Carver M1.5t - opinions?

[GEBBY44]

I know it's been discussed so many times on this site as I've read the archives, but I have an opportunity to purchase one in near perfect shape for $260 (seems like a pretty good price) and was wondering how it would compare to the Outlaw M200 mono's I'm using right now. This is in a home theater setup, though I do like listening to music on this setup also. I could basically sell the Outlaw's for the same price and was just wondering if the Carver would be any improvement for music. The Outlaws have been great, although not the most musical amps in the world. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[dylanblada]

what speakers would you be driving? My Carver sounds great with music (I listen to rock and metal). I got mine for a really good price too and it drives my RTi12's very awesomely. I can't speak for the comparison to the Outlaws (they were an option for me too), but for that price, you can almost certianly recoup your investment and probably more.

[GEBBY44]

Well I went ahead and picked it up for $260. I didn't expect it to be so small and light (probably only 18-20 pounds). Overall, I'm pretty satisfied after a first listening session. The detail seems to lack behind the Acurus I had, but is just as good if not better than the Outlaw. I decided to try out the LED meter on front and with my 90 db/8 ohm full range Paradigms I couldn't get any of the lights to light up, even at ear-splitting levels. This Carver is definitely powerful, no doubt about that and it kept pretty good detail even at those levels. I don't think I'll ever have to worry about overdriving it.

But I do remember reading somewhere that the models after serial number 10,000 were a little better and my serial number is around 5000. I'm just wondering if it's worth getting it refurbished by a tech because I'm already going to replace the binding posts. Maybe also get an IEC adapter put on? I'm excited about this little piece.

[engtaz]

That price is a steal. I love the 1.5T I have and my 3.1TL's have never sounded better. I am comparing what I have used the 3.1'3 with which were Outlaw M200 and Adcom 555II. The 1.5T make my speakers come alive.

engtaz

[joew243]

Never used outlaws. Currently have 4.0t on my Rti12s and a 1.5t on my RTi10s. I used the 1.5 on the 12s for about 6 months before adding the 4.0. 4.0 added considerable low end gain. 4.0T on RTi12s drowns out my psw505. Your purchase price is a steal!

[skipf]

The meter light should be working at the volumn levels you describe. At the price you picked it up for, you might consider sending it to Rolland at High Tech Audio. He bought all of Carver's spare parts when they closed the doors. He charges a flat rate of about $300 plus shipping to re-furbish and calibrate the amp. An M1.5t is well worth $600 in like new condition, but remember: it will still be 20+ years old and there are some parts that can't be replaced because they are no longer made.