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
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100 Watts Per Channel: KT88-driven output stage in ultralinear mode, 60 WPC in triode mode
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Triode/Ultralinear Switching: Switch between power and grip (ultralinear) or a softer, more harmonically rich sound (triode) on the fly
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Built-In Phono Stage: MM and MC compatible with two gain settings (45dB/60dB) and five load settings
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High-Performance Headphone Amplifier: 2W MOSFET-buffered output based on the RH-5 circuit
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All-Tube Preamp Section: 2 x 12AX7 and 3 x 12AU7 driving the signal path
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Buffered Variable Outputs: Dedicated subwoofer output plus active outputs for bi-amping
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4 and 8 Ohm Output Taps: Matches a wide range of speaker impedances
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Slow-Start Sequencing: Protects tubes and extends component life
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Aluminum Remote: Volume and mute control
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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
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Redesigned Phono Stage: Now accommodates both MM and MC cartridges with two gain settings and five load settings (previous versions were MM-only)
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Triode/Ultralinear Switching: Choose between full power and a more intimate sound on the fly
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New Headphone Amplifier: Completely redesigned circuit based on the RH-5, delivering clean power for demanding headphones
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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:
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Enhanced power supply: 25% more capacitance, Hex Fred high-speed diodes, polypropylene bypass capacitors
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Premium signal path: Ultra-premium coupling capacitors, Nude Vishay resistors in input stages, upgraded op amps in the phono stage
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Upgraded tubes: Premium matched octets of KT88 or KT120 output tubes, upgraded small signal tubes from Psvane, Telefunken, and/or RCA
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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 |