Carver Crimson 275 Measurements

[ECHO3933]

Did you open this one upas well to look inside? There was some buzz a few years back on the net about these amps having issues as well and possible issues with OPT's too as well as the Music Angel 845 amp. I was going to get one of these until I saw those posts, changed my mind about them. Went for the VTA-120 after I found out about that amp from a buddy.

The 1st generation Yaqin MC-10L's, from at least 14 years ago, had some issues, but later versions are quite excellent. The transformers are not small by any means.

 

[ECHO3933]

That was not a very fun amp to open up, as I remember it having a bunch of plastic standoffs for the main PC board that screw down to the bottom plate, and I think there were 3-4 different types of screws that all went through the bottom panel. I wanted to take the covers off to see what was up, but that ended up being quite a process, so I had to settle for taking output measurements instead.

Great sounding amp and very powerful. Were you able to remove the main top cover (has the holes for biasing, description of tube type, etc printed on it? Removing that will expose the transformers (you can't remove the screws next to each transformer cover until the main cover is removed, ask me how I know LOL). I've owned 3 versions (2nd, 3rd and 4th) of this amp (mine were the MC-10L) over the years but sold them because I wanted remote control. Currently own the Yaqin MS-20L and MC-30L for the last 11 years. These amps weigh about 40ish lbs as I recall, no wimpy 15 watt transformers in these.

 

[paulbottlehead]

No, I can't even remember why I went into the Yaqin. I think it may have been one of those common situations where the owner thought there was a problem with the amp but it was working fine, then I took it in on trade for something else.

 

[Nutsfortubes]

I know I am late to the party but last year I stoped myself from buying one of theses 19 pound weaklings. And got a CJ MV60 in mint condition for $2K. Being a long time member of AK I was surprised to see each thread closed about this junk. So I sent this PM to a super mod.
Ok not to through stones but it is obvious that the 275 is not what it is claimed to be. It’s out put is 15 watts and is not properly grounded. Don’t get me wrong I believe the sound of my HiFi is paramount but I do not want to be lied to by the dealer or manufacturer as well as putting my family in danger. So why can’t there be an open discussion about this amp and honest response from Carver the company not the man. Not only did own a carver a amp and pre in the 80’s I worked at Sight and Sound and sold a lot of Bob’s stuff.

 

[Nutsfortubes]

Well this was the super mods reply.
sad.

why are you writing me?
I own older carver stuff - no complaints here.

 

[TriodeLuvr]

Most or all of the thread at HiFi Haven was deleted because the site owner has a hard on for Bob Carver.

 

[Nutsfortubes]

Well I thought Audiokarma was better then this. I guess because Jim Clark is a supporter and sponsor that is more important than the truth.

 

[TriodeLuvr]

Did they delete the thread or just lock it down? Sometimes a mod will do the latter just because a thread gets really long and sorta wears out its welcome.

 

[Nutsfortubes]

My bad had to do another search. Would have been nice if the mod sent this link.

Bob Carver 275 Stereo Vacuum Tube Amplifier

https://positive-feedback.com/industry-news/wyred-4-sound-announces-exclusive-licensing-agreement-with-the-bob-carver-corporation-and-the-formation-of-glass-audio-america-llc/ It would seem that rather than addressing the concerns of his customers The Bob Carver limited liability family of...

audiokarma.org

See I am self repairing just like the C215. The first thread had just 2 posts.

 

[egellings]

Carver makes good equipment in general, but that does not absolve him from hiding a walnut of a 15W output transformer under a big can and claiming it can do a wattage that exceeds the little thing's most optimistic yearnings. "You're a great little trannie! You can do it! Rah, rah, rah! (Poor little thing is shaking in its insulation).

 

[Fiddlefye]

Carver makes good equipment in general, but that does not absolve him from hiding a walnut of a 15W output transformer under a big can and claiming it can do a wattage that exceeds the little thing's most optimistic yearnings. "You're a great little trannie! You can do it! Rah, rah, rah! (Poor little thing is shaking in its insulation).

 

[Nutsfortubes]

You mean made!

 

[egellings]

Oops. Yes.

 

[mhardy6647]

Just to tangle the Gordian knot of this embarrassing story a wee bit further, and for completeness (for lack of a better word), I take the liberty of cross-referencing this, in case any of you haven't seen it and are still interested in this "story".

Carver Crimson 275 Review (Tube Amp)

Allegedly Ford calculated the potential legal fallout regarding the Pinto’s propensity to self-immolate if rear-ended, and [WRONGLY] concluded that it was economically viable versus adding the simple parts that would have protected the petrol tank…

www.audiosciencereview.com

This is the source of the quoted information:

Bob Carver Raven 350 Monoblocks--Demo units as new--10 year Warranty INCLUDING TUBES!

The circuitry used in these amplifiers was called the most important in decades by Dick Olsher. These will likely be the last amplifiers you will ever purchase. Conservatively rated at 350 W each, I'm not sure if we ever had a failure. I have been the CEO of the Bob Carver Company from 2016 until...

www.usaudiomart.com