Carver C-1 no main output

[BDL2 10]

Greetings!

 

I was given a Carver C-1 and M-500, along with a Carver tuner. I have had the C-1 professionally cleaned and gone over. Neither of the main outputs puts out sound. If I run the tape out into the M-500, it works beautifully, except no conctrol over level, obviously. The tech said everything cheched out. Any suggestions?

[xavionics 2,254]

Welcome to the site BLD2!

 

I don't mean to sound dismissive, but it sounds like some switchology problem to me.

Not to worry - those things can be damn hard to read. 

Sounds like you have the correct SOURCE selected if you are getting an output on the tape outputs.

But if you have a Tape Monitor selected, it will not apply a source signal to the output.

 

Just ensure ALL pushbutton switches are OUT (except Power of course) and you should be good to go.

 

You can then change modes from there and play around with it.

 

The manuals are in the library, accessed within the Manuals and Spreadsheets tab above.

Just scroll down to the preamp section and there you will find the manuals for the c-1.

 

That's a very popular combination you have there! Envied by many.

 

 

 

 

[BDL2 10]

Thanks for the reply...all switches are out...

[Daddyjt 9,805]

which input are you using?  If not phono (CD player or tuner) try a different input (aux 1 or aux2).  The rotary source selector switches are a known issue at the age of C1s...

[wrf 5,160]

If you have some headphones, plug them in and see if you get any output from them.  It would also be a good idea to carefully look at all the switches again.  Sometimes they can bind against the faceplate, look like they are more or less in the out position actually be depressed enough to cause trouble.

 

Oh..  and get a new tech.  One that will take responsibility for their work.

[BobTFM35 3,002]

Here is an option as long as the responsibility is only with the C-1 ...... Send it Nelion Nelion Audio - Authorized Carver Repair  ( @Nahash5150 ), and all your worries are over.

 

Think about it - What repair shop offers a 3-year warranty on their work?  Nelion is not a repair shop per say but a Restoration Spa that Rejuvenates and gives a Revitalizing Treatment to your beloved equipment.

 

Carver C-1/C-11 Restore and Bill D Upgrades - Carver Preamplifiers - Nelion Audio

 

And after the C-1 is back I would then do the amp.

 

Carver M-500(t) mkII Restore and Upgrade - Carver Amplifiers - Nelion Audio

 

Also ask about their custom-made shipping boxes for both units.

 

Good luck with whatever you do!!

 

 

[xavionics 2,254]

14 hours ago, Daddyjt said:

which input are you using?  If not phono (CD player or tuner) try a different input (aux 1 or aux2).  The rotary source selector switches are a known issue at the age of C1s...

+1 on this.

Also, you can plug a cd player into the tape 1 input and then depress the Tape 1 Monitor switch.

This would confirm (or eliminate) the rotary switch as the problem.

[Tekerman 18]

Hi All,

I'm dealing with the same issue.

Headphone out works fine.

I disconnected  a 3.3 k resistor (supposed to be a 5.1k in the schematic) that goes from U8  output mute circuit to each output channels mute FETS.

That allowed the outputs to work. However putting in a resistor under 75K causes both channels to mute.

I can't leave it like that so I'll get back to seeing what components have drifted or quit.

I did pull the FETS and test them. They tested fine. Also U* is supposed to go high on turn on and go negative shortly after. It does with the resistor removed but not in circuit.

 

Tekerman

[jeffs 3,456]

3 hours ago, Tekerman said:

I disconnected  a 3.3 k resistor (supposed to be a 5.1k in the schematic)

Easier to help if you refer to components by designation.  I'm guessing you are referring to R409?

 

3 hours ago, Tekerman said:

They tested fine. Also U* is supposed to go high on turn on and go negative shortly after. It does with the resistor removed but not in circuit.

So the output just stays high with the resistor in place?

 

Seems like C400 or C401 is shorted.  I think you are getting lucky that removing R409 makes it work, especially if "R408" is really a zener and not a resistor?

 

Anyway - check those caps .... one of them is bad.

 

 

Edited December 17, 2025 by jeffs
error