Carver TFM-35 with SDA-2s

TSWisla

Hello, is this a good combination, I have heard that the tfm carvers are a little lacking in the low-end. Should I look for an Adcom 555 or 5500? Or is there a better am for SDA-2s? Thank you.

Tom

Ron Temple

TSWisla wrote: »

Hello, is this a good combination, I have heard that the tfm carvers are a little lacking in the low-end. Should I look for an Adcom 555 or 5500? Or is there a better am for SDA-2s? Thank you.

Tom

I've used the TFM 35 on my 1Cs and currently on my 2Bs. I don't find it lacking in bass compared to an Adcom GFA555. The differences between the Adcom and the Carver are pretty stark across the midrange and treble. I liked the Adcom, but prefer the Carver, which to me, seems to throw a deeper and wider soundstage. The Adcom sounded like all the instruments were on the same plane. The Carver is very warm and detailed. The Adcom is neutral to bright and probably more accurate. If you can't audition, then you must decide whether you prefer a more laid back sound.

TSWisla

Interesting, the folks on audiokarma.org said that about the tfm series, thanks for the info then! I am going to pick one up!

Schurkey

I thought the whole point with the TFM amps was that the extra ohm of output impedance was supposed to roll off the high end and give the bass a little "tube amp tubbiness".

Something else about Carver amps--at least some of them reversed the phase for one channel, then "corrected" the phase by reversing the + and - posts for that channel. This was done so that the two channels wouldn't be pulling simultaneous current from the power supply on shared bass notes: with one channel reversed, one channel pulls from the + side of the power supply, the other side pulls from the - side of the power supply--and so the power supply can be a little bit smaller. I'm not enough of an EE to understand how--or if--that would affect the SDA circuitry in the Polk speakers.

heiney9

The best way to find out is to compare the 2 amps. Beware the Adcom GFA5500 is NOT common ground but the negative speaker terminals can be tied together to form a common ground if you go that direction.

TSWisla

Just picked up a mint tfm-35, now all I need are some SDAs!

Marty913

TSWisla wrote: »

Just picked up a mint tfm-35, now all I need are some SDAs!

What general (or specific) part of the country are you in TSWisla? Most of the members here have a half-dozen or so pairs of Polk's laying around.:rolleyes: Maybe someone close will part with a pair.

TSWisla

I live near Chicago, I posted a wtb thread in the appropriate forum, but no luck so far. Thank you.

Tom

Deadof_knight

OK Im biased here I love the sound of carver 35s Im with Lazareath ! The 1.2s will move you Midbass that punches you

treitz3

Compared to some other amps, the TFM series does not have balls to the wall bass. Of course it isn't lacking in the bass department, but it is not as prominent as it is with other amps [including other manufacturers]. Keep in mind though, the grass is always greener on the other side and when you switch amps you may gain bass but you might lose something else.