Carver HR-752 > TFM-35 > LSi15

saganized

Before anything else, please understand that I'm one of those who always puts the cart before the horse.

I just bought a Carver TFM-35 sight unseen (and sound unheard). It looks very good on the outside; but I haven't picked it up yet. I assume and accept that due to its age, it will "need new guts" from a reputable Carver Repair facility sooner than later. (I'm okay with that, given amps "get tired" over time.)

I'm already very happy with the sound I get with the HR-752. But my belief is that with the TFM-35's additional power, I'll get even better sound. (And since I already own Carver, I decided to buy more Carver...) :rolleyes:

Based on The Forum's experience, will the HR-752 > TFM-35 > LSi15 combo sound better? (I guess I'm just looking for affirmation that I haven't totally wasted my hard-earned money... lol ) Thanks~

saganized

In retrospect, I probably should have posted this in the 2 Channel Audio forum. I'm unable to edit it...if I messed up, my apologies. Thanks~

Fongolio

I have a Carver HR-772 which is even a little more powerful than the 752 and when I went to a Carver TFM-25 it was a significant upgrade. The TFM-35 will be a good upgrade.

saganized

Fongolio, that's encouraging. I bought the TFM-35 based primarily on Carver's rep, plus I already had the HR-752 and think it's still a great little receiver after 21 years. Since you have the HR-772, I probably couldn't ask for a better recommendation, thanks!

Polkersince85

You will be fine, just plug it straight into the wall.

.

gdb

I bought a brand new TFM-35 in 1993, still have it, still love it!:biggrin:

saganized

Thanks, Polkersince85 and gdb. Plugging it in will be the third thing I do. First, gonna put it on the shelf and wipe fingerprints. Second, gonna make sure levels on the receiver/amp are all the way down. Third, then gonna plug it in. But which outlet?? A switched outlet on the HR-752? On the Monster Power HTS1000 PowerCenter? Or right into the top wall outlet (the bottom outlet is for the PowerCenter)?? The amp's manual says the outlet "may be plugged into a wall outlet or properly rated preamplifier convenience outlet rated at 600W or greater." (Aw, nuts...this is more complicated than I thought. )

Polkersince85

Using the King's English, straight into the wall. Google it if you are still unsure.

saganized

Polkersince85, thanks, straight into the wall. There must be a very good reason for not using the switched outlet or power conditioner; but what is it? Do those affect the power amp somehow?

Polkersince85

The first consideratiion is the power that the amp consumes. Most preamps or receivers with power outlets don't have heavy enough switches required to power an amp.

Carver recommends that the amp be plugged into the wall outlet.



.

George Grand

In 1987 I bought a Carver Receiver "150". Then I bought an M1.5t to use instead of the power amp section of the receiver. Then I bought a C-2 preamp to use instead of the preamp section of the receiver. Then I bought a TX-11 tuner to use instead of the tuner section of the receiver. Then I bought...

Great progression you got going there. I don't have the Receiver 150 any longer, but I'm hoping a lovely lady is STILL using it. I have another Receiver 150 in the closet along with a Receiver 2000, and a gorgeous HR-742. In the last month I sold a couple of those MXR-130 jobs, which are really stripped down Receiver 150 (no rack handles, no wood side panels). When I was selling Carver stuff (1990-91) I must've sold 50 of those HR-752. Very popular.

I've never had a Receiver 900, but I saw and probably had the opportunity to purchase one a long time ago, and should have.

cfrizz

You should never plug an amplifier into a receivers outlet. It requires too much power. Always plug it into a wall outlet or into a power strip. Congrats on your purchase & enjoy.

saganized

Polkersince85, thanks again! I wouldn't have brought it up; except that the TFM-35's manual doesn't state specifically that a wall outlet must be used. Instead, it also offers the option of using a 600W convenience outlet on the receiver/preamp if equipped. (That's why I wondered if the PowerCenter--which has a total load limit of 1800W--could be used.)

That said, I am going to use the wall outlet based on comments I've read that "power centers" can actually restrict/limit high current (or something like that). Whether that's true or not, I also don't know. But I'm learning...which is why I'm here. :redface:

George, I think I've been reading your posts here for a long while. Thank you for all your insight and comments. While on military assignment in Korea in 1990, all my Kenwood - Pioneer - Technics - Infinity gear was stolen from storage here in the States. As a result, in a fit of desperation I bought the HR-752 and also my first Polk Audio loudspeakers, RTA-8t's. Best decisions I ever made. They floored me, and I've never once looked back! Love Polk Audio and Carver! :biggrin:

Here's a pic of the gear that was stolen (don't laugh lol), and also my HR-752, which in '90 cost me $479. I think it works well and still looks pretty good.

cfrizz, the "watts" issue never crossed my mind, maybe because I've never had such a powerful component. My HR-752 doesn't specify a specific outlet to use; but it has much less power than the TFM-35. What you've said makes good sense, too; and I'll be using the wall. Thanks!

gdb

I plug my 35 into a surge suppressor that is rated to handle a 15 ampere load.All of my other components are connected to a second, identical unit. We get some power spikes from time to time that I would rather not present to my gear if avoidable. This arrangement hasn't ever seemed to "starve" the amp of the current that it requires or introduced any line noise either. I'd recommend that you connect your pieces to something similar and not straight into "the wall". YMMV

saganized

gdb, thanks. I worry about lightning strikes more than any; but the best solution for me is probably unplugging the amp when bad weather threatens. I already unplug the PowerCenter during thunderstorms as it is. I may try connecting it once, by itself, just to see if I hear any audible difference. If I can, I'll keep it unconnected. I appreciate your warning me about spikes! Aside from lightning, spikes are something else I haven't considered. Thanks!