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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
pwhinson
158 posts
 
A friend whose judgment I trust has recommended a pair of the 350s for my Magnepan 20.7s and I'm very tempted but I do wish there was something between the price level of the 275 stereo and 350 monos.  It would be great if the 275 stereo could be converted to a monoblock for example.  I just don't think the 350 monos are in the cards dollar wise for me.  I may at some point seek out a used pair.
rocknss
130 posts
 
A friend whose judgment I trust has recommended a pair of the 350s for my Magnepan 20.7s and I'm very tempted but I do wish there was something between the price level of the 275 stereo and 350 monos.  It would be great if the 275 stereo could be converted to a monoblock for example.  I just don't think the 350 monos are in the cards dollar wise for me.  I may at some point seek out a used pair.

That's where I'm at. I could purchase the 350s but think they are overkill, the 275 would probably suffice but would prefer something in between.
fastninja12's avatar
fastninja12
104 posts
 
I've had my Crimson 275 for about 4 months.  It has approximately 50 hours.  It is driving a pair of Goldenear Triton 2's.  Love the sound...the 275 replaced two 200w mono class d amps.   Always was interested in Carver since the 70's when the Phase 700 hit the stores.  Well, I'm a believer ...Built solid, its beautiful, but most important it sounds great!
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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. 
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,226 posts
 
Whitestix what does it matter anyway. All us 65 year olds are deaf as a door nob. You got cataracts yet? My first year on Medicare has broken both Uncle Sam's an my bank.
We joke about the Fuzzlinear 700 but I had one and at the time it was insanely good. It highlighted how bad the Crown amps were and that SS amps had a future. Carvers current amps are no different. They show us how good and reliable a transformered tube amp can be and as always at a reasonable price. Go for it! I really would like to hear his line source loudspeakers. I'll bet they are not far off the ESL line source mark.
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