[abomwell]

I'm comparing my Carver Crimson 275 with a First Watt model J2, both played on the X5's. So far I prefer the Carver as it sounds fuller and less analytical. I'm curious to know from anyone here, using the Carver/X5 combination, where you have set the bias on the Carver amp. Many thanks!

Al

[geerock]

Abomwell
When I used my 275 with my X5's I had it at around 85 but it's all a matter of taste and how you like your speakers to sound.  I run all tubes so I dont need to drop the bias too low to get "tubey" sound.  I run tube DAC, Don Sachs tube pre, and tube amps.  One thing on the 275, change out those stock signal tubes to some NOS.  The stock tubes just don't make it.  It brings that very fine amp to another level.

[abomwell]

Thanks for the help, geerock!

[jjss49]

not x5 but i really liked the crimson with my m3 sapphires

yes center input stage tube was changed to a ge old stock 12ax7 ... much sweeter sound with no loss of detail or impact

[abomwell]

Thank you. What brand 12AX7 tube did you change to?

[jjss49]

Thank you. What brand 12AX7 tube did you change to?

i have quite a few 12ax7's in my tube collection, but the one i used in the crimson amp is a 1960's vintage long grey plate ge (general electric) tube with halo getter... sylvanias or jan philips from that period or from the 70's would work well too i am sure

[abomwell]

Great information!

Thank you.

Al