Bob Carver still working?
BlueFox
Posts: 15,251
What is Bob Carver up to these days? I believe I read here he is no longer with Sunfire. I have been thinking of the next tweak for the two channel system, and expanding the sound stage seems like a good idea. Sonic holography appears to be the best option for that, versus rebuilding 20 year old speakers. 
With Sonic Holography, I have the option of future speaker upgrades, instead of being locked in to one speaker. However, Sunfire seems to be HT oriented, and I only want a good two channel pre-amp with Sonic Holography. Of course, I can always use the HT pre/processor for two channel, but that is wasting money.
With Sonic Holography, I have the option of future speaker upgrades, instead of being locked in to one speaker. However, Sunfire seems