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 1 response by hbcueducated

Hello everyone, I have been the happy owner of a Crimson 275 since Dec. 24, 2018. It is my first tube amp, so I can't compare it to any others; however, I can say that its sound is far superior to my NAD C 368 (I know apples and oranges, but it's the only kit I have for comparison). It generates a lot more current and I have to keep the volume level much lower than I do with the NAD. I also get a fuller, richer sound with the Carver.

Setup was simple. It was already properly biased out of the box. One of the fuses blew about a week ago, but extra fuses are included and biasing was super simple. All I needed was a flat head screwdriver.

BTW, I didn't buy my unit from Jim Clark but his videos convinced me to take the plunge. I was leaning heavily toward a Prima Luna Prologue Premium integrated amp because of my lack of experience with tube equipment. Ultimately, I opted to take advantage of the special pricing for the Crimson 275 and own an amp designed by an audiophile icon. The 5-year warranty on the tubes was also a contributing factor.

I too have been surprised by the lack of buzz about this product. I was hoping to read the opinion of someone who has a frame of reference with other tube amps. Nevertheless, I am a happy.

One last thing, I've been using the NAD as a preamp until I purchase a proper preamp dedicated for use with the Crimson 275.