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Hello everyone. Just found this site today. Wish I had found it sooner, as I sent two units off for a "chassis refresh" a week ago. Hopefully I don't read that where I sent them off to was a mistake. Anyway, I purchased most of my Carver components around 1987 while I was single and in the military. Presently I own a C-1 preamp, M-1.5t amp, which drive a pair of Cerwin Vega AT-100's. I also have TX-11a tuner and a DTL-200MK2 CD player. Non-Carver equipment include a Teac X-1000r reel to reel, dbx subharmonic synthesizer, dbx dynamic range controller, dbx single ended noise reduction, and a dbx program route selector. Sadly, all this has been boxed up for 15+ years. Now that the kids are out, and have a newer home, I starting to get reacquainted with it all. As I mentioned, the C-1 and M-1.5t have been sent off for a overhaul. The DTL-200MK2 will soon follow. I finish re-coning the AT-100 woofer myself, quite pleased with the outcome. I feel I should start looking for a Carver cassette deck next...

Hello all! I found your site because I wanted to get owner's manuals, and saw lots of great stuff! Very recently I was in a donation-type Thrift Shop, and saw a Carver M-200T amp on the shelf. I was a bit dubious if it would work, since it was so ridiculously cheap, and the outside was a bit battered up, like someone used it for their garage / workshop amp. Original owner was obviously proud of it as they electro-engraved their name and SSN on the case top and back (very shaky job, as you remember back in the day). As you can imagine, I snatched it up immediately, used my discount coupon, and walked out for less than the price of a Combo Meal at any fast food joint! BTW, this same shop I happened to find a 1980s/90s NRI oscilloscope last year for $15...ha ha. Today I decided to first remove the case and blow out the inside with compressed air to remove all the dust. I then hooked it up to some old 1990's era Technics bookshelf speakers (SB-LV105, which are 8 ohm 120w/60w) that were in the basement storage, and used a Fiio M7 digital player as a preamp to test it out. I used a 1/8" stereo to RCA Y-split cable to connect it to the RCA inputs. To my GLORIOUS surprise, this Carver amp works GREAT! I have been listening to it for more than a few hours, and the sound is VERY good and clean. If I didn't know it was solid state only, I would have guessed it may have been at least a tube/SS hybrid. My Fiio is playing FLAC files, but am quite impressed how well this sounds without even a proper preamp and no EQ. I think I am going to put this in my "Music Room" where our drum kit, bass amp, and guitar amps are for jamming. So couple questions, if you don't mind: 1) Since this is only a two-speaker amp, what size speakers do you suggest me using? I have a spare set of Pioneer A. Jones bookshelf speakers (SP-BS21-LR), but figure I should be looking to something a bit bigger than bookshelf speakers. I can likely find another thrift shop deal at some point, and need to know what size, etc. I should keep eye out for. I don't mind rebuilding speakers / surrounds, soldering internals, etc. 2) Similarly, what is an affordable and simple preamp you would suggest? I will likely continue to use a media device like the Fiio or an iPhone as the music source (no phonos, tapes, CD players, etc.). I have a 1990's era Technics receiver (SA-EX300) I could use in the interim (if using the Tape Recording Output would work as a preamp), or should I look for something older? I guess I would like the ability to turn the volume up from a preamp and not the digital device. Anyway, thanks in advance! I am so happy I didn't have to break out my soldering setup, because while I enjoy doing projects, I got plenty other things to do right now. Ha.

@Nahash5150 www.nelionaudio.com

Nelion Audio is the modifier I would recommend. Others are available too.

Thanks everyone! Yes, I was thinking I would maybe have to replace a cap or two, but pleasantly surprised how well it worked. I am very comfortable with recapping myself, as I have worked on several guitar tube amps including replacing the output transformer and ALL the caps, and even built two somewhat complicated guitar pedals from scratch (as in plain vero board built all the way up), which were clones of the Wampler Paisley drive. I was going to place an order on Parts Express today for some other items, but now I may hold off if there is a recommended "replacement list" already built by someone...might as well order all at once. Any info is appreciated (and forgive me, but now I will do a forum search for the parts list).

