I have read many discussions on these forums and others about many people having difficulty getting hold of or information from the manufacturers or dealers about problems with their gear. Some wait weeks,months or forever for a response.Yesterday (Sunday) I thought I was having a small problem with my Carver Crimson 350 amps and I did some tests described in the manual to check the KT120 tubes. I was getting some strange meter readings and couldn't understand why. So I went to the Carver site and wrote a detailed email at that site, expecting to hear back sometime this week. At the time I did not know it went straight to the president and co-owner Frank Malilz, but it does. Frank marked it "very important" and forwarded to Bob Carver who at 9:15 pm (my time) sent me a detailed answer that solved my problems. Are you kidding me!!!! straight to the pres and then to the designer (we all know who is a legend) and back to me within 6 hrs ON A SUNDAY! To paraphrase a truck commercial....Carver doesn't raise the bar, it sets it.
I know not everyone can afford a set of $9500 monos but I am sure the service would be the same on Carver's new 275s at less than $2800. I have heard the 275s at Axpona and they are voiced extremely close to the 350s just not as much power. For most set ups they would be magnificent. Who else gives the amp AND tubes a TRANSFERABLE 5 yr warranty? Both the 350 and 275 play for hrs and never get hot. Handmade in the USA and signed by the legend himself. If you are looking for a tube amp in this category that plays far far above it's price you owe it to yourself to check out the 275 (or the 350s if you can go that way financially, 10 yr warranty on everything, if you talk to Bob he would probably give you a 50 yr warranty on amp AND tubes, I am not kidding in the least.) I have no interest in any way with Bob Carver Corp other than a love of it's products and service. I've posted some here before so you know I'm not a shill. I just wanted to educate some on this forum about my experience, about a great product and outstanding service from the people who make that product. I believe they really care about audio and their customers. DrMark (Doc from MI on some Carver sites)
@joecollege Haha! lol Ok, just wondering. Most of the time you hear someone bad talking Tekton, they’ve never actually even heard a pair, which is obviously not the case with you. You’re so right about the grudge matches that go on relating to a pair of speakers. lol I’m an proud owner of Pendragons, and the only other speaker I think I’d ever upgrade to is the DI’s too. I’d love grills also. Thanks for clearing that up and being so friendly about it, which I always try to do too.
How about the precedential defense? "Many people are saying....not just me....many, many people are saying." Glad to hear that service at Carver is so fantastic. Do they have any integrated amps? Joe
@technick thanks for the mention. I would never bash anyone's product if I didn't own or have first hand experience with the product, not a hypocrite. I love guns, I'm not a Glock fan, but I own one. They're reliable but kinda simple and generic, but I keep it just so I can complain about them lol. And to jpwarren58 I don't think their service is good anymore, but I'm sure the new Bob Carver line is excellent! I don't think to my knowledge that they ever built integrated amps, although they made a helluva receiver back in the day. All the Carver products I've owned, I never had 1 single service or repair issue. Everybody have a great day!
drkingfish, it was the " date " itself, that made me even notice it, as " that date " hits a nerve with me, as I am sure, you know why. All good. Great post ! Enjoy ! MrD.
mrd.........I understand.........my fault for the :)...........I apologize for the sin of omission/lack of sensitivity......all good with me also. Thank you for the post compliment. M
I gotta weigh in. Frank sold me two demo 350’s, couldn’t have been nicer or easier to deal with, and I’ve never been so happy with equipment. And I’ve had a lot, going back to the ‘60’s. I truly look forward to turning them on and listening to the magic that emanates from my Walsh Ohm 5000’s. Amps and speakers made in the US of A too; have to love that. Thanks Frank....you’re the best.
dino7 I'm sorry I don't understand your post, Mac is certainly an outstanding and well regarded co but the warranty is not transferable, they have no tube amps even close to the 350s monos but do have an equal to the Carver 275 in power output, The MC275 is 3 years on the hardware and 90 (ninety) days on the tubes. (About $6000+-) Both the KT88 and the 120s run $40 to $80 + - each. Carver is 10 yrs on both (350s) or more if you talk to Bob and 5 yrs on both for the 275s ($2750). Quite a difference in price and as I mentioned before the warranty is non transferable and Mac much much inferior. With Macs on warranty service you pay shipping both ways. In the very rare event your Carver needs service Carver ships it back to you.
So I ask with respect the purpose of your post w/out any specs/info etc.
fmalitz "We will be prosecuting clearthink to the full extent of the law unless he prints a retraction in the next 10 days...If my lawyer says he's entitled to this as an opinion, I will accept it and apologize"
Are you ready to apologize yet I am just asking you I don't think you'll be getting any apology from me even though you've threatened me with legal action typical American approach to resolving a conflict! When exactly does that 10 day deadline expire?
I have several older Carver amps that I love. I have been considering a Crimson, they seem to be a great bargain. Most of the posts on this thread have reinforced that thought.
The Crimson is a sweet amp. I just won’t do business with Frank. Never known someone to be more full of themselves than he is. In his world, we would still be listening to Gramophones were it not for his significant contributions to the world of high end audio. He is a used car sales hack and nothing more.
@Jetter, one reason may be that putting the switch in the back results in the amp's noisy internal AC wiring being as short as possible, and being kept away from the small signal tubes and related circuitry that is near the front. Thus minimizing the likelihood of noise coupling into that circuitry.
Obviously many successful amplifier designs have the switch in the front, but putting it in the back means one less potential sonic issue and one less potential compromise for the designer to have to address.
And as a BTW, the same thing is done in the highly respected tube-based Herron phono stage I use. Even though in many setups gaining access to the rear panel of a phono stage may be more problematical than gaining access to the rear panel of a power amp.
I earned my PhD in physics (interdisciplinary applied mathematics and mathematical physics) from Delaware State University. I chose to do my qualifier exams in physics rather than applied mathematics because I like the physics a little more, I was afraid to take qualifier exams from strangers and I knew the people in the physics department, and even though the math qualifier can be done in less than a day the physics qualifiers take four full days to do closed book, I felt safer taking them. I had crammed more than a year for them. I have never done well in the job market so I can't afford to buy expensive audio equipment but I taught myself how to design the kind of tube preamplifiers and amplifiers I like and build them myself. I ran into the same concern that my personal magnum opus amplifier which uses radio station transmitter tubes in SET configuration might be a fire hazard. I don't claim to be a Bob Carver (even though my first name is Robert), but, running the transmitting tubes at only 1000 Volts and drawing only 125 ma, I built them in cabinets which are ventilated better than a lamp which takes 100 Watt light bulbs - the tubes I use take 10 Volts at 10 Amperes to heat the cathodes. I built many safety features into this: every power supply is fused, the 1000 Volt circuits are contained in Plexiglas cabinets with plenty of cooling space and ventilation and impossible for anybody to accidentally touch the over-rated fast diodes and B+ capacitor connections. The output transformer which carries 125 ma is rated at 300 ma and 4000 Volts pot tested but the case and minus side of the speaker outputs are grounded in several places and the wires which carry 1000 Volts are slipped through plastic tubes for added safety. I never had any problems with this amplifier which I have been using for a year and a half and have been perfecting; e.g. trying different coupling transformers to the grids of the output tubes. I know nothing about how to start, let alone run, a business, but I dream of someday someone who does giving me a chance to sell my design efforts, or, at least, to find people who would pay me to custom build tube amplifiers for them.
Shout out to Stu Hegeman. I used his HAPI-2 preamp for many years driving a Bedini class-A amp. The Bedini is a real room heater! Best mid-range I've heard.
Bob Carver is a great guy. Though I haven't talked to him in years I do remember quite a bit from our long chats on the phone. He's not only a great guy, he's a complete wild man. I remember him coming across a Holy Grail type of component one time, the rare unit that's so good that it's impossible. You look forever and never find those.
The first thing he did after finding that unit was to tear it apart in order to improve it.
Yes, that's crazy but no, it's not crazy. He does have the approach of an engineer but he also likes to have fun with this. One of the true gems in HiFi.
