What to replace my Carver c-1 with.

Big Dan R
Big Dan R Posts: 131
edited January 2012 in Electronics
Im looking for suggestions for a pre amp to replace my Carver c-1 which Ive been using with a Carver M-1.5T amp, powering a pair of Polk SRS 1.2TL's. Ive never been really happy with the C-1. Even before I got the Polks, I hooked it up to my beloved vintage Altecs and know quickly the sound was flat, bland almost clinical. I would like a pre with some warmth and say some definition. Unfortunately budget is about $500.00....

Tks, Dan
Post edited by Big Dan R on
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Comments

  • megasat16
    megasat16 Posts: 3,521
    edited January 2012
    It may just be the Carver M1.5T amp you have. You never know. Just swap the amp to a different (relatively newer amp) and see if the sound is still flat and clinical?

    The M1.5T is about time to go under recap if it's not done so before. It's probably the amp that needs attention and not the C1 since Day 1.

    When I had the C1, I found it's a decent preamp and a lot of people (Carver Fan) will agree.
    Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin:
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  • Drenis
    Drenis Posts: 2,871
    edited January 2012
    People describe the 1.5T as brittle sounding.
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  • ViperZ
    ViperZ Posts: 2,046
    edited January 2012
    The best preamp should not color the sound in any way, shape or form. That's what I always liked about C-1 in particular. I still have one and use it from time to time as my test/reference preamp. If you want warmth, go with the tube preamp.
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