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Hi All - Happy to be a brand new part of this community! How about a little about me. I'm a fifty-something empty-nester in Portland, Maine. I've been into stereo equipment since the 80s when I was in HS and college and have recently started getting back into it. Just bought my first piece of Carver equipment; a Receiver 900. WOW! I love it. It was something I coveted back in the 80s but never had the money for that, especially when I started having kids. I am running that with a vintage pair of Allison IIs, and just also picked up a Technics SL-1200 MkII. Eventually, I'd like to get into some separates, but I'm not in any rush...I'd like to learn a bit more about Carver separates and what to look for, etc. Anyone else in this community in or near southern Maine? Chip

Hello all New member here. Years ago I had a Carver system, including a TFM 25, a TFM15, and the rest I don't remember the model numbers, but had a dual preamp, a reference cd player, a tuner. Also a remote, and Klipsch speakers. That system is long gone, and wanting to build another, smaller system. Starting with a TFM 25. Would be nice to find one needing no work. Thanks Fred

I am new to the Forum as I just recently acquired a new Carver MXR 130 that works beautifully, and another one that needs help. Not new to the hobby, I have plenty of vintage Sansui, Technics reel to reels, and much more. Looking to get into learning on how to troubleshoot and repair the Carver Units. Thanks. Gary

Thanks for including me. I have a few pieces of Carver equipment. I like to take things apart and figure out how they work. Many years back I uncovered my m1.5t and started poking around. At one point, my o-scope ground ring inadvertently grazed the top connection between the main board and the front amp card. Let's just say that the 4800uF cap that was charged up to something around 120V did not appreciate my sloppiness. Don't remember actually damaging the amp at that time, though likely shortened the life of that capacitor? It was a good lesson. I've been significantly more careful in my future efforts. I downloaded the m1.5 service manual and found it to be excellent. More detail than I expected. Thanks. Fast forward to the present ..... I was poking around here a few months back and one of the topics that really interested me was a thread where it was possible to "ask Bob" a question. Great idea. I find the Carver solid state amp design to be very interesting. At some point I'm going to find that topic and "ask Bob" a question about his design philosophy.

Thanks Sk1Bum & Rob!

Thanks, can't wait until I get enough cred to ask questions and do trouble shooting on my MXR 130. Easier to pick your brains then me second guessing. Lots of nice systems in here......

Hello Gary, 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. 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

Hi Gary. Welcome to TCS. Enjoy!

Welcome to the site, @Technic1500. Glad you found us.

This is a pretty good generalization. I enjoy streaming and digital sources for the detail and convenience using a tube amp. Its the mix of digital sources and old school analog that can find a sweet spot for me. Some are just the opposite in mindset, preferring an analog source and solid state amps. Somewhere in the mix, many find their sweet spot. Jim TUBE and SS- The whole tube or solid-state dilemma is somewhat of a misnomer. Once you accept the reality that a tube amp and a solid-state amp are very different in how they operate, you’ll perhaps better understand that each have their own traits. The biggest difference between them is that a solid-state amp is driven by current throughout the output devices and a tube is driven by voltage. Voltage alone can’t drive a speaker, hence the reason for needing output transformers. You’ll notice most stereo tube amps have 3 large, heavy objects, typically at the rear. They are a power transformer and two output transformers (one for each channel) that convert the voltage from the output tubes to current at the speaker posts. A solid-state amp typically has a single power transformer and no output transformers. However, a solid-state output transistor and a tube basically do the same thing. One doing it in silicone with current and the other doing it in a glass vacuum with voltage. Do they sound different? Yes, we believe so. However, some tube companies make their tube amps sound more solid-state like (for power) and some solid-state products can sound very tube-like. A key difference is that a tube product will require a small amount of upkeep and maintenance. For most who desire the benefit of tubes, it’s a small price to pay. Others just don’t want to maintain an amp once installed. Back to the sound. First, let’s squelch the myth that tube amps don’t have strong or controlled bass. Today, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Let’s also put to bed that solid-state amps aren’t smooth. Like any product from any manufacturer, all products have a voicing and color which is why you buy any given product. There are benefits and drawbacks to each, but one must weigh each depending on what you are looking to achieve in your audio system both in terms of sonics and upkeep as well as taking the rest of the system into consideration. So, in doing so, what are the benefits of each? Generally speaking, tubes offer a greater sense of bloom, more texture and realism to vocals and instruments, a richer midrange. Solid-state usually offers more watts per dollar, faster sound, greater detail. Once again these are generalizations. If you have a system that overall is a bit harsh or fatiguing, chances are you could greatly benefit from a tube amp. On the other hand, if your system is flat, sluggish, or too soft sounding, perhaps a quality solid-state amp is the way to go. Other factors of particular importance are speaker load. Some speakers (although few today) require lots of power and very low impedance driving capabilities. In that scenario, a solid-state amp may do better. But, if your speakers have a moderate impedance curve and are of average efficiency, a tube amp can redefine your definition of what a great audio system can sound like.