Carver amp repair....

avguytx
avguytx Posts: 1,628
edited November 2009 in 2 Channel Audio
Do any of you guys own Carver amps that you've had to get repaired? I know there is a place in Oregon (carveraudiorepair.com) but are there any others that you guys have used with good results? I have 2 that I've had for awhile and now it's time to get them done. One is an M-1.0t and the other is a M-1.5t. The nice thing about the guys in Oregon is that a) Bob recommends Roland, b) you spend $299 on a repair and that includes a 1 years warranty, and c) that's cheaper than buying a new amp in most cases as they go thru everything inside and they are familiar with everything. Maybe I've answered my own question but I thought I'd ask anyway! :D
Richard? Who's your favorite Little Rascal? Alfalfa? Or is it........................Spanky?.................................Sinner.
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  • amulford
    amulford Posts: 5,020
    edited September 2007
    I've used a company formed by a couple of employees of Bob Carver's. I've also used Roland, but I think these folks would be better (they were part of the actual company that made it). They are less costly, too.

    Here's a link to thread about them. Read through it and it'll have some contact number's.

    I just sent a pair of Silver9t's to the for refurb...
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  • avguytx
    avguytx Posts: 1,628
    edited September 2007
    Is that Mylinda that you're referring to? They are still there??? Wow...I had been trying to get ahold of them with no luck. I guess I better try again! Rita went thru an M-1.0t with great results. I'm also a member of the Carver forum but it moves rather slow.

    I emailed them so I'll anxiously await their reply!
    Richard? Who's your favorite Little Rascal? Alfalfa? Or is it........................Spanky?.................................Sinner.
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  • amulford
    amulford Posts: 5,020
    edited September 2007
    Yes, Mylinda. They were moving the business, but I'd at least try to get in touch with them first.
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  • dotpost24
    dotpost24 Posts: 1
    edited July 2009
    Hi there,I am new here.I have a carver need a face plate tfm55,any ane can help me find it thanks.brian.
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited July 2009
    shoot a pm to jerryj12,, he just received his tfm 42 from the Carver folks in Washington,repaired/updated/tested and signed by BC himself,,very,very, reasonable.
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • TSWisla
    TSWisla Posts: 446
    edited July 2009
    I had Rita repair my 1.5t, she did it in less than a week, gave me a 1 year warranty and it was $200. Works beautifully!
    Zu Soul Supreme
    Coincident Frankenstein mkIII
    Esoteric K-07
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  • kcoc321
    kcoc321 Posts: 1,788
    edited July 2009
    I have a M-500 and am very impressed with the upgrades Rich (he's here somewhere) does as part of his"upgrade" service. I don't have the link on this computer but will find it later tonight.

    For $300 he repairs/ replaces as well as upgrades. From everything I have heard it makes them stronger and warmer(if that is the right word) and more dynamic...
    Only downside is the time-frame...he is about 5-6mo out. (when I last checked)

    Nothing against anyone else who does the upgrades, I was just attracted to the enhancements he makes.

    When I was researching it, I don't think I found anyone who was unhappy with them. In fact, I think he offers a "warranty" to buy the Amp back from you if you do not like it. That's customer service.:D
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  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited July 2009
    +1 to the recommendation for Rich [ http://carvermk2.com/ ]

    My M-1.0t is now a modified mkII monster [http://carvermk2.com/m10tmkII/m10tmkII.htm ]

    But - I think he has a substantial backlog now with lots of folks wanting his services.

    H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
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  • kcoc321
    kcoc321 Posts: 1,788
    edited July 2009
    Kewl, they're just up the street.
    That makes it too tempting to resist.:D

    Link to Rita's & Bob's Webpage.
    http://www.ritasvintageaudio.net/
    Just tried it out and it's only a email link for now, sorry, hopefully more will be added later.
    Something else (per the thread above) is that Mr Carver will even sign the amps...
    sometimes, how kewl is that?
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited July 2009
    Plug for Rolland at carveraudio.com
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • beemers417
    beemers417 Posts: 34
    edited July 2009
    Unless Roland matches the price, you gotta go with Rita.
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  • zarrdoss
    zarrdoss Posts: 2,562
    edited July 2009
    TSWisla wrote: »
    I had Rita repair my 1.5t, she did it in less than a week, gave me a 1 year warranty and it was $200. Works beautifully!

    She did mine too and it works and sounds great and Mr. Carver signed it as well.
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited July 2009
    beemers417 wrote: »
    Unless Roland matches the price, you gotta go with Rita.

    Thats your choice and I do not have to follow the crowd, you might want to know what your getting before you let price dictate your descision. I am not hung up on having Bob sign anything for me. I have an AMP that Rita worked on (2005)and Rolland is servicing it for me this time.I am very pleased with Rollands work, customer service and time to repair. Price is not that far off to be a factor and I know what I am getting back is better than new, not almost as new but better.

