I've had a Crimson 275 for about a year now. It's my first tube amp, so I can't compare it to any others. I was using a NAD integrated amp (C368) and the Carver puts out way more current and sounds very good to me. Everything is fuller and richer sounding with the Carver. As a matter of fact, until I got a proper preamp I was using the NAD for that purpose. I've been running SVS Ultra bookshelf speakers on both units, less efficient than any Klipsch models, but more efficient speakers should benefit even more from the Carver.
It's true what's been stated about the tubes. They do not get extremely hot, even after running the amp for several hours you can touch the tubes and not get burned.
