Brian_at_HHH

Interesting - I didn't have much chance to listen to samples, and not with SH but it bears more listening. DaddyJT, You suggested a list to highlight albums that really stood out for production/recording qualities. Can I suggest we create a list of Standout Recordings, and come up with some semi standard reasons: Production/Recording qualities Sonic Hologram superstar Underrated recording My names are not great, and we need some more categories, but hopefully it gets the idea across. it gets the idea across. Maybe make the entries so that each original stands out so people will be able to add their comments like here, but it's easy to find the suggested albums and why they are special? Tag, you're it!

KRAP - good luck DrummerJuice!

KEWL!!!!!! ROADTRIP!!!!!! Wish I could do that one for you, but the commute is a wee bit far for me to make it before he would find another buyer.

@#$%!!!!!!!!

Answer: the part where he already bought it, and is only trying to survive telling her.... (who ME? Nope, never, can't prove it ... guilty)

Still worth it - besides, you need the day trip! ? Keep at him! Just don't let him know how absurd a deal he's offering. ? Say to go, Rod. I'll second that one, just so the deal isn't lost. Too good to miss for that reason. Just let us know - the bonus is you can always tell SWMBO that you're buying it for someone else, but it needs extensive testing (over several decades) first. ?

Go for both if at all possible, but look at it this way, buy the M500t no matter what. You can easily sell it for more if you want the C1, and come away with extra $ as a worst case option. Unless there is something horrifically wrong with that M500t, it's a steal! The C1, as well, but the M500t is worth well beyond $250. Good luck! Let us know what happens.

No worries, there - my curiosity got the better of me as it all too often does. It just struck me as a great idea from outside of our normal 'boxes,' and wondered if you had some intriguing source. A decent 'sound machine' is a great source. We always have one going in the bedroom, but unfortunately, for many of the sound selections on ours, I can hear the cycle point in the sound stream. I can imagine feeding that into something with decent sound would be amazing. For a first system, you definitely know how to do it in style - good for you. Don't worry about the "errors" those are part of the fun, and all the advice we have pales in comparison to your ears, and your expectations. My only advice would be to follow your goals, and always feel free to experiment - sometimes the most unlikely things have unexpected results. Nahash will never notice the C11 that you are "testing and updating" as part of the company QA. Besides, you do need to test the CF amps - throughly. ? If he does, just toss him a handful of caps and resisters, and he will be happily distracted. (I know, I just got myself banned, but I have no willpower to avoid mischief).

A big thank you from those of us lurking on this thread, for all the great info, here. I have to say I love the idea @The Raven has for "streaming white/pink/brown noise and nature sounds." The idea of that through a decent system is very intriguing. There are times I'm watching things online, for work or just working, where having something like that in the background would be great. @The Raven what are you using for source material, if you don't mind me asking?

The only thing that happens to the sex drive is losing the "r"... sigh!

Welcome back to the wonderful world of Carver. Your handle definitely says it all. You have, of course, opened Pandora's box with your thoughts of getting your new system in order. You will get great guidance from the wizards and brilliant techs here, and encouragement from us minions.

+1!

How to choose - so much of it looks great. The vac amps certainly rate. Personally, I've always loved the look of the C-4000t preamp. The C-1 comes a close second. Even some of the Receivers are pretty incredible. But so much of it looks amazing,

Welcome to being officially here! You definitely know how to start your Carver Collection. Don't worry about the threats of OCCD ... it's too late for you, anyway, so just embrace it and enjoy the ride! ?

John must be the evil twin, eh?

Welcome @Zenith4Me. Given your interests, you are definitely are in the right place! As a relative newcomer, I can attest to how welcoming the folks here are. I'd warn you about OCCD, but given your great receiver find, it's clearly way too late, so just enjoy the ride. ? With your skills, a find like that receiver is going to be easy to go from a cheap find to a great piece of equipment. If you have questions, you will definitely be able to find help here. Keep at the Zeniths though. ?

There were 2 defining albums that everyone had and played during my freshman year at university. Supertramp's Crime of the Century, and Alan Parson's Pyramid. Those two still never fail to be throughly enjoyable. Great memories and great music. Favorites for me: Rudy and Pyramania! ?

