Which version of Platinums are these?

[aceman117 723]

I'm checking out a set of Carver platinum's for sale I need to know which version these are.

Serial numbers are R 3752 and L3752. They are bi ampable because the binding post plates have two sets of positives and negative posts as well as fuse holders.

I want to purchase the best version of the platinums. So, are these version 1,2 ,3 or 4? Tried searching the web and couldn't find anything.

I'm sure someone here knows the answer to this question.

I would hopefully be driving them with a PT - 2400 which should be sufficient.

[AndrewJohn 10,496]

Not sure anyone here has a serial number database..., maybe, anecdotally, or their may be some references to serial numbers in the manuals library on service bulletins.

 

A suggested way to zero in on what version they are is to take pictures and post them here for some comment from other owners.  You'll want to take a picture of the crossover and binding posts on the back - which is one of the more physical indicators.  If you have a picture of the drivers without the grills on, that's good too, and any photos of the crossover internals, if you can pull the panel out on the back..., and finally, a picture of the front, showing the full ribbons.

 

Even then, it's not going to be super accurate, since a lot of this data from production got lost when the company died, decades ago.

 

Beware that a lot of drivers and ribbons and crossovers have been swapped, refreshed, or changed, over the years on these by users.  So, another avenue would be to compare the physical crossover wiring and components you may get in a photo, with the schematic (posted here in the manuals libraries) and that too can help you get an idea of the revision.  

 

...then again, someone with a lot of expertise like @sea may have some info.

 

Honestly, however, these are super great speakers..., and if you get a deal, on any revision, they are keepers, and your updating improvement, bi-amping, or other tweaks to meet your own room dynamics and ears will put them toward perfection.  

 

Hope that helps.

[cuda 526]

Usually it says MK-I or II etc on the same sticker that has the serial numbers on the back below the woofer dust covers. Usually Plats that have the Dual Binding posts are Either MK I or II's. But I have seen or heard of people with III's that had the biamp posts also, I have MK-III's that do not have the dual posts but have the tuning pots that the MK-IV's have. MK-IV's are considered the best because they had the last version of the factory X-Overs so they where Bobs last tweaking of the sound of the speakers. There are not enough of the Amazing Platinum left around in good shape to really be picky and wait for the IV series when I nice pair that have the 60" ribbons show up you buy them and tweak them if you simply must have the MK-IV series. There are even some Hybrids that have 60" ribbons but have the larger non paper woofers and a different x-over than all of them.

[RodH 4,866]

Pictures would be very helpful...

[cuda 526]

Funny that this thread would start here is me today just picking up a pair of Plats (ones)

[aceman117 723]

Thanks for the replies! I just sent the seller your questions. Following is a link to these Platinums on Ebay. I would offer him less than his asking price due to freight costs and possible damage to the 60" ribbons from freight handling from California to Buffalo, NY.... I'am also looking at a set of Platinum 4's from Canuck Audio Mart for $850.00 but I would have to drive 13hrs round trip to pick them up or pay major freight! Can't cross the border now, anyway!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-Pair-of-Carver-Platinum-Edition-Amazing-Loudspeakers/124199840839?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D225086%26meid%3D8a77daedb6154656a9d67640a45b6ae9%26pid%3D100290%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D124199840839%26itm%3D124199840839%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2060778%26brand%3DCarver&_trksid=p2060778.c100290.m3507

 

https://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649623493-carver-platinum-mk-iv-speakers/

8 minutes ago, cuda said:

Funny that this thread would start here is me today just picking up a pair of Plats (ones)

Damn! Nice find! Are the ribbons and woofers in decent condition or will Ed get more business?

[cuda 526]

These are nice ones looks like the original owner had the ribbon out on one of them (see the blue splices)  I just save the ribbons I will admit I am a ribbon horder big time lol

 

[aceman117 723]

The Ebay seller just stated these Platinums were purchased new on 3/9/90 if that helps to find which version these are. I just offered him a price so we shall see if I will get these or not.  The binding post plates are aluminum if you look closely at the plates...Is this stock or did someone add these plates? I thought the Carvers had black plastic plates. 

4 hours ago, cuda said:

Usually it says MK-I or II etc on the same sticker that has the serial numbers on the back below the woofer dust covers. Usually Plats that have the Dual Binding posts are Either MK I or II's. But I have seen or heard of people with III's that had the biamp posts also, I have MK-III's that do not have the dual posts but have the tuning pots that the MK-IV's have. MK-IV's are considered the best because they had the last version of the factory X-Overs so they where Bobs last tweaking of the sound of the speakers. There are not enough of the Amazing Platinum left around in good shape to really be picky and wait for the IV series when I nice pair that have the 60" ribbons show up you buy them and tweak them if you simply must have the MK-IV series. There are even some Hybrids that have 60" ribbons but have the larger non paper woofers and a different x-over than all of them.

Your correct...not too many Plat 4's around in great condition that I see...far and few! Guess I will just have to be happy with what I can find for a decent price. The freight is the killer... You work truck is more jam packed than mine...check my profile pic of my 2000 7.3 powerstroke van pushing 512 rwhp! I  retired it four years ago as the body rotted out and bought a 2002 7.3 in great condition...only pushing 350 rwhp currently...It's nice to drive a hot rod work van! I saved everything off the 2000 van except the windshield wiper motor.

Edited May 31, 2020 by aceman117

[cuda 526]

On some like the pictures I posted they are nice on others the plastic cracks and people make their own like on the ebay units.

[cuda 526]

OK quick identification update on ALS and Plats

Originals ALS flat woofers with two 30" ribbons, single speaker wire connection.

Originals ALS Hybrids same as above but 30" ribbons replaced with 60" models and the X-over is changed still has the flat woofers.

Platinum one 60" single ribbon with new paper woofers have 2 rectangle pieces of foam one top one near bottom on the back of the ribbons, dual speaker outputs

Platinum two same as one's but on the back of the ribbon it has a full length black materiel (like velcro) that dampens the rear reflections, very late 2 may have a single pot adjustment added to the rear panel. (very rare)

Platinum 3 early 3's have dual binding posts may have single tone adjustment, late 3's have 3 tone controls but only single binding posts for speakers. The only differences between the late 3's and the IV's is the x-over on the 3's have a single coil and the woofers are wired out of phase.

Platinum IV 60" ribbons,3 tone control pots, single speaker binding posts, x-over has 2 coils and the woofers are wired in phase with the ribbon.

Edited June 1, 2020 by cuda

[aceman117 723]

Cuda, great info...thank you!  Still searching for Plat 4's and this will be my new quest!  Have a couple great leads, so far.

I wonder how my Silvers and future Plats will sound side by side with a 15" sub I'am going to purchase? lol

My room is only 13' wide by 20' long.