My only experience with Carver was when I was looking at the Amazing loudspeaker in the 80's. The holographic preamp was in use as they bragged on how good it sounded. It sounded awful to my son and I. I always believed it was operator error in the setup because no MFG would produce such a horror. We shook our heads as we headed to the car. That said, the Crimson 275 looks quite interesting.
artemus_5
................"
I always believed it was operator error in the setup" You are absolutely correct , some novice, proby, guy hanging around , etc. had it totally incorrect. I power my silvers w/ Bob's 350s w/ a 10 Octave LP1 w/ a C9 in the loop for serious listening. There is no way I would add the C9 If it didn't contribute to the sound. Take a good look at the 275s.
Geeqner
.........:) :) all is good! Best Doc from MI
@drkingfish (LOVE the name--terrific writing and acting that is no longer appreciated by the "woke" amongst us...)
Uh, Phase Linear 700 caught fire the day I sold it from my shop. New owner was having a big party and turned it up pretty loud for a long time. POOF!
Every PL 400 and 700 back then blew up pretty easily...only one fire that I know of. Nice amps, but a bit testy to use. As for he new ones, I have no idea.
In 1990, I purchased The Carver CT-17 Dual pre-amp, and the incredible TFM-45 power Amp, and a year later the CB-15 power amp. They have been in use, 25 out of the 29 years, since purchased new. These products have stood the test of time, The CT-17 and the TFM-45 did have to go to the Carver repair facility last year, due to capacitor failure, but that is to be expected, They have been repaired and upgraded, and are flawless. The best $2500.00 I ever spent. I listen to them on a daily basis for 2 channel stereo. I will go up in flames, before these ever will.
For many years Bob Carver and others have pushed the envelope to design and build innovative audio products. Bob Carver's new Crimson/Raven, tubed amps are not only innovative but have set a high standard of performance and affordability.
As I love the performance of My Rogue Cronus Mag.II, (100W per side) with my Maggie 1.7s, but know I'll need more power, when moving to the 3.7i. I have no doubt that Bob's 350 monos would be more than up to the task, but crossing my fingers that he might have a stereo, 200 or 250W per side, (built on the same concept as the Crimson/Raven 275 - 75W per side) in the works. I believe that even 200W per side, in such an amp, would be plenty of power for most moderate sized stats or ribbons ie. the 3.7s. and would be nice to only have to accommodate a single, rather than a pair of large mono ams. If the folks at Carver are so inclined to come up with such a critter - I'll be the first in line. At any rate - Kudos to Bob and Crew for providing, to the audio community, great products, fair prices and stellar service.....Jim
I am happy to see Carver fans in this forum. I hear too much B.S. from people regarding Bob Carvers equipment. I have owned a 6200 receiver, m-.t power amps, a C- preamp (upgraded, nut not a Bill D), 3 m-4.ot power amps, a Sunfire true sub and a Sunfire signature sub. The only problem I have ever had was that after about 25 years, the B channel on the receiver cut out.
Didn't know who made our Phase Linear 400s. For the nine years of being dropped and slammed around in their road case they never failed to power our front of house system and were sold in working order.
Years later when shopping for higher powered two channel tube amplification I learned Bob Carver designed and produced those Phase Linear 400s not to mention The Carver Challenge. After reading Dick Olsher's introductory review of Bob Carver Tube Amplification Cherry 180s, its collaborative design goals and sensible casework Walt at Lahaina, HI. Underwood Hifi hooked me up nicely, Mahalo.
Two years in I thought I had a problem with one. Mr. Malitz informed me they couldn't find a thing wrong. It turned out to be one of my DIY power cords shorting. After six years of problem free use I chose to replace the KT 88s with 120s.
Our little Hi-Fidelity industry is small and delicate. There are a very small number of despicable manufactures and retailers that need calling out by those who've had an actual negative experience worth taking the time to share. There will always be those whose actual experience is limited to self aggrandizement.
