Jump to content

Greetings from a new member and Carver fan


Recommended Posts

Greetings:  I have been a Carver devotee since the C4000 was released.  Well, before that actually, the C4000 was my first piece of Carver equipment and I purchased it from Reed Brothers in Charleston, SC for $960.  That was 4/20/1982 and it was shipping to California.  I remember waiting anxiously for it and reading and rereading the reviews in Audio and Stereo Review.  I kept waiting and it was late! Oh, no!  Well, it turned out it was delivered to my neighbors' house and he sat on it for 4 days.  Boy, was I pissed!  I had Infinity QLS3 speakers at the time and hooked it up as fast as I could.  The sound was enchanting!  I ran it through the power amp side of my Pioneer SX-1980 (270 watts/channel).  The unit came with a stapled "Preliminary Manual" and the official manual arrived in the mail a few months later.  The serial number on this unit is 6717C.  It started having problems the summer of 1998 and I sent it to Carver Factory Service on 10/2/1998.  There were several problems including the mute not working, the delay circuit was broken, another circuit was having problems but I don't remember which right now, and the biggest problem was the RCA jacks were falling apart causing no or intermittent problems.  They did an excellent job on it and the bill was $196 which I felt was reasonable for the amount of work they did.

 

My next Carver purchase was major.  I bought a TX-11a and two M 1.0t amps.  By the way, when I purchase a piece of equipment it is usually a permanent part of my collection.  I have added 3 more M 1.0t amps over time and two have developed bad caps.  One is on its way back from Nelion Audio (that is what led me to this site) with a full MKII opt 002 plus IEC socket upgrade.  I have another one ready to go to him.  Eventually all 5 will be upgraded.  Four of them are in my home theater system.  I have a Yamaha RX-A6A feeding an M 1.0t to biamp a Paradigm Monitor 9 on each side.  I have an additional M 1.0t on each side running in mono.  One feeds a Miller & Kreisel 12" sub and the other feeds a Paradigm LCR 350 Center Channel speaker.  The fifth M 1.0t is connected to the C4000 and the Infinity QSL 3s in my ham shack.  My ham shack is actually my average no car garage.  I spend a lot of time there not only on the air but building electronics.  I am very technical and have all the good test equipment including a Tektronix 100 MHz scope and a Rigol 3015E-TG.  A lot of this stuff I picked up for work with ham radio, antennas, and repeaters.

 

I have been heavily into audio and music since my youth and played in the high school band and sang in the choir.  After high school I was in some local theater plays/musicals which is where I met my wife, Saralee, more than 50 years ago.  In 1968 I built my first kit, a Dynaco PAT-4 preamp shortly followed by a Stereo 120.  The Stereo 120 was an early transistor amp and the audio was on the harsh side.  I eventually acquired a Dynaco ST-70  which is just a wonderful tube amp.  I now have 5 of those and I am in the process of rebuilding them with new, updated boards from Tubes for HiFi, also known as Vacuum Tube Audio.  When I finish those rebuilds there is now an update kit for the Stereo 120 which takes the harshness out of the amp.  I also have a Dynaco AF-6 AM/FM tuner.  That tuner and my TX-11a are pretty idle now.  FM is pretty dead in northern California now whereas when I purchased them (1973 for the Dynaco, 1988 for the Carver) the bands were full of rock and jazz.  KJAZ in SF was excellent and many rock stations (KZAP and others in Sacramento) were playing great tunes.  In fact, the FM scene here is so bad I haven't even tried the tuner in my new Yamaha RX-A6A.

 

In addition to my other Carver gear I have a Sunfire True Subwoofer Signature MKII that I purchased from Paradyme in Sacramento for $1,400 in July 1999.  The owner of Paradyme was a friend and gave me a good price.  About a year and a half ago a cap went out and it started humming.  I didn't have the time right then to service it so I sent it to Bill Flannery in July of 2021.  His work is immaculate!  He replaced all the caps and a bunch of other parts and it works and sounds great now.

 

I have a good record collection and I have a few turntables.  I have an AR XA, AR XB, 2 Bang & Olufsen Beogram 3000, a Sony PS-X7, Sony PS-LX55 II, Pioneer PL-115D, and a bunch of others.  I also have a lot of CDs, DVDs, and Bluray discs.  My system includes a Sony 400 disc DVD player, 2 Sony 300 disc CD players, a Sony 5 disc DVD changer, a BD player, a few cassette players, an SAE 5000a Impulse Noise Reducer, and tons of other goodies.  Like I said, once something comes in the door it rarely goes out unless it is junk or I hate it.

