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View Full Version : Just added an amp... :)

nms
03-09-2008, 09:30 PM
I just got back from spring break and brought back a Carver PM-350 amp that wasn't getting used enough from my parent's house. It's rated for 350 WPC into 8 ohm, and 450 WPC into 4 ohms. Previously I was running a Carver receiver rated for 100 WPC into 8 ohms, with no 4 ohm rating. Since my speaks are rated at 4-6 ohm, the receiver would trip over itself at about 1/3 power.

So, differences I am hearing:

1. Loudness. Holy shit, it's not even funny how loud this thing will go. Keep in mind my sweet spot is 50 inches from the speakers.

2. Dynamics. The much-improved headroom really makes a difference in the dynamics of the music. It's just so much more natural and effortless.

3. Detail. I never thought an amp could make this much of a difference. It's amazing - the gruffness, the slight edge of the sax, the oily thrum of the bass, it all just comes through better.

4. Tonality. To me, the amp seems to have a quieter midrange than the receiver.

5. Soundstage. Wider and more concrete, more solid, more "planted".

Setup:
Receiver: Carver HR-752
Amp: Carver PM-350
Speakers: Polk SDA-2A
Source: (don't wince) iPod running .wav format. (I had to use the cable from my CD player to hook the amp up to the receiver - will remedy shortly).
amulford
03-09-2008, 10:20 PM
OOHHH yeahhhhh...
Refefer
03-09-2008, 10:48 PM
Hard to beat a good amp ;)
fatchowmein
03-09-2008, 10:59 PM
Sweet! Especially the part about bringing back from mom and pop for, I'm assuming, free.
daboyz
03-09-2008, 11:06 PM
Priceless..............................
treitz3
03-09-2008, 11:10 PM
That's what it's all about baby! :D

Congrat's on your new found sound.
cfrizz
03-09-2008, 11:17 PM
YES! Another convert added to ranks happy with more POWER!!!!

Congrats & enjoy.
wingnut4772
03-10-2008, 12:03 AM
YES! Another convert added to ranks happy with more POWER!!!!

Congrats & enjoy.

Victory!:D
skipf
03-10-2008, 09:06 AM
Those Carver pro amps don't get nearly the credit they deserve. Great sounding amps, and they are built like tanks. Enjoy your new baby.
tonyb
03-10-2008, 09:52 AM
I think the bug has just started......congrats! I am seeing you diggin' through all your old CD's as is customary with a new piece.
engtaz
03-10-2008, 09:59 AM
I have one. Heavy sucker for it's size.

engtaz
jakelm
03-10-2008, 12:24 PM
When I added my B&K to the mix, it changed the intire soundstage...










...to the good...:D

Congrats.,
nms
03-10-2008, 04:49 PM
Thanks for the kind words guys. And yes engtaz, it is a heavy little sucker.

I definitely would not describe this amp as warm, more of a highly precise, technical sound. There is no slop, no forgiveness in the signal it produces. If you feed it garbage it's going to precisely amplify that garbage so you hear everything wrong with the recording. Guess this means I just have to get better sources, huh? :rolleyes: