Carver vs. Sunfire Preamplifier/Processor Volume Settings

[scottwilson999 0]

I have had some trouble understanding how the volume settings work on Sunfire products.  Carver preamps were quick to raise the volume, i.e. starting at 7:00 and moving higher on the volume knob setting, one can readily hear a signal amplified.  The Sunfire preamp/processors produce no sound until about 17--20 on the digital "clock"; really, I have to set it to around 45 or 50 to produce a low--moderate hearing level.  On the Carver clock, moving from 7:00 to 8:00 produces about the same level.  More clearly, why do I have to (comparatively) crank the Sunfire volume dial to hear much of anything through their products?  I have noticed much the same phenomenon on a Sunfire TG-R Receiver as well.  Is this merely a result of converting to the digital scale?  I haven't found this to be true of other audio/video brands  for that matter.

[UncleMeat 1,173]

What amp are you using? I have a Carver C-1000a (designed by Carver/Sunfire) and the pre-amp section does not have a very high output level, but the amp section is very sensitive to input. I suspect that the Sunfire pre-amps are designed to work best with Sunfire amps in a similar way. On the C-1000a I have to turn it to level 65 for good mid-level sound but going up to 75 or higher is quite loud. I think the dial maxes at 95 or so. It's more of a linear scale than inverse-exponential like the non-digital Carver pre-amps.

[scottwilson999 0]

I have a Carver TFM-42 (probably in its last days--I'll have to look into repair recommendations on this site).  Thank you for clearing up the matter.  For a time, I thought it was the victim of a factory-second situation.  I am looking into purchasing a Sunfire Processor (I am borrowing one at this point) because it has the digital and most recent version of Holography.  The one real drawback, I suppose, is that I really do not intend to use it for a 5.1 or greater system.  I am not especially interested in home theater, so I am looking to update a two-channel system.  The Sunfire Processors offer far more features than I ever intend to indulge.  Unfortunately, the tube processor that Carver/Sunfire made available seems to be for the purist as it does not include the Sonic Holography option, one of the main draws for me to look into Carver equipment from the beginning.  Thank you, again.

[zumbini 6,150]

You can easily add Sonic Holography to any system with the relatively inexpensive, stand-alone C-9.

Member 4krow sells refreshed and modded units. Lots of threads about them in the proc mods forum. 

 

You can also add the warmth of tubes by installing a tube buffer, between source and preamp, or in a tape loop.

For more info on tube buffers read Mobile Fidelity X-10D clone (Top Secret, Shhhh!)
 

[weitrhino 1,443]

You can easily add Sonic Holography to any system with the relatively inexpensive, stand-alone C-9.

 

 

For example I run a Sunfire Classic Vacuum Tube Preamp with a Carver C-9 for holography because the Sunfire has none itself. Works like a charm. 

[UncleMeat 1,173]

If your interest is primarily for stereo I'd go with a C-1 for the pre-amp it's better suited/designed for the TFM-42. I'm running a C-1 into my TFM-45; the C-1000a is for HT and digital streaming sources, I can send it's pre-out over to the C-1/TFM-45 for 2-channel.

 

The SH on the C-1 is better than the C-1000a, so I turn the SH off on the C-1000a when porting audio over to the C-1.

[UncleMeat 1,173]

What tubes are you running in your pre, Rod?

[zumbini 6,150]

If your interest is primarily for stereo I'd go with a C-1 for the pre-amp it's better suited/designed for the TFM-42. I'm running a C-1 into my TFM-45; the C-1000a is for HT and digital streaming sources, I can send it's pre-out over to the C-1/TFM-45 for 2-channel.

 

The SH on the C-1 is better than the C-1000a, so I turn the SH off on the C-1000a when porting audio over to the C-1.

 

Carver also made a C-11 which is identical to later model C-1's but has a black-face. (The stock pilot light is red.) 

 

[weitrhino 1,443]

What tubes are you running in your pre, Rod?

 

This might help you in your quest for knowledge.   

[UncleMeat 1,173]