    He took an abused and dead TFM-55X I picked up for a reasonable price and brought back to life plus some. He is servicing my TFM-45 which should be back in my system next week.
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • zarrdoss
    zarrdoss Posts: 2,562
    edited July 2009
    thsmith wrote: »
    Thats your choice and I do not have to follow the crowd, you might want to know what your getting before you let price dictate your descision. I am not hung up on having Bob sign anything for me. I have an AMP that Rita worked on (2005)and Rolland is servicing it for me this time.I am very pleased with Rollands work, customer service and time to repair. Price is not that far off to be a factor and I know what I am getting back is better than new, not almost as new but better.

    He took an abused and dead TFM-55X I picked up for a reasonable price and brought back to life plus some. He is servicing my TFM-45 which should be back in my system next week.

    whats his link or contact info?
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  • engtaz
    engtaz Posts: 7,663
    edited July 2009
    Rolland is very good and so is Rita & Bob. Both do a outstanding work. You will be very happy with the work from both shops.
    engtaz

    I love how music can brighten up a bad day.
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited July 2009
    Both places do very good work,,I have nothing signed by Bob or Rolland,, but Jesse does sign all of my tubes,,after they have been properly blessed by RT1.;)
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited July 2009
    zarrdoss wrote: »
    whats his link or contact info?

    Go to carveraudio.com and select repair.
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • kareengas
    kareengas Posts: 1
    edited October 2009
    So either of these folks works on 1.5 and 2.0's? I have been told that the transformers are not available and too costly to manufacture.
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited October 2009
    Call and see.

    Welcome to club Polk
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,031
    edited October 2009
    You were told correctly. If the Xnsfrmr goes, you have a nice looking doorstop.

    BTW, Bob and Rita's shop has changed the repair rates since post #10.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • skipf
    skipf Posts: 694
    edited October 2009
    Both shops do quality repairs. From what I understand, Rolland's price is higher because he offers more. He replaces all caps while Rita replaces only ones that require it due to being out of spec. I haven't had the chance to use Rita's shop, so I don't know that for fact, but was told that by a friend that did have a repair done at her shop. I have used Rolland for a repair to my SDA/490t and he did an outstanding job for a very reasonable price. I'm getting ready to send my Silver 9t's in for recapping and balancing, and haven't made up my mind who I'm sending them to yet. I'll call both and find out what they include in the repair price, and how much of an add it would be to upgrade from stock model caps.
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  • Krazyz1
    Krazyz1 Posts: 256
    edited October 2009
    I have had rolland @ Hi-Tech rebuild 2 of my M-400's. I have been enormously pleased with rolland. Then I heard of the Rita deal. I called her up and read off the invoice what parts were replaced. In her judgement there was about 5 components she didn't feel needed replaced , but would at extra cost. Based on maybe you get what you pay for and all my rebuilds from Hi-Tech have been flawless , my 3rd M-400 went to rolland. He has also repaired my SAE 2800 EQ and just as satisfied.Happy customer of Hi-Tech. To each to decide. It' your money
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  • Krazyz1
    Krazyz1 Posts: 256
    edited October 2009
    Mr. skipf.Personally I would send your Silver 9t's to Rolland. You stated brand (" B repair shop replaces LESS ) So why send it somewhere that the caps. not replaced may fail in 2-3 years and have to send out AGAIN , put more cash out and your goodies MIA untill repair finished. It is a time vs economics deal. The un replaced caps. ect eventually will fail and then it is trip # 2 to repair shop. Food for thought
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited October 2009
    http://www.carveraudio.com/index2.htm


    The less times you have to ship your amp for repair the better.

    Rolland had done 2 amps for me.
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • engtaz
    engtaz Posts: 7,663
    edited October 2009
    http://www.carveraudiorepair.com/ Rolland
    http://www.ritasvintageaudio.net/repair.html Bob and Rita
    engtaz

    I love how music can brighten up a bad day.
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  • Krazyz1
    Krazyz1 Posts: 256
    edited November 2009
    I just talked to Rolland Sat. about having some mods. done for me.He is now offering to levels of rebuilds. His usual total full blown rebuilds for the same 299.00 + shipping and a parts , labor ,and calibrate to factory specs for 169 + shipping. I would contact him to confirm on all amps because at that time we wer'e talking about M-400's.
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  • Krazyz1
    Krazyz1 Posts: 256
    edited November 2009
    Didn't come out exactly correct.299 full blown............169.00 parts labor calibrate to factory specs + shipping. Sorry about possible confusion. Call Rolland
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