Compare Bob Carver Black Magic 25 and Rogue Stereo 100?

I have never heard the Carver but here are the facts-

with stock tubes it puts out 25 watts per channel. 

it does not appear to have a large bank of filtering or storage capacitors. 

it weighs 19 lbs. 

reports are circulating that it actually produces less power than claimed. 

I have owned the Stereo 100.  It produces 100 verified watts per channel with the KT120 tubes. 

It has a very powerful, impactful, dynamic sound that is more impressive than its power spec. 

It has a large bank of filtering and storage capacitors - at least 8 large caps on the chassis. 

it weighs 60 lbs but is also more expensive. 

the stereo 100 is a winner, if you have the funds by all means this one is recommended.   

Rogue

I like how Carver changed from running huge KT120 at "loafing" levels in the 275, to running EL84 (Black Magic) hard with the same tiny (practically microscopic) transformers. Consider getting service on these amps after the latest Carver co. incarnation folds and inevitably pops up again as a different legal entity. If you want a sweet EL84 sound, I’d much rather have a console-pull refurbished or buy a Manley.

Rogue had always offered fantastic service and support, and they use extremely robust PSUs and transformers with no BS. 100 Watts is really 100 Watts here. They won’t fold in 5 years and pop up again as "Neu Rogue". 19 lbs Black Magic versus 60 lbs Stereo 100. How is this even a question lol. The Rogue will have dynamics and punch for days, but won’t sound as sweet and warm as a low power EL84 amp - but again I’d do any other option there before Carver.

@invalid Wrote:

The OP asks which to choose over 2 different tube amps and gets a class D recommendation. Go with the Rogue, carver has had some problems recently.

I agree! OP Rogue Stereo 100.

Mike

Easy @invalid - the OP said they did not have the opportunity to listen to either one, and to be fair I closed with…

But a gun to the head would result in Rogue… or a used PrimaLuna or ARC.

The main point is buying a relatively expensive amp without being able to listen to it, could result in wasted $.

And while the Rogue is a better bet than a Carver, it is not a sure bet.
A used PL or ARC is more of a sure bet.