Sunfire 600 Carver Signature Edition

[StevenP 10]

Just bought a very clean one and hooked it up to the massive Polk SDA SRS.  Wow.  I don't think the Polk's had ever danced like that.  It was glorious until the amp's AC line fuse went.  Lol.  Replacing the fuse didn't fix it and now the amp is in the shop for a minor repair.   But what an amp.  Perfectly matched to the Polks which can handle 1250W-ish and the 600 was pushing them right to their limits- I could hear it.  Could not be happier with finally a system I will be buried with.  I am worried I need a new hobby now as I think I this quest is over for me.

[BobTFM35 2,251]

@StevenP Welcome to the Carver site!!

 

I felt the same way when I purchased my first Carver amp. Needless to say my desire did not stop with just one, it continued on and on. Amps, a processor, CD player and a few other Carver and Sunfire units.

 

As in the Jaws movie, I think I'm going to need a bigger...........

[AndrewJohn 9,170]

Welcome to The Carver Site, @StevenP, so glad you found us!

 

Why stop at one?  I keep my eyes open for another 600x2 to compliment the one I have. 😉 

 

I think that a couple more things are on your wishlist..., like a Sunfire VTCC (Vacuum Tube Control Center) the matching Sunfire Preamp to your 600x2 amplifier...,

 

Again, welcome.  BTW, we LOVE pictures.  When you get your amp back, post some pictures of your system with those Polks, in the "Member's Systems" section.   

 

...and now, curious minds want to know..., when you get your 600x2 back..., what it was your tech repaired..., it might help another member be on the look out for similar issue(s).

[Sk1Bum 10,413]

5 hours ago, StevenP said:

I am worried I need a new hobby now as I think I this quest is over for me.

 

Heh, heh, heh.

 

Your journey is just beginning Padawan,   but I'm glad that you're happy for now.

 

Welcome aboard StevenP! Glad you found us. That Sunfire amp and big Polks are very popular here. Once you get to Novice status, you'll be able to post pics, and we all love pics of all kinds of audio and home theater gear. As Andrew mentioned, the proper place is in the Member's Systems area, and it's here:

 

https://thecarversite.com/forum/20-members-systems/

 

[PMAT 1,916]

I have the same amp and yes it is wonderful in many ways. HOWEVER, "in for minor repairs" is frightening. I bought mine used and broken because it sat in a reputable repair shop for almost a year for "minor repairs". Most shop cannot work on these things. They can certainly make them worse. Consider getting it to Greg here (nelion audio). This is not a plug for Greg. It is a rescue mission for a fallen soldier that needs a specialist. 

[AndrewJohn 9,170]

51 minutes ago, PMAT said:

I have the same amp and yes it is wonderful in many ways. HOWEVER, "in for minor repairs" is frightening. I bought mine used and broken because it sat in a reputable repair shop for almost a year for "minor repairs". Most shop cannot work on these things. They can certainly make them worse. Consider getting it to Greg here (nelion audio). This is not a plug for Greg. It is a rescue mission for a fallen soldier that needs a specialist. 

 

Ditto, @StevenP, it's too easy for local shops "to think" they can fix a Sunfire amp.  There is little to no service documentation out there..., and some of these shops end up putting them on the shelf for years, as @PMAT noted above.  Be careful, because someone who is unaware of how Sunfire Amps operate, can actually butcher them, and destroy internal parts that are no longer obtainable.  You best bet is to send it off to Greg at Nelion - the reputation he has is clear, and you'll get your amp back in better-than-new condition. 

 

Post here on your journey, and outcome!  We want to see you successful.  It is not to say that there aren't other techs out there..., it's just the Carver Site has not heard of them.., and we get around! 😉 

[StevenP 10]

Yeah, thanks.  So still not back from George Meyer AV in LA.  Tech is very competent and got the amp section working (he said he had never seen one this bad LOL) but the input stuff is acting up.  I would love a set of schematics.  GMAV is excellent but maybe it's time I pulled it from them and gave it to a specialist- ugh.  Just trying not to ship it.  The owner was stunned that it was the amp that I was bringing in.  He said they always get the speakers driven by a 600 brought to them with their cones blown out.  Polks: 1 Sunfire 600: 0 LOL.

Edited November 27 by StevenP

[BobTFM35 2,251]

I think everyone here that owns a piece of Sunfire gear would like the schematics.

 

If you do pull the amp think about the following.

 

Since you are on the West Coast you have an EXCELLENT Carver service center just above you in the state of Washington. This makes your shipping bill less than what it would cost me to send my two amps from the East Coast. I have done it and would not hesitate to do it again.

 

One of the good things, and you would have to get varification from him, is the warranty. He provides One(1) year not the typical shops 90 days.

 

I would reach out to;

https://carveraudiorepair.com/index.html

 

The second place to contact would be here and ask questions. Greg services a wide variety of audio amplifiers as you will see in this link. He is hands down the best.

https://nelionaudio.com/index.php?/services.html/repairs/general-amplifier-preamp-receiver-repair-r24/

 

Look at this page and pick any amp and scan down to where he tells you what the warranty is. 

https://nelionaudio.com/index.php?/services.html/carver/carver-amplifiers/

 

Three (3) years, that's how confident he is. And good.

 

My son and I have had many Carver, Sunfire, and Phase Linear pieces done by both.

 

Wish you well!

[StevenP 10]

Thank you!  Three years is tough to beat especially with my setup although for sure I will be a bit more careful this time 😇.  I reached out to Greg.  Thanks again.

Edited November 27 by StevenP

[AndrewJohn 9,170]

1 hour ago, StevenP said:

Thank you!  Three years is tough to beat especially with my setup although for sure I will be a bit more careful this time 😇.  I reached out to Greg.  Thanks again.

 

Put a lot of effort into using solid (not peanuts) styrofoam packing, a double-wall cardboard carton - and even perhaps two-boxes..., one inside the other.

 

I have used the 24x24x18 FedEx HEAVY DUTY double-wall carton/box you can buy from FedEx location for about $5-$6 and very well worth it.  Sheet styrofoam is available from Home Depot or Lowes... a 4x8 foot sheet will fill the gaps top, bottom, and all four sides.  Cut out holes in the foam to allow for the binding posts and RCAs to "float"..., and not break off.  You might cut the vertical size of the box down to around 12", and that can save shipping cost, and packing.  In the end, with that FedEx carton, you should end up with at least 2" of solid foam packing that will protect your unit.  It takes time..., yes.  But you want your 600x2 to make it there, and back.  If you use substandard packing, Greg will replace it with his packing that he has developed, and charge you for it.   And, if you call him, he can also send you his packing carton, if you don't wan to build your own.

 

Good luck - and share a picture or tow of your unit.  In fact, go in to your tech, and take some pictures with the cover off..., of that part of the board that is burnded or broken "worse than he's seen..." and post it here.  There may be someone here that can give you a pointer or two.

 

Glad you found us, and keep us posted!  That is a super duper amp, and worthy.

[PMAT 1,916]

1 hour ago, StevenP said:

Thank you!  Three years is tough to beat especially with my setup although for sure I will be a bit more careful this time 😇.  I reached out to Greg.  Thanks again.

Totally worth the investment. I can't think of a reason you would not be able to recoup your money in the future. I had 9 amps when I got my Sig 600. I sold all of them. I wish I had kept a couple but that's just nostalgia. The only thing I don't like is unplugging the beast when not in use (highly recommended). 

[itchitch 4,140]

4 hours ago, PMAT said:

The only thing I don't like is unplugging the beast when not in use (highly recommended). 

 

That's why I use these:

 

[StevenP 10]

I never unplug mine.  It just waits.  It is used each day though as it part of my home theater.  I always use the Polks whenever the TV is on or music, movie, etc.  They are my Front Right and Left.  No center (I like phantom centers, especially with the SDA).  No sub (obviously).

[Receiver2000 3,081]

Welcome to the site!!!