2. amps-preamps
  3. 138592-4358

Carver 275 Crimson tube amp --- any feedback appreciated

I have a Platinum modified McCormack DNA .05 and a Pass Labs First Watt F5 with which I drive my Spatial Audio Hologram M4 Triode Master speakers.  I have sworn off tube amps in the past, but I am intrigued with this new amp from Bob Carver.  Wally Underwood as well as Jimclarkstereo in Illinois are now selling them for about $2500.  I have never doubted Bob Carver's audio engineering genius.  I would be keen to get a 75 wpc tube amp and the price seems very reasonable compared to similarly-powered tube amps.    

I would be interested to hear what you lads think of this new amp.  Thanks for any input you can provide.  
whitestix

Showing 2 responses by gumbypimp

Ag insider logo xs@2x
gumbypimp
4 posts
 
I have a Crimson 275, FirstWatt SIT3 and a Primaluna Dialogue Premium HP Amplifier,  PrimLuna Dialogue Premium Preamp, DENAFRIPS Terminator DAC, PS Audio Directstream DAC, Oppo 203, Custom Solid State Computer as server, IsoTek Aquarius conditioner and Klipsch Cornwall III in Indian Rosewood. I can say after going back and forth with both DACs and all my amplifiers that the Crimson 275 bested them all In Sound staging, micro and macro dynamics, inner detail and transparency, it just sounds real. 
Ag insider logo xs@2x
gumbypimp
4 posts
 
The PL HP is a great amp, I will say stick with the EL34s, I Believe the amp is optimized for them and sound best with them, I tried KT 120s and went back to EL 34s, the PL does it all and very closely compares to the Crimson 275 but the the 275 just had a level of realism that is undeniable. Even my wife noticed it and she is not an audiophile. I can’t comment on the Schmitt Freya, my preference is tube preamps and my PL Preamp is a great match. On another note concerning your Forte IIIs don’t use the factory jumpers bi-wire them or upgrade your jumpers, I’ve bi-wired my Cornwall’s, it has a profound effect on performance.
More to discover