 

So beyond the music - I am a graduate of the University of California and I retired from there (early) as Project Director for the campus computing system 17 years ago.  After college I held a variety of other jobs including Training Manager for Snap-On Tools, Network Engineer at MCI Telecom and then Project Manager for smog check programs for 17 states (MCI ran the network for the smog check machines and communications to state DMV agencies).  I am now the boy in the bubble.  I have incurable lymphoma (blood cancer) and the chemo I was on for several years destroyed my immune system.  I now can't make antibodies from vaccines or from exposure to a bug.  If I pick up something it is immediately to the hospital.  Last year I had an infection in my ankle and I was in the hospital for 2 months and on IV antibiotics for 6 months.  If I do go out of the house I always have an N95 on.  I don't let cancer slow me down!  I go all day every day either working on my hifi equipment, my ham radios, antennas, or listening to music.  Oh yeah, I had a heart attack 2 months ago.  I was surprised by an email from Greg yesterday saying he had finished the complete upgrade of the first M 1.0t.  I read just a few hours before that his wife is in the hospital.  His email implied that they have her illness diagnosed so let's all pull for good health for her!  Well, I'm sure that is a lot more about me than any of you want to know but sometimes when I start typing my fingers just seem to have a life of their own.  It was pretty useful in college!  Thanks for reading and sharing all your knowledge on the site!  Michael Buck K6BUK

  • Thank You 9
  • That Rocks 1
  • Love this! 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Michael,

 

Thanks for sharing your experiences. You certainly have a lot of fun with audio. I had a similar experience starting the tube addiction with the Dynaco's. Bob Carver and Dynacos David Hafler, were friends and liked talking transformers. You have a great attitude considering the many meat suit challenges you face. I hope you find The Carver Site to be an exceptional site that you enjoy. 

 

I believe you will find this site warm and friendly, much like Bob Carver himself. It is humbling that you choose to join us. Enjoy the ride here at TCS, I hope we can be a positive musical experience for you. 

 

Jim Clark

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Community Admin

Welcome Michael @K6BUK. Glad you found us.

 

There are a few members here located in Northern California.  Paul @PMAT is located in Santa Rosa.  I lived in Novato for nearly 20 years working at Autodesk, there in San Rafael (now in Northern IL - I know, I should have my head examined for leaving).

 

Great story - and we love good prose! 

 

But we love "Pictures" even better!! ,  please consider sharing photos of your gear, and other experiences.  

 

So glad you found us - you have a lot in common on many fronts with many guys here.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hello Michael, 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 have a lot in common with many of the regulars here, so you should fit right in.

 

Greg does outstanding work, and I'm sure you'll be pleased with the mkII opt002 upgrade. I use four of those amps in my home theater, and I'm very pleased with their performance.


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.

 

giphy.gif

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

21 hours ago, Ar9Jim said:

Hi Michael,

 

Thanks for sharing your experiences. You certainly have a lot of fun with audio. I had a similar experience starting the tube addiction with the Dynaco's. Bob Carver and Dynacos David Hafler, were friends and liked talking transformers. You have a great attitude considering the many meat suit challenges you face. I hope you find The Carver Site to be an exceptional site that you enjoy. 

 

I believe you will find this site warm and friendly, much like Bob Carver himself. It is humbling that you choose to join us. Enjoy the ride here at TCS, I hope we can be a positive musical experience for you. 

 

Jim Clark

 

 

 

Hi Jim, Thanks for the welcome.  Nice to know that the Dynaco experience has carried on with other listeners!  I look forward to finding out more about other Carver fanatics and their music experiences.  I have heard lots about Bob Carver over the years and I really liked it a long time ago when he said, "I do it because I can."

Michael Buck

Link to comment
Share on other sites

20 hours ago, AndrewJohn said:

Welcome Michael @K6BUK. Glad you found us.

 

There are a few members here located in Northern California.  Paul @PMAT is located in Santa Rosa.  I lived in Novato for nearly 20 years working at Autodesk, there in San Rafael (now in Northern IL - I know, I should have my head examined for leaving).

