Carver TFM-15, worthwhile

specd_out

I am sure the question I am going to ask gets asked alot by us newbs, but I am trying to learn as I go so I will ask it anyway.

I just purchased a Pioneer elite vsx-32, My mains are Rtia5's. My dad has a Carver TFM-15 that he no longer needs, its just been boxed up for several years. He has reverted back to a sansui amp with some late 60's early 70's Altec lansing speakers.

My question is, Is it worth it to purchase the Carver amp from him and use it to power my mains via the 32's preouts?

I dont know alot about amplifiers but I am learning. What I do know is that in most cases dedicated amplifiers have a much higher quality sound then what comes from AVRs. I also know that Watts dosent really mean much when comparing quality. The carver is rated at 100w continuous and the Pioneer is at 110.

This amp does have some sentimental value to me. i grew up listening to my dad using this amp with his Polk rm3000 system. Thats what actually led me to purchase polks in my own home.

Any input would be appreciated.

treitz3

Good morning and I hope that Santa was kind to you. While I have not owned the Pioneer Elite you refer too, I have owned a plethora of receivers over the years and it was a pleasant surprise to find out that one of the lowest of Carver separates sounds better that what you currently have in your rig. Don't Bi-amp and as long as you are driving more than a 6ohm load [preferably an 8ohm load], you should be golden. This little gem even bested a Denon integrated, to my surprise.

While it is not a powerhouse, it should bring out more detail and separation in the music. What does he want to hook you up with it for?

thuffman03

I have owned 2 of these amps and was never disappointed.

specd_out

I love it. The difference between the AVR amp and the carver is quite noticable. Things sound much fuller and it has a nice warm sound to it. Bass seems to roll off nicely rather then just hitting harder. I either want to get this or get a tfm-25

treitz3

I toe u so.

gdb

Get you a 55 or a 75 !:cool:

specd_out

If money was more readily available, I may consider a higher model. I just bought my vsx about a week and a half ago, If i want to by more stereo stuff I need to sell some extra stuff I dont use otherwise the wife will kill me.

gdb

Sell the wife.

thuffman03

You will benefit with some more power. I would recommend the TFM 25 with your speakers. 225 wpc will do nicely and won't break the bank.

Keep the 15 for your rear speakers or if it is the TFM 15cb bridge it into your center. It is 280 watts bridged!

specd_out

gdb wrote: »

Sell the wife.

Yea. speakers dont complain

Thuffman

I do want a tfm25. I just need to sell my old AVR and some other bs items i dont need. I have been keeping an eye on ebay.

Whats a good price for a tfm25. From what I have seen they are price at near 400 but the tfm 45 is at 450-500 so to me the 25 seems high

thuffman03

Contact this guy: Tom @ www.vintagehifishop.com

I know he has a few that are in the middle of being completely gone through and having them brought back to spec. He can give you a better idea of price.

specd_out

ok I will. thanks

treitz3

The M-500t would be an excellent choice for his setup.

newrival

Seems like all good advice to me :biggrin:

specd_out

i found a tfm 15cb local for cheap on CL. I am gonna see if i can grab that. In the future i will grab a second one and run them mono.