New member, and thanks

[Motosu 20]

Hi all, I’ve been lurking for a few weeks since I acquired a TFM-35 power amp and C-16 preamp.  VERY happy with them.  I’m an old lady rebuilding a vinyl collection, and these components were acquired to replace the Hafler pieces that I started with last year (a DH-110 preamp and DH-220 amp).  As much as I liked these Hafler, I was having trouble recovering from bad feelings of having been ripped off when I got them by the dealer who preyed on my inexperience.  I was so mad at myself.  Plus the preamp has some faulty inputs.  So they will be on standby.

 

Anyway, I have been delighted by the clean sound.  I’m using a Thorens TD165 turntable with a new Goldring cart, and running thru a pair of Dynaudio 72 speakers (4 ohm).  My room is awkward because it’s an open floor plan with a vaulted ceiling, but I’m pretty happy.  I mostly listen to 50s and 60s jazz, 70s  and select 80s rock.  I am also mad at myself for putting all my original albums in a yard sale when I moved 10 years ago, so I really have to rebuild.  But the hunt is pretty fun.  I have compiled a lot of digital music as well (I’ve been using a Sony HAP s1 as a DAC and storage mechanism for a few years) and this also has a role when lifting the tone arm gets tiresome.

 

My first challenge was a spouse who complains about the volume…. So explored a headphone option, and learned that modern headphones are built for young people sitting at their desk computers.  I found the first experience with new HiFiMan Arya Stealth headphones using the Carver C-16 headphone jack truly amazing (detail, separation for example), but not enough volume headroom even though I’d expected by calculations that enough power was there to drive them.  They are 32 ohm headphones with 92db sensitivity.  It turns out that the published sources of Carver specs do not show specific details about the headphone jack power output-  it’s really less than half of the stated mW that are usually shown.  So I got a headphone amp and after trial and error have success using the Tape Out port.  Buying a 20’ headphone cord required a shocking (!) investment, but my favorite chair is now wired.

 

I borrowed the Cambridge Audio DACMAgic Plus that was idle in my basement setup (I have a Brew Room down there!) and got a subscription to Tidal.  I’m well launched on a new adventure.

 

So my Thank You is about this web site forum and all the rich conversation here.  I made my first post last night about a problem with my amp, and already have replies.  My learning curve is steep, but it’s a pleasure.

 

Susan

[timmyjim 350]

Welcome. Thanks for the gear detail. Very nice.

 

1 hour ago, Motosu said:

but not enough volume headroom even though I’d expected by calculations that enough power was there to drive them.

The Carver pre-amps that I'm familiar with all have reduced headphone output level due to rather large series resistors. These can typically be replaced with a reduced value that will bring things up to the level you desire. The "BillD" mods for the C-1 preamps change these resistors out for something smaller.  The C-16 headphone stage is pretty much identical to the C-1.  There are 4 820ohm resistors at the headphone output, 2 per channel. If these are changed out to 240ohm, which is a common modification, you get at least 8dB more level (with a 32ohm load). Realize you have already purchased the headphone amp, This might be another option to try.

Edited April 18, 2023 by timmyjim
added detail for the headphone stage resistors

[Motosu 20]

I was getting “moderate” loudness through the headphone jack with the volume turned all the way up on the preamp, so not sure another 8db would have satisfied me anyhow.  (Just trying to comfort myself that the headphone amp wasn’t completely unnecessary, it doesn’t make a huge difference.)  The rabbit hole is deep and twisty.  The TFM-35 brought me significantly more power, the headphone gear brought me a whole different listening experience, Tidal opens the door to exploring music that I don’t know yet.  But I know there is more out there……..

[timmyjim 350]

13 minutes ago, Motosu said:

The rabbit hole is deep and twisty.

It somehow gets even deeper if you hang out here ......

[Zenith4me 1,387]

Welcome Susan to The Carver Site!

 

I too get the "turn the stereo down" chant from my wife. I ended up turning a bedroom into my listening center. Not as nice as the family room but hey the wife is happy now.

 

Enjoy your time here. Lot's of very knowledgeable Carver enablers here. 

[BobTFM35 1,656]

Welcome @Motosu !!

 

Your screen name reminded me of one of the five lakes formed by Mt Fuji which I had the pleasure to visit when I was stationed in Japan for a year.

 

You will find plenty of web sites to help you replenish your vinyl collection. Discogs, and a favorite of mine is bluenote.com (jazz). 

 

Enjoy!!

[Ar9Jim 6,125]

Welcome to the Carver site Sir. Enjoy!

[AndrewJohn 8,197]

Welcome to the site, @Motosu.  Don't forget to fill out your profile, and add an avatar..., get personal!

 

Glad you found us.  This is a super place for Carver enthusiasts to sustain the legacy of their Carver gear, and of Carver in general.

 

Welcome!