 

Great story - and we love good prose! 

 

But we love "Pictures" even better!! ,  please consider sharing photos of your gear, and other experiences.  

 

So glad you found us - you have a lot in common on many fronts with many guys here.

Greetings!  I lived in Davis for many years and traveled to the bay area a lot for work when I was at MCI.  We had a big Oracle database center there.  I participate in the Sacramento Audio Group by Zoom.  They are going through a speaker building phase right now and woodworking is one of my least favorite activities.  I also went to northern IL and Mich. a lot because the engine analyzer mfgs were there.  I grew up in upstate New York and hate the cold weather!  Every once in a while my wife tries to convince me to move to MD to be near her sister but I get sick at the thought of leaving CA.  I am in Sun City Lincoln Hills and we are in the foothills of the Sierras.  Just too beautiful here.  I see you have some Infinity speakers.  I love my QSL3s.  I don't understand why other mfgs don't use something like the Watkins dual drive woofer.

Thanks for the welcome!

Michael Buck

  • Thank You 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

16 hours ago, Sk1Bum said:

Hello Michael, 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 have a lot in common with many of the regulars here, so you should fit right in.

 

Greg does outstanding work, and I'm sure you'll be pleased with the mkII opt002 upgrade. I use four of those amps in my home theater, and I'm very pleased with their performance.


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.

 

giphy.gif

 

Hi!  Thanks for the greeting.  I do enjoy seeing photos of peoples equipment, especially when it is modded.  I really like the technical side of our hobby but I am always listening to music.  I have lots of headphones for when my wife is watching TV or if I am in the yard.  I did neglect to mention that I installed in wall speakers in 8 rooms in my house.  There is something fun about crawling through the rafters and insulation dragging a pair of speaker wires!  It is a little warm in the attic in July in CA but I love the heat.

Michael Buck

Link to comment
Share on other sites

20 hours ago, AndrewJohn said:

Welcome Michael @K6BUK. Glad you found us.

 

There are a few members here located in Northern California.  Paul @PMAT is located in Santa Rosa.  I lived in Novato for nearly 20 years working at Autodesk, there in San Rafael (now in Northern IL - I know, I should have my head examined for leaving).

 

Great story - and we love good prose! 

 

But we love "Pictures" even better!! ,  please consider sharing photos of your gear, and other experiences.  

 

So glad you found us - you have a lot in common on many fronts with many guys here.

Woops!  I mixed you with someone else with Infinitys.  My wife just had a knee replaced and has me jumping.  I am only able to type about 10 words between jumps!

  • Thank You 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 hours ago, RPA-1 Man said:

WELCOME K6BUK!! Lots of good people and much Carver knowledge to be had here.

Hi!  Thanks for the welcome.  Nice to join a new community.  I would be interested to know how you like the Shure V15 Mark IV.  I have a Mark V that is out for repair right now.  I bought it new in 1982 and used it on a Rabco arm for a couple of years.  The Rabco was not too reliable and one day it went crazy and broke the cantilever clean off.  Never did find it.  I was pretty sick (or disgusted, I can't remember which) about it and put the cartridge in a drawer.  I saw an ad in Stereophile for a place that could put a new cantilever and diamond on it so I sent it off after checking references.  It will be back in a couple of weeks and I am looking forward to trying it out again.  I have had the diamond replaced on a few styluses on my B&O 3000 and they are excellent but that guy retired.

Michael Buck

Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, Rob said:

Welcome to the site. 

Hi Rob, Thanks for the welcome.  Nice to see another B&O turntable in someone's inventory.  I bought my 3000 new in 1973 and I just love it.  It is such a beautiful piece of kit.  I have had a new diamond installed in the cantilever a couple of times over the years and the guy did excellent work.  He is retired now but I just sent my Shure V15 Mark V out for a new one.  I'll let everybody know how it turns out.

Michael Buck

  • Thank You 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

image.jpeg.9f42c1b14bdd8186c42dadd001b069b0.jpeg

 

A belated welcome to the group.  You have quite the collection of gear to enjoy, and you are clearly making it better.

 

Best wishes with your health issues.  Here's hoping they do find a cure for it, for you, and in the mean time that you get to avoid any infections.  Stay well and safe, and please feel free to join in - you clearly do belong, here!  :D

Link to comment
Share on other sites

10 hours ago, Brian_at_HHH said:

image.jpeg.9f42c1b14bdd8186c42dadd001b069b0.jpeg

 

A belated welcome to the group.  You have quite the collection of gear to enjoy, and you are clearly making it better.