Welcome to the Carver madness. Make yourself at home. Very few alligators around here. Share some pictures when you can.

Hello Tailgate, 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. Congrats on the M200t score. I use one of them for my backyard system. One thing to consider, that amp is getting on in age. Even if it's playing well now, it is due for a refresh. There are several very talented techs here on this site that can handle that for you if you don't want to do it yourself. If you do want to DIY, they also don't mind helping you out if you get stumped. I have no idea what your budget is for a preamp, but a Carver C-1 is a great match with a M200t. A stock C-1 is a great pre, and it can be modified to play on the same field with preamps costing 5x more. A used working C-1 can be found on eBay usually in the $300 range, and occasionally less. If you do decide on a C-1, I highly recommend the BillD mod. It makes that pre 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.

@Rob I was stationed at Spangdahlem AB at the same you were at Bamberg.

Welcome Hal to the Carver site. I too started my Carver path while single in the Army. (Bamberg) 1987 - 1990. This a great place to be. Enjoy!!!

Welcome Hal, glad to have you on board, I started with the same C-1 and M1.5 units as you right about the same timeframe as well. Happy to hear you are getting them freshened up and ready to rock.

Welcome!!!

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

Welcome @Hal, Rolland will do good work. There are others, too, as your OCCD takes you down the rabbit hole! Welcome to the forum, glad you found us. When you get your gear back, we love pictures ! 😉

Greetings @Hal We're glad to have you aboard!!!

Yes, intentionally didn't mention names, as I wanted to dig around the forums first to find any additional info. I did send them off to Rolland at Hi Tech Audio. So far he has responded to all my emails within a couple of hours. Most within 30 minutes.

Hello Hal, 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. You didn't mention names but "Chassis refresh" suggests Rolland @ Hi Tech Audio. Several here have had work done by him. I don't know of any complaints. That said, there are several very talented techs that hang out here. 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 aboard the Carversite shipmate; You have come to the right place for an education on all things Carver. I'm looking forward to seeing some pictures of your gear.

Welcome Tailgate! Nice find on your amplifier! I think you will like that amp and you certainly will after a refresh. Keep us posted on what you decide and if you have questions, just ask away......grin

Hey Hal - welcome aboard! not sure what part of Utah you are in, but there’s a nice little (3) cadre of us up around the Layton area. In fact, we got together yesterday fao a fun listening session and good conversation:-)

Welcome!

Greetings @Tailgate We're glad to have you aboard!!!

I'm new here too. Welcome.

Hello and welcome to the Carver site. Personally I really like the M200t's and have had quite a few of them. I have had them hooked up to Cerwin Vega PA's, Polk Monitor 10b's, and my little Ohm K2's. They are great little amps in my opinion especially after a good quality recap and voltage setting.

Welcome and happy to have you.

Thanks very much. I've read their name on the site.

Welcome!!!

Welcome Hal! You have a nice collection of gear there, especially the reel to reel. I would love to have one of those models fully refreshed but I don’t have the space for one. You will enjoy your gear when it gets back home. It will sound great and last for many years. We have several good techs here that do great work. Depending on where you live, it might save you some shipping costs. Take a look around and we hope you enjoy the site.

I'm enjoying the education and looking forward to more - especially about the mods & modifiers out there. Thanks. Pictures when I'm able. And refurb or new C-1 w/BillD is in my future.

Welcome submariner! You have some nice gear there. If you are going to keep it, it is worth getting it refurbished. It will sound it’s best and have the service bulletins completed as well.

Thanks for that! It reminded me so much of a reference album I have used for years (Days of the New--Yellow) that I had to look to see if any of the artist were shared as Travis Meeks used a lot of guest artist. Nope non shared. I ordered my copy immediately. FYI Days of the New--Yellow https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G97TV66/ref=dm_ws_tlw_trk2