Welcome to the Carver site!!
What type of amp are you having built?
I like your idea of using separate components because in this way you have versatility. There are so many options that you can choose for a Carver Preamp. You have units like the C-1 up to the C-19 that are excellent performers. My system is built on using seperates.
Two preamps, the C-4000 and 4000t, are units that have some special features that I particularly like. My son purchased a C-4000 and after it was restored, I used it for an extended period of time in my system to break it in. Each of them have unique features such as Peak Unlimiter, Auto Correlator noise reduction system, and its Time Delay and Sonic Hologram Generator.
You can also look at the HR and the CT line and choose a model that incorporates pre outs into their design. This way you can introduce more amps into your system as it grows. These have remotes with volume control function. The C series can be retrofitted with remote volume control.
The C-19 is a tube preamp if that is of interest.
Here is a reference for a place that specializes in restorations and upgrades. Greg is a member here.
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