 

Best wishes with your health issues.  Here's hoping they do find a cure for it, for you, and in the mean time that you get to avoid any infections.  Stay well and safe, and please feel free to join in - you clearly do belong, here!  :D

Thanks for the welcome!  I just received my first upgraded M 1.0t back from Greg but haven't had time to put it in my system yet.  My wife just had knee replacement surgery and she is taking all my attention.  None the less, I can't wait to try it.  It will bi-amp a Paradigm Monitor 9 for the left channel and the right channel will be stock so I can do an "ear to ear" comparison.  When the next one comes back it will go for the right channel.  I picked up a fifth M 1.0t to use while I sent the others out for repair so I have to decide where to use it eventually.  It won't go to waste!  Regards, Michael

  • That Rocks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

23 hours ago, Brian_at_HHH said:

avoid any infections

 

13 hours ago, K6BUK said:

I picked up a fifth M 1.0t to use while I sent the others out for repair

 

Too late. He's already infected. OCCD is more contagious that any Sars virus. You can catch OCCD a full continent away. :D 

  • Haha 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

8 hours ago, Sk1Bum said:

 

 

Too late. He's already infected. OCCD is more contagious that any Sars virus. You can catch OCCD a full continent away. :D 

Oh, I have the disease.  Bad.  And I'm proud of it!  I caught it way back when I was 11 and got my first crystal radio.  It became full blown when I was 14 (a long time ago) and got my first Koss headphones.  Rapture!

  • Haha 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 11/27/2022 at 2:19 AM, K6BUK said:

Hi!  Thanks for the welcome.  Nice to join a new community.  I would be interested to know how you like the Shure V15 Mark IV.  I have a Mark V that is out for repair right now.  I bought it new in 1982 and used it on a Rabco arm for a couple of years.  The Rabco was not too reliable and one day it went crazy and broke the cantilever clean off.  Never did find it.  I was pretty sick (or disgusted, I can't remember which) about it and put the cartridge in a drawer.  I saw an ad in Stereophile for a place that could put a new cantilever and diamond on it so I sent it off after checking references.  It will be back in a couple of weeks and I am looking forward to trying it out again.  I have had the diamond replaced on a few styluses on my B&O 3000 and they are excellent but that guy retired.

Michael Buck

Hey Michael,

 

Just saw this post. Have you received your cart back from servicing? If so, how are you liking it?  I love my Shure V15 Type IV. I've had it since new in the late 70's. Of course the styles had been replaced with a new Hyper Elyptical type. I did a comparison with my son of this cart and the Shure M97XE. They are the only two carts I currently own. My son immediately fell in love the V15. To his ears, and mine, it has a much clearer and cleaner sound than the M97XE.

Edited by RPA-1 Man
  • Thank You 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 12/9/2022 at 4:45 PM, RPA-1 Man said:

Hey Michael,

 

Just saw this post. Have you received your cart back from servicing? If so, how are you liking it?  I love my Shure V15 Type IV. I've had it since new in the late 70's. Of course the styles had been replaced with a new Hyper Elyptical type. I did a comparison with my son of this cart and the Shure M97XE. They are the only two carts I currently own. My son immediately fell in love the V15. To his ears, and mine, it has a much clearer and cleaner sound than the M97XE.

Greetings:  My V15 isn't back yet - I don't expect it for another week or so.  I am pretty excited about being able to use it again.  The Rabco arm just snapped the cantilever like it was a tooth pick.  The arm was a little erratic but never misbehaved like that before.  I didn't trust tangential arms after that but I picked up a Sony about 20 years ago that works very well.  Of course, the V15 won't work in it.  The V15 is definitely an easy cartridge to listen to compared to most.  What a loss that Shure doesn't make high end cartridges any more.

Regards,

Michael

  • That Rocks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I totally agree Michael. Wish i had gotten my hands on the V15 Type V back in the day. I had it was even better. The thing is I rarely play vinyl these days. Not because I don't want to buy because we share the living room with my mother-in-law so the TV is on most of the time. Whatever, I'm not going to take that away from her. She is 90 and won't be around forever.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...