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Submariner here and happy to join the site - this is my first topic. I used that "handle" as I was driving a submarine in the late 70's out of Groton, CT when I became acquainted with and had never heard anything so crisp/realistic/nice as the Carver M-400 coupled a C-4000 powering Dahlquist DQ-10's. Sonic holography was simply astounding. Of course, neither of the Carver units nor the DQ-10's fit aboard my boat, but they did make my BOQ room rock. Later I got an M-500 when I decided to expand with a Dahlquist DQ-1W base cube and powered the cube with the M-400. I've found over the years (at different houses - I retired from the Navy) that I usually only set up the M-500 and C-4000. Now I'm setting down some roots and want to really enjoy my vinyl collection. I've been doing some reading about different alternative preamps and from what I've read on this site and on other sources that the C-1 preamp with the Bill D modification makes the C-1 (still with sonic holography) a very attractive component when compared to the relatively high cost alternatives out in the market compared to high. And I just feel like a change as I don't use the surround/delay nor most of the other features of the C-4000. I'd really appreciate your learned opinions to help me confirm that the C-1/Bill D mod unit is a worthy upgrade (I'd sell the C-4000 (till have the original box)).

Hello, thanks for adding me to the forum. A little background as why I asked to join the group, last fall I was at a local estate auction. There was a storage shed with some stereo equipment in it and most of it was carver (14 pieces). I am not interested in it and would like to sell the whole lot to someone that would appreciate it. I have no knowledge on how to test it for condition. Was hoping someone close to Montana would be as that is where I’m located. If this not permitted please delete. Thanks in advance, Tater

Just to clarify... the C-11 is a slightly newer version of the C-1. The C-1 has a gray faceplace (anthracite), while the C-11 is black. The C-11 has a precog board in it (its not very usefull) and slightly different buttons. The BillD mod is the same between either of these amps since they are essentially the same. The C-11 is more of a rare bird, you'll see 10 C-1's for every C-11. Used the C-11 commands maybe $100 more on the market.

Hello submariner, and welcome to thecarversite.com. We're glad you're hear. There is a lot of information here, much technical know how, and a pretty good bunch of folks that are happy to help. I have a 4000t and a C-1 that have both been serviced and upgraded. The 4000t is a later iteration of the C-4000, and my C-1 has the BillD modification. I love them both. Placing either of them in my main 2 channel rig is the right choice. The 4000t is paired with a M500t mkII, and the result is phenomenal. The BillD c-1 is paired with a M1.0t and the result is phenomenal. Once you get to Novice status, please consider uploading some pics of your gear in the Members Systems area. We all like pics of all kinds of audio gear. In the meantime, kick your shoes off, turn up the music, and welcome aboard.

Welcome to the Carver site. Great place to be.

Daniel Weiss, Dive was released on January 29, 2021. "The playful album integrates the soulful with the calculated with elements of world music and jazz coming in contact with Daniel’s Jazz and progressive rock influences. This album combines the good times of the real world, the day to day, with the boundlessness of imagination, fantasy, hope and positivity." You can read the rest of the review here...

It is Silver; I'll post the serial number in a follow up. Serial #0773.

I am leaning toward just a straight forward 2 channel set up, and that too is why I was looking at the C-1. Sure seems like the C-11 (C-1 with the BillD mod) is the way to go. Thanks for the advice.

Thanks very much. I'm enjoying the replies and advice! And I will send in some pics when I'm able to.

Thanks very much Will.

Thank you very much. Just started snorkeling through all the great advice.

Music Direct has this SACD on sale for $14 now, and several others below $20. https://www.musicdirect.com/Search?title=SACD&specials=Closeout&category=Music&sort=sitePrice|ASC&page=1&pagesize=72&c1=tab-products&c2=grid

Welcome to the site

Welcome!!!

Greetings @submariner We're glad to have you aboard!! As for the preamps, I have 4 x BillD C1, a BillD C11 as well as a stock C4000 and there is no comparison. The C4000 was good in its day but it's time has passed even if it's been restored YMMV...

Welcome, @submariner, you found the right place, and lots of good experience to share on your question. I'm going to guess, that you will want to compare for yourself! get both,..., you can't have too much Carver gear. 😉

Welcome to the forum Sir.... Glad to have you aboard........

The BillD C-1 (or C-11) will outshine the stock C-4000. The design philosophy of the C-1 was (if I can paraphrase BillD) "Make it sound like it wasn't there". The engineer that developed the mod, focused on noise reduction throughout the preamp. Of course, we are comparing a standard preamp (C-4000) with an upgraded unit (new op amps, bi-polar audio caps replacing polarized caps in the signal path, upgraded resistors, etc). Many of these updates can be applied to the C-4000, but its hard to beat the value and quality of a BillD C-1.