The best artist, and media quality mean nothing if anywhere along the path, somebody did a crappy job. `hether it's one "engineer"who cranks the levels too high, or not enough, or gets carried away with compression, or someone producing the media messes up. In the case of vinyl, all it takes is someone cutting the grooves a bit too close, trying to pack extra material on an album side, or having the settings a bit off to trash the quality. Digital isn't innune, either. It depends totally on what happened at each step in the process. I've had CD versions of an album that I have the LP for that sound muddy to me, and others where the LP was awful, but the CD great (remastered albums, notwithstanding, of course). There's no way to assume any media will always give great results. Some may have greater potential, but that's no certainty it will be realized.

That does present a real problem, doesn't it? I only have a relatively small number of box sets, but none are remotely the same size or format. If most of yours are the love sized boxes, that will definitely be the place to look for ideas. If not, then it really becomes a challenge. I don't have any good suggestions - at least right now, but you didn't me realize that I haven't done anything adequate with my box sets and other non standard size CDs. I do agree that you want them close at hand, and also at an easily accessible height. I've realized one of my main CD cabines is partially behind a step, and while I "can" get to the CDs, I just don't. Instead, I just opt for something convenient. That needs to be corrected. If they were in another room, I doubt I'd ever play them. BTW, kudos to you for putting books on the bookshelves!

Thanks @Chas - I've been toying with getting a new cartridge, and that was one I was pondering, but I had no idea whether it was good, bad, or ugly. Very much appreciated! The tracking aspect is definitely of interest. That's always a tough aspect, so it's great to know it holds well to the groove. I can see the OM 30 having issues with that, although the sound in general is likely great. Thanks again - great food for thought.

Good luck with the C-4000 - you can be sure that the folks here will help get it restored for you. On a slightly separate topic, out of curiosity, how do you find the Nagaoka Mp100 cartridge?

Welcome Chas! Nice to have another Canuck in the group - I'm in Pickering, - not next door, but down the road and around the corner, and through the wood to... Definitely beware of @itchitch's and @Sk1bum's predictions. I'm a recent victim of the dreaded OCCD, so I know the consequences all too well. ? That was definitely a considerable gift from your friend - a C-4000 is certainly a nice piece of kit, and will form a great center for a system. I can tell you that the folk here seem to have a real wealth of knowledge and a real willingness to share it. Were you able to help out your friend with his Rega planar 3 issues?

Welcome @Kenny. As others have pointed out, you are definitely in the right place with that M500. Don't let the bait seller get to you - what you have is still a treasure, and it will be a great basis to an excellent system. There are folks here who can rebuild a Carver amp with their eyes closed and make it truly sing. Do beware of the infamous OCCD as @Dnspy007 noted. I know all too well how insidious it is. Hang with this great bunch of people and you will soon have the system of your dreams, with many a piece of gear bearing the Carver logo. That said, people here are by no means anal that everything needs to be Carver. Try to find another group focused on one brand that is open minded like that. Remember, have fun, and always enjoy the music. (Yes, guys, I checked 3 times that this was a new intro this time. ? I'll let omeone else win the "doorknob of the day award for now).

Doh! Not sure how I found this as a new one. Yes, chalk this up to Stupid User Syndrom!

Welcome Gary - think of the Carver amp as a progression of the Pl. And no worries about your speakers - they are more than fine,and the only thing that matters is that they sound good to you. I'm also a recent arrival, here and I'm following a similar path. I've recently picked uo a c1, and in my case a M`1.0t amp. I've arranged to have the BillD mod done to the C1, and the MkII mod on the amp. Unfortunately, I'm not adept enough with a soldering iron to tackle it myself. I definitely encourage you to go for it if you are - the self satisfaction will be hard to beat. For me, the SH capability was a key element in choosing the C1. I know it's not for everyone, but I love the effect. No matter what route you go, this is a truly great bunch of people - endless encouragement, useful help, and the only "judgment" is done in jest. The only worry, here is the addictiveness of OCCD. Beware, and enjoy.