Carver CT-3 vs Denon 3300

broncsrule21@
broncsrule21@ Posts: 113
edited July 2010 in 2 Channel Audio
Would the Carver CT-3 pre/tuner provide a better 2 channel experience over the stereo/pure direct section of a Denon 3300? from what I have found so far this particular Caver model is on their low end of the spectrum. I can pick one up for less than $89 bucks at a pawn shop. Cosmetically it is in pretty good shape.
HT-- Denon avr-2808ci,Emotiva UPA-1s, RTi 10's, CSi A6, ERD-1 surrounds, Vizio P50, Yamaha yst-sw300, DVR hr21, 40g PS3, APC-h15

Downstairs-- Denon avr-3300,Emotiva UPA-2, Toshiba 50" rear projection, Denon 2200 sacd, Emotiva ERM-1s, small Yamaha sub
Post edited by broncsrule21@ on
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Comments

  • thuffman03
    thuffman03 Posts: 1,325
    edited July 2010
    The CT-3 was one of the lower models of preamps that Carver made. It is good but there are much better ones that I would suggest.

    C-1 Very nice pre
    C-11 Same as the C-1 but a few updates
    C-5 Had this one, great for a two room setup.
    C-6 Very good pre. Best IMO until you get into the tubes and the C-19
    C-16 Same as the C-6 but with different face plate.
    C-19 Currently running this. Great tube/SS pre. Hard to find for under $800

    BTW, $89 is a pretty good price for the CT-3. Does it have the remote?
    Sunfire TGP, Sunfire Cinema Grand, Sunfire 300~2 (2), Sunfire True Sub (2),Carver ALS Platinum, Carver AL III, TFM-55, C-19, C-9, TX-8, SDA-490t, SDA-390t
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  • broncsrule21@
    broncsrule21@ Posts: 113
    edited July 2010
    no remote, unfortunately
    HT-- Denon avr-2808ci,Emotiva UPA-1s, RTi 10's, CSi A6, ERD-1 surrounds, Vizio P50, Yamaha yst-sw300, DVR hr21, 40g PS3, APC-h15

    Downstairs-- Denon avr-3300,Emotiva UPA-2, Toshiba 50" rear projection, Denon 2200 sacd, Emotiva ERM-1s, small Yamaha sub
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  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 6,767
    edited July 2010
    Really depends on the source. The Denon 3300 was actually a very nice sounding unit with warm Analog Devices DACs in it. I still use one in the bedroom. If you are sending a digital source via optical or dig coax, then you are probably better with the Denon. If you are sending analog signals, then it may not be optimal.
    For rig details, see my profile. Nothing here anymore...
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  • broncsrule21@
    broncsrule21@ Posts: 113
    edited July 2010
    billbillw wrote: »
    Really depends on the source. The Denon 3300 was actually a very nice sounding unit with warm Analog Devices DACs in it. I still use one in the bedroom. If you are sending a digital source via optical or dig coax, then you are probably better with the Denon. If you are sending analog signals, then it may not be optimal.

    Its funny you mention that. I actually prefer the sound from my Denon 2200 via optical than the analog connection. Thats why I was wondering if adedicated pre would help.
    HT-- Denon avr-2808ci,Emotiva UPA-1s, RTi 10's, CSi A6, ERD-1 surrounds, Vizio P50, Yamaha yst-sw300, DVR hr21, 40g PS3, APC-h15

    Downstairs-- Denon avr-3300,Emotiva UPA-2, Toshiba 50" rear projection, Denon 2200 sacd, Emotiva ERM-1s, small Yamaha sub
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter