Amplifier recommendations

[lovinthehd]

That particular Carver model was apparently the one modified (transfer function) to emulate the then $12,000 Conrad Johnson Premiere 4 and I thought you mentioned something about that yourself in an earlier post. You are right though, the CJ amp should be virtually flat too, 20Hz to 20kHz +0, -.5 db but it's tube amp, so Carver must have modified the m1.0t to include the same kind of harmonic distortions.

Yes and I mentioned that the transfer function is more a marketing thing than real; I have two Carvers with that "feature" too and couldn't tell it apart from the same model of amp without the "t" that I had even before the "t" versions I got later (M-500 vs M-500t). Never noticed a difference. At the time I had no idea that they were supposedly different except for the power switch (M-500 didn't have one). I'd have to pull the manual out but don't believe it mentions transfer function or imitating the CJ or whatever it was (have seen different versions of the story). I've conversed with others about the Carver story and the general idea is that it was all about marketing.

ps Grabbed the manual for the M-500t; it does say it has the T-mod technology originaly developed for the M-1.5t amp....whatever that means.

 

[Joe B]

I wish I could help you because I’m in the same boat as you. I’m looking for an amp for my new speakers. I was going to buy the double impact but, then the Focal kanta No 2. i pick up for a bargain. Enjoying your Double Impacts? I will watch this thread because I need an amp, so I’m learning which to buy.

I've been reading this thread since your first post. Sure, I have thoughts on amps like everyone else. The Anthem STR is a tough act to follow. But the bottom line is this: Your Focal speakers are frigging awesome and need to be played. I'm glad you finally made a choice. Now start listening to those babies and enjoy your music. They are GREAT speakers!

 

[Cjamrr]

Nothing wrong with a rebuilt Carver. I've got a couple Carvers that are over 30 years old and have thought about having them gone thru; I had another slightly older one that went up in a puff of smoke and the last time I plugged one of the two remaining it acted odd so I unplugged it and put it aside. I don't need them in any case and if I did I'd probably just buy another Crown XLS amp (have four of those) as they're relatively inexpensive and do the job just as well.

I'm not trying to give you a hard time on the test procedure, but if not level matched and quick switched blind, it's just not much to go on for comparison purposes. Indeed, you may not find that sound you're looking for, especially by changing amp. Your room has a far greater influence, as do your speakers. Room treatment would be a better idea I think. Good luck in scratching that audio itch, and don't forget to enjoy the content rather than worrying about the gear so much....

Quick switch I have done, blind and not blind. Had neighbor who owned the carver doing the switch test for me. Level matching I didn’t know the best way and he says it just volume matching and they were close enough.
Carver had been rebuilt a month ago for $500. The only carver rebuild site online in Michigan.
Anyway, I’m thinking of Pengs option for Outlaw M2200 for my Focal center and be done for awhile.
I have some records I want to buy from Acoustic Sound and focus on a better record player, then go from there.

 

[lovinthehd]

Quick switch I have done, blind and not blind. Had neighbor who owned the carver doing the switch test for me. Level matching I didn’t know the best way and he says it just volume matching and they were close enough.
Carver had been rebuilt a month ago for $500. The only carver rebuild site online in Michigan.
Anyway, I’m thinking of Pengs option for Outlaw M2200 for my Focal center and be done for awhile.
I have some records I want to buy from Acoustic Sound and focus on a better record player, then go from there.

The "official" Carver repair is a couple hours north of me in southern Washington. http://carveraudiorepair.com/ They've got a several month wait list going and believe the amp rebuild starts at $375 or so. Then there's a former employee who does not only rebuilds but has an upgrade program (also long wait list last I checked) http://carvermk2.com/

The M2200 is a solid amp, too.

What do you use for a turntable now?

 

[Cjamrr]

The "official" Carver repair is a couple hours north of me in southern Washington. http://carveraudiorepair.com/ They've got a several month wait list going and believe the amp rebuild starts at $375 or so. Then there's a former employee who does not only rebuilds but has an upgrade program (also long wait list last I checked) http://carvermk2.com/

The M2200 is a solid amp, too.

What do you use for a turntable now?

Nothing special. The same one since i bought off my older cousin in 1980. Pioneer PL-300 with a Grado Red1 Cartridge.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Since you just paid $700 for the 2Ch Carver amp, I say use that to power your main 2 speakers and let the Onkyo power the rest. The big Onkyo should easily power the center and surrounds.

 

[Cjamrr]

Since you just paid $700 for the 2Ch Carver amp, I say use that to power your main 2 speakers and let the Onkyo power the rest. The big Onkyo should easily power the center and surrounds.[/QUOTE
I agree with you, Before this amp episode, I was just gonna choose the Anthem mca325 or ATI AT6003 (which I learned from your RBH thread) and be done. No comparing, just flip a coin.
How much does your AT3005 weigh?

 

[PENG]

Yes and I mentioned that the transfer function is more a marketing thing than real; I have two Carvers with that "feature" too and couldn't tell it apart from the same model of amp without the "t" that I had even before the "t" versions I got later (M-500 vs M-500t). Never noticed a difference. At the time I had no idea that they were supposedly different except for the power switch (M-500 didn't have one). I'd have to pull the manual out but don't believe it mentions transfer function or imitating the CJ or whatever it was (have seen different versions of the story). I've conversed with others about the Carver story and the general idea is that it was all about marketing.

ps Grabbed the manual for the M-500t; it does say it has the T-mod technology originaly developed for the M-1.5t amp....whatever that means.

Below is the link to one of the article I read about the modified (allegedly..) m1.0 t AB'ed with the CJ tube amp.
https://www.stereophile.com/content/carver-challenge

I do think it is quite possible that whatever Bob Carver did using RS parts nearby, apparently could be just marketing ploy and/or very minor tweaks. That's because the specs of that CJ amp indicated that it was in fact very linear with less than 1% distortions, so even without any mod aided by the transfer function approach, those Stereophile audiophiles of the day likely couldn't tell the two apart in a properly done DBT anyway.

 

[PENG]

Since you just paid $700 for the 2Ch Carver amp, I say use that to power your main 2 speakers and let the Onkyo power the rest. The big Onkyo should easily power the center and surrounds.

I agree with you on this, my suggestion of the M2200 to help the center out is only because he sits quite far and the speaker has some low dips, so in case he listens to reference level occasionally, a power amp for the center could help.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

My AT3005 is too damn heavy.

Must be over 100LB. I would say probably 110-115LB.

Seriously, if someone wanted to buy my AT3005 LOCALLY so I don't have to ship, I would sell for $1500. But the labor of shipping this beast is a big turn off.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I agree with you on this, my suggestion of the M2200 to help the center out is only because he sits quite far and the speaker has some low dips, so in case he listens to reference level occasionally, a power amp for the center could help.

I say just go with the ONKYO + Carver for now. Then if the Center doesn't sound great or has distortion, then get another amp.

 

[Cjamrr]

Sounds like a good idea.
I think my middle life crises would be is to invest in a stereo auditioning shop so I can Hear music through many choice setups with a lounge bar atmosphere. If you can’t sell gear, sell beer.

 

[Drunkpenguin]

If you ask my wife I've had several mid life crisis purchases.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

If you ask my wife I've had several mid life crisis purchases.

Really? If you ask my wife, she has no idea I've bought anything.

And this is after I've owned 1 pair of Revel Salon2, B&W 802D2, Linkwitz Orion 3.2.1, Philharmonic 3, RBH SVT Towers, Dynaudio towers, Focal towers, 4 pairs of Def Tech BP7000/7001 towers, 6 pairs of KEF 201/2, dual Rythmik 15" subs, dual Funk 18.0 subs, 5 pairs of RBH SX-T2 towers, many more things.

 

[Danzilla31]

Really? If you ask my wife, she has no idea I've bought anything.

And this is after I've owned 1 pair of Revel Salon2, B&W 802D2, Linkwitz Orion 3.2.1, Philharmonic 3, RBH SVT Towers, Dynaudio towers, Focal towers, 4 pairs of Def Tech BP7000/7001 towers, 6 pairs of KEF 201/2, dual Rythmik 15" subs, dual Funk 18.0 subs, 5 pairs of RBH SX-T2 towers, many more things.

I just stay single that way I don't have to ask anybody about anything

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I just stay single that way I don't have to ask anybody about anything

Being single does have its advantages.

 

[Danzilla31]

Being single does have its advantages.

Sometimes... audio is one of them! Lol

 

[PENG]

Really? If you ask my wife, she has no idea I've bought anything.

And this is after I've owned 1 pair of Revel Salon2, B&W 802D2, Linkwitz Orion 3.2.1, Philharmonic 3, RBH SVT Towers, Dynaudio towers, Focal towers, 4 pairs of Def Tech BP7000/7001 towers, 6 pairs of KEF 201/2, dual Rythmik 15" subs, dual Funk 18.0 subs, 5 pairs of RBH SX-T2 towers, many more things.

Any idea she bought anything?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Any idea she bought anything?

You mean shoes, purses, hats, jewelry, and other women stuffs?

No idea.

 

[Drunkpenguin]

You mean shoes, purses, hats, jewelry, and other women stuffs?

No idea.

Careful, purses can cost more than your speakers these days!