I have 2 of the old Carver TFM amps that I bought new, and used for TWENTY FIVE YEARS, running them hard in a room w/no A/C. Just now retired them ~ never had a bit of trouble w/them, and they did yeoman-like work driving [biamping] first some Def Tech BP20s, and then some Polk SDAs...they always sounded like they were pushing out a lot more power than their modest ratings. Later, I got a Sunfire sub to use w/the setup, and when it blew the active driver, they replaced it for a flat $75 fee, and I never had another problem w/it. Oh, and I was also using a Carver preamp [which I bought at the same time], that had the Holograhic technology, which, after hearing, I left turned on...you guessed it, for 25 years.
Bob, are you out there? Would you like to have your old amps back? I will donate them, and you can put them in the Bob Carver museum which will assuredly be built to honor your HiFi achievements! If I ever buy a tube amp, it will be one of yours. Or maybe you will revive the SS line w/a new TFM design?
And how crazy is it that he had to buy his name back when he started this last company?
I am an old guy. I remember lusting after Carver's High Current designs. I have owned one Carver piece. It was a Sunfire 5 channel receiver (I forget the model number) that replaced a New York Audio Labs setup. I enjoyed the Sunfire for a few years, but then the left channel stopped working. I considered getting it repaired, but when I bought my Magnepan 1.7's I gave it away and purchased a used Parasound HCA2200, which is about 30 years old and is still silent. I am thinking about getting the Parasound re-capped, but am intrigued by the new Carver tube amp. I have a Aric Audio tube preamp which I feel improved the sound of my system markedly over the Marsh unit it replaced.
Does anybody have thoughts on powering the Magnepan's with a 275?
@markainsworthDoes anybody have thoughts on powering the Magnepan's with a 275?
I'm powering my Maggie 1.7s with a 100W Rogue Cronus Mag II, integrated tube with the KT120 tubes and it does a beautiful job. I'm an old guy myself and my poor old ears and head no longer enjoy concert level volumes. l listen to jazz, contemporary, blues, light pop, classic rock, chamber and old country at something south of 80 db. Unless you listen to very loud rock or concert level full orchestration, I think the Carver 275 @ 75W pr. Chanel would work very well......Jim
I’m and old hifi nut. I’ve still own my 1976 Phase Linear 4000 preamp, and my 1976 400 amplifier, which is without question one of the quietest, most dynamic amps I’ve ever heard. I’ve never had a problem. I recently sent my 4000 out for a tune up and will do the same with the 400. They are getting old and it’s just time to have them checked out.
I don’t use the 4000 much anymore, but I play the 400 regularly.
How many of you have 43 old products that still perform as intended? I love my vintage gear, and along with my ancient Marantz, Sansui, McIntosh etal Phase Linear has been just as reliable.
With regard to Bob Carver, he was selling an amp on eBay, I messaged him about and asked an unrelated question about my Phase Linear, which he personally answered in extensive detail.
Thats pretty amazing and to me personally speaks volumes about the man.
fmalitz "We will be prosecuting clearthink to the full extent of the law unless he prints a retraction in the next 10 days...If my lawyer says he's entitled to this as an opinion, I will accept it and apologize"
I have yet to hear from your attorney or any prosecutor regarding Bob Carver's "Flame Linear" and "Surefire" products so it is now evident, apparent, and established that your company acknowledges they're incendiary reputation!
Come on.... it’s time to let it go. This is Hi-Fi after all. When did the forum get so serious? Lighten up, spin a record, pour a drink. Enjoy some music.. just sayin.. =)
Bought my first Carver HR 772 in 1986. I'm still using it in my office. Next came my TFM 45 & a set of Kappa 8s. Still have it. Now in my bedroom I have a TFM 55 on a pair of B&W 803s. Gotta love Carver
clearthink1,242 posts 08-12-2019 8:03am Amplifiers designed, manufactured, and marketed by Bob Carver have started so many fires that probably the company is in a settlement agreements with insurance companies to be responsive to reports of equipment malfunction.
