts per channel with a commanding grip on bass and dynamic authority for demanding passages. Triode mode drops to 60 watts per channel but offers a softer, more harmonically rich sound with a wider, more dimensional soundstage. Most listeners settle on one mode for a given pair of speakers, but having both means you can optimize for different recordings or listening moods without swapping gear.

Built-In Phono Stage

The phono section was completely redesigned for the Mark III and is one of the most capable built-in phono stages at this price point. It accommodates both MM and MC cartridges with two gain settings (45dB and 60dB) and five individual load settings, so you can properly match your cartridge without needing a separate phono preamp. RIAA accuracy is +/- 0.1dB from 20Hz to 20kHz. If you're running a turntable as your primary source, this is a significant advantage over competitors that either skip the phono stage or tack on an afterthought. For a dedicated external option with even more flexibility, see our Rogue Audio Ares II Phono Preamplifier.

Headphone Amplifier

The headphone circuit is based on Rogue's standalone RH-5 headphone amplifier, using MOSFET buffers to deliver 2 watts of clean, high-current output. It's a simplified single-ended version of the RH-5 circuit and drives demanding headphones properly, not just a token jack on the front panel.

What Changed from Previous Models
  • Redesigned Phono Stage: Now accommodates both MM and MC cartridges with two gain settings and five load settings (previous versions were MM-only)
  • Triode/Ultralinear Switching: Choose between full power and a more intimate sound on the fly
  • New Headphone Amplifier: Completely redesigned circuit based on the RH-5, delivering clean power for demanding headphones
  • Lower Noise Floor: Refined line stage provides a quieter background, letting subtle details come through
"Dark" Version

The Dark edition builds on the standard Cronus Magnum III with component upgrades throughout the signal path:

  • Enhanced power supply: 25% more capacitance, Hex Fred high-speed diodes, polypropylene bypass capacitors
  • Premium signal path: Ultra-premium coupling capacitors, Nude Vishay resistors in input stages, upgraded op amps in the phono stage
  • Upgraded tubes: Premium matched octets of KT88 or KT120 output tubes, upgraded small signal tubes from Psvane, Telefunken, and/or RCA
  • High-quality connectors: Rhodium binding posts from Cardas Audio, heavy-duty gold-plated XLR and RCA inputs
System Matching

With 4-ohm and 8-ohm output taps, the Cronus Magnum III pairs well with a wide range of speakers. It has enough power for moderately efficient floorstanders and the finesse for high-sensitivity designs. The buffered variable outputs let you add a subwoofer or bi-amp without compromising the main signal. Four line-level inputs plus the phono stage cover most source configurations, and the aluminum remote handles volume and mute.

If you need more power or want to separate your amplification, consider the Atlas Magnum III power amp paired with an RP-7 or RP-9 preamplifier. For a hybrid approach with solid-state output, the Pharaoh II is worth a listen.

The Listening Room Difference

We're a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on trust, not hype. We've carried Rogue Audio for years because their products deliver real value and hold up over time. Every component is designed and built in Pennsylvania, and we're proud to support a manufacturer that shares our commitment to quality. Whether you're visiting in person or ordering online, we bring decades of experience, personalized service, and honest guidance to every interaction.

Specifications
Performance
Power Output 100 WPC (Ultralinear) / 60 WPC (Triode)
Frequency Response 5Hz - 30kHz (+/- 1dB)
Tube Complement 2 x 12AX7, 3 x 12AU7, 4 x KT88 output tubes
Output Taps 4 ohm and 8 ohm
Phono Stage
Gain 45dB / 60dB (selectable)
RIAA Accuracy +/- 0.1dB, 20Hz - 20kHz
Cartridge Compatibility MM and MC, 5 load settings
Headphone Amplifier
Output Power 2W (MOSFET buffers)
Connections
Inputs 4 gold-plated RCA (Phono, Line 1, Line 2, Line 3)
Speaker Outputs Gold-plated binding posts (4 and 8 ohm taps)
Other Outputs Buffered variable outputs, active outputs for subwoofer/bi-amping
Construction
Power Supply High-storage linear supply with slow-start sequencing
Circuit Board Heavy (2 oz) copper with precision components
Faceplate Machined aluminum
Remote Control Aluminum remote (volume and mute)
Power Cord Detachable IEC
Power Requirements 120V - 50/60Hz
Physical
Dimensions 18" W x 17.5" D x 6.75" H
Shipping Weight 55 lbs
Warranty 3 years (6 months on tubes)
Country of Origin Designed and handcrafted in the USA

Reviews

"Spoiler alert, I love this amp!" "A terrific-sounding, all-tube integrated amp that is so musically engaging, such a joy to use, and such a superb value." "Warm sounding but not fat; it is airy; its resolution is plenty satisfying. It is simply very, very good."

Wayne Garcia,The Absolute Sound · January 2023

"Rogue Audio's Cronus is a very serious and convincingly constructed component; I didn't see any signs of money saving cost cutting construction anywhere." "The Cronus Magnum III projects a large and tonally rich panorama that I find satisfying involving and natural." "The sound is full of natural resonant harmonic overtones both odd and even." "The performance of Rogue Audio's Cronus Magnum III is very easy to listen to and satisfying in both modes. I could easily build a very rewarding system around this integrated amplifier with phono stage."

Ron Nagle,Enjoy the Music · May 2019

"The Rogue Audio Cronus 3 doesn't just sound as good as it did 10 years ago, it actually sounds a heck of a lot better. And you know what? Given the advancements, it should." "Without question, this reasonably priced tube amplifier sounds good enough to me that I could easily put another decade on this thing and leave the upgrading merry-go-round for the suckers out there."

Ron,New Record Day

"I'll tell you what, these speakers, the JBL L100s, haven't even sounded better with any other equipment I've been using them on. It sounded fantastic." "This unit has a retail of $29.95 and it's built here in the USA. USA quality, USA build, outstanding."

Ken,Brooks Berdan Ltd

FAQ

What is the difference between the Cronus Magnum III and the Dark version?

The Dark version upgrades the standard Cronus Magnum III with premium components throughout: 25% larger power supply capacitance for improved dynamics, upgraded coupling capacitors in the signal path, premium signal tubes, upgraded phono stage components, Cardas rhodium-plated binding posts, and a redesigned faceplate. The standard model delivers the same 100 watts and core circuit topology at $3,495. The Dark ($4,495) refines the details for listeners who want the last measure of resolution and dynamic headroom.

How long do the tubes last, and is biasing difficult?

Rogue rates the KT88/KT120 output tubes for approximately 3,000 to 5,000 hours of use. The 12AU7 and 12AX7 signal tubes typically last 5,000 to 10,000 hours. Biasing is straightforward: the Cronus Magnum III has front-panel bias adjustment and a built-in bias meter, so you can check and adjust without opening the chassis. Rogue recommends checking bias every few months. Replacement tubes are readily available and Rogue offers matched sets.

Should I use triode or ultralinear mode?

Ultralinear mode delivers the full 100 watts per channel with maximum headroom and dynamic punch. Triode mode reduces output power roughly by half but offers a more textured, dimensional midrange that many listeners prefer for vocal and acoustic music. The switch is on the front panel, so you can compare both with your speakers and music in real time. With efficient speakers (90dB+), triode mode is worth exploring. With power-hungry or less efficient speakers, ultralinear typically sounds best at realistic listening levels.

How does the built-in phono stage handle MC cartridges?

The Cronus Magnum III's phono stage supports both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges with adjustable gain settings selectable via internal dip switches. Switching requires removing the bottom panel, so it is a set-it-and-forget-it adjustment rather than a quick swap. The phono section was completely redesigned for the III and performs well with most cartridges. If you want more loading flexibility or dedicated tube-amplified phono, the Rogue Audio Ares II is the natural companion.

Should I choose the Cronus Magnum III or the Pharaoh II?

These are fundamentally different amplifiers. The Cronus Magnum III ($3,495) is all-tube with KT88 output tubes, delivering 100 watts per channel with triode/ultralinear switching and the harmonic richness tube lovers seek. The Pharaoh II ($3,995) is a hybrid pairing a tube preamp with 250 watts of Hypex N-Core Class D power, offering more current and grip for demanding speakers like planar magnetics. It also adds balanced XLR inputs and home theater bypass. Choose the Cronus Magnum III for full tube character. Choose the Pharaoh II if you need higher power or more connectivity.