Opinions on Carver preamps?

xfontanax

In my bedroom rig, I have a carver M1.5t w/C-2 pre and LSi9. The source is denon dcd-1520 w/a denon da-500 dac. I've been really happy with this setup, until I picked up a yamaha dsp-a2070 for $10. WIth the same source, the yamaha has a much warmer sound. The mids are smoother, and the bottom is fuller.

I have to admit, the yamaha sounds really good, and just might push the carver gear out of the room.

I think the weak link in my setup is the C-2 preamp. For those familiar with carver preamps, how does the C-2 compare with the other carver preamps? Aside from the SH, will the C-1 give a better sound? How about the 4000? I don't want to "upgrade" my preamp to another carver, and get the same sound. How do you feel about carver gear compared to others used gear in the same price range(say $250 or less)?

Thanks, any advise/input would be appreciated.

George Grand

The line-stage in the C-1 and C-2 are virtually the same. There is nothing wrong with the C-2 preamp. You have upgrade fever.

George Grand (of the Jersey Grands)

Airplay355

u sound like the school nurse....your throat is red from the juice u drank at lunch, you aren't sick, go back to class. lol

xfontanax

The line-stage in the C-1 and C-2 are virtually the same.

I thought that might be the case, but have never heard any other carver preamps. What about the 4000?

And you're right, I do have upgrade fever.

TroyD

I don't know about the 4000 however I'm going to go out on a limb and say it's probably no different from the C-1 or C-2

Currently I have a C-16 that has two sets of outputs, one is voiced to sound like a solid state preamp (sounds identical to the C-1, far as I can tell) and one set that is supposed to sound like tubes, I don't know if it sounds like tubes but it sounds pretty darn good.

IMO, as far as solid state goes, I haven't heard a pre (not that my experience is all that vast) that is better than the Carver.....you might investigate a tube preamp.

Just a thought.

BDT