When I purchased my Sunfire sig 600 quite a many years ago, the amp is a b-stock unit, and sold as used. Shipped to Flannerys shop (very nice man to speak with, explained to me in terms easily understood.) he told me (this amp is as new as I have seen Sent in to me) no black on any parts, caps, ....no electrical wear, or sign of any use at all) whatever that means, (didn’t understand the black, or electrical coloring?? But he did say (the amp is immaculate, and looks unused) so I cracked a big smile :)
Since it was a b stock unit, the screws that held the big transformer were loose, so the big transformer was also loose, moving up and down, I was afraid to open it, so I emailed Carver corporation, with questions, quite a few of them. I forget the gentleman’s name who helped me, anyway, after a few days of emails, he said he would check with Mr. Carver. Few days went by, I thought, meh, that’s the last I will hear from them, on a way out of date And production Sunfire amp.
Son of a beach........... couple days later there it was , an email from THE MAN HIMSELF!! he went on to explain many things in this email, also he simply stated “what warranty,...open it, make sure it has been unplugged for a good 48 hours just to be safe, look into tightening the screws from the bottom, the grommets were wrecked, so were the screws, the threads were all stripped from probably the up and down movement of the transformer during shipping. Mr. Carver took his time for me, explaining, exactly what I wanted to know. After his email, we drove the amp to a very reputable audio restoration shop, where when I picked it up, it was as new! Tight transformer, new grommets, washers, stainless screws, and some other goodies.
He is also some kind of genius. Brought his Sunfire sub to our audio club one time, gave what seemed like an hour long tech talk on how it works. Resonance, back EMF, locomotives, and more were involved. Just an incredibly fascinating talk.
At the end he played some music. The club meets in this huge space, easily 40 ft on one side, 20 the other, with a big hallway coming in, just a very big space, and we were all stunned at the bass he got from his little sub. So evidently all the physics he was talking (that hardly any of us could follow- and yes I asked around) really works.
Not that I was all that surprised. Carver is in Lynnwood, kind of local to me, and I have run into him a couple times now. Going back to when the first really powerful amp we had was my brother’s SAE. Which when something happened to that (forget the story) it was replaced with TWO of his then new cube amps. Whatever they were called. I just remember thinking how my brother got this SAE used for almost nothing, then turns it into two brand new full warranty amps, all thanks to Bob Carver.
People love to trash anyone successful. I know. Living the dream. All they manage to do is demean themselves in the process. Bob Carver, his rep is untouchable.
I had a post removed by the moderator because in discussing Mr C's character I defined what a "man" was to me. Which Mr C meets above and beyond. It violated none of their criteria but too bad for me. You can't talk about character, achievements, loyalty etc if it applies only to a person with a p.....s, I guess. I'm a doc so I know what it's anatomical name is and didn't even use that. I assume because it was orientated to "men" or "man" it was removed. Why post here if you can't talk what a person is. Ive seen much worse re: Upscale audio people and it stays. I congratulated a man on his life and work and it is removed. Moderator if you are "man" or a "woman" email me at drmarka@frontier.com and defend your removal of my post!
Bob Carver may be a genius, a saint, an honorable human being worthy of a presidential medal but some of the people he has working for him are slime check out this bold threat, intimidation, and ultimatum:
fmalitz25 posts08-12-2019 4:10pmI have to warn you that I'm rather upset. I'm Frank Malitz, Bob's partner and close friend, and I'm the chief executive officer. Bobby's the president.We will be prosecuting clearthink to the full extent of the law unless he prints a retraction in the next 10 days. Conversely, he may choose to present solid evidence to back up his absurd and false claim, and make no mistake: whatever evidence he offers up will be examined in a court of law. I will keep you guys posted unless my lawyer tells me not to. If my lawyer says he's entitled to this as an opinion, I will accept it and apologize. It's still a lie.
Well he never prosecuted me at all what I think happened here is that he came in here with big man lawyers and threats and ultimatums and demands to protect, promote, and advertise his business and then may be he discovers oh boy this "clearthink" guy is a real guy who owns businesses and maybe he has real corporate lawyers and may be we just should just be quiet rather than try to explain the origin of terms such as "Flame Linear" and "Surefire" as has been explained by technically competent readers in this thread. May be.
Or may be there is a vast conspiracy in the audio community to portray and characterize Carver products as incendiary.
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