Hello everyone Bob Carver processor questions

[Mike Hubbard]

Hello folks,

I am a complete newbie to audio and am in the process of purchasing some equipment.
I own a Bob Carver Theather Grand processor II. I bought many years ago but was over whelmed by
It's complexity. I don't really know if it works correctly, I bought it used, it lights up and seems to function.
I guess my questions are.
How can I tell if it's working correctly?
What's a good amp, or do I need a amp?
I have speakers so thats covered.
I would like to get it working.
I've thought about taking it to a shop and asking them to check it out.
But I'm sure they'd want to charge me for their time.
But if I told them I would buy an amp from them, if the processor works on they might just do it for free.
It's just a thought .
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thank You everyone


Thanks,

Mike

 

[rojo]

Heya Mike, and welcome. Is this thing the gadget that you have? Or is it this thing?

 

[walter duque]

Heya Mike, and welcome. Is this thing the gadget that you have? Or is it this thing?

I think it's a lot older, the way it looks to me it's from the early 90's. My first surround system was a Carver Surround Sound Integrated Amp. If I look at it now I couldn't even tell you how I had it hooked up.

 

[Mike Hubbard]

If I go to stero times and type in Bob Carver Sunfire Theather Grand Processor II, I get a article with pics ands specs from November 2000. This website won't let me post the link.Line Level Inputs
Sensitivity (for 0.5 V output): 125 mV
Sensitivity-Phono: 1.6 mV
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz +/- 0.5dB
Signal to Noise (relative to 2V out): 88dB
Distortion (THD): < 0.03%
Separation (at 1 kHz): 70 dB
Tone Control:
Bass: +/- 10 dB (at 100 Hz)
Treble: +/- 10 dB (at 10 kHz)
Audio Outputs
Frequency Response:
Left and Right (Large): 20 Hz-20 kHz
Center and Surrounds (Large): 20 Hz-20 kHz
Subwoofer: 20-120 Hz (crossover set to 120Hz)
(The Sub plays the bass from the other channels using Bass Management)
Delay Adjustment
Center: 0-5 mS in 1 mS steps
Surrounds: 0-15 mS in 1 mS steps
(15mS is automatically added in Dolby Pro Logic mode)
Video Section
Video inputs/outputs: 1 V (peak to peak) /75 ohms
Component Bandwidth: 30 MHz, -1.5 dB
Composite Bandwidth: 6 MHz, -2 dB
S-video Bandwidth: 18 MHz, -1.5 dB
FM Tuner Section
FM range: 87.5-108 MHz, 0.2 MHz steps (0.05 MHz for some export models)
Usable sensitivity (Mono): 1.6uV (75 ohms) 15.2 dBf (75kHz DEV,30dB)
50dB Quieting sensitivity (Stereo) 31.6uV (75 ohms) 41.2 dB
Audio output frequency range: 30 Hz to 15 kHz, +0.5dB, -3dB
AM Tuner Section
AM frequency range: 530 - 1710 kHz in 10 kHz steps (9 kHz steps for some export models)
Video Function Relay: 12V Trigger out: 50mA maximum
Relay contact rating: 24 VDC 2A maximum
Power Requirements: 120 VAC 50-60 Hz: 40 W
Dimensions: 19" wide x 6.5" high x 15.75" deep
Net Weight: 25 pounds
Warranty: 2 years parts and labor
List Price: $3,495 U.S.

 

[markw]

You DO realize that that unit only handles Dolby Pro Logic, a matrixed analog form of multi-channel processing used on VHS tapes, don't you?

It won't handle any Dolby Digital of DTS processing, the newer digital and TRU?E multi-channel processing that came to market with the advent of DVD's.

...or any HDMI anything at all.

 

[Mike Hubbard]

So is not really worth putting any money into it ? Just move on to a better system ?

 

[slipperybidness]

So is not really worth putting any money into it ? Just move on to a better system ?

Depends on what you want to use it for.

If you want full-blown home theater experience, then probably time to move to a modern AVR.

If you just want 2 channel music, then it is probably still better than many options. Many people seek these old units for just this type of setup to save a few $.

 

[markw]

I still use a DPL receiver in my bedroom stereo setup but, then again, I bought it NIB for $100 on closeout in '98 when digital multi-channel was just hitting and it's never seen the shop. I used it for a short time for HT and it was decent for want it was but it was nothing compared to true digital multichannel. The summed mono output (labeled subwoofer) and remote control comes in handy.

 

[slipperybidness]

I still use a DPL receiver in my bedroom stereo setup but, then again, I bought it NIB for $100 on closeout in '98 when digital multi-channel was just hitting and it's never seen the shop. I used it for a short time for HT and it was decent for want it was but it was nothing compared to true digital multichannel. The summed mono output (labeled subwoofer) and remote control comes in handy.

I sold my previous AVR to a friend for like $40. It was a Yammy Natural Sound, pre-HDMI and still had S-vid, so that gives you an idea of its age.

He still uses it, and it still sounds great.

 

[Mike Hubbard]

Thanks everybody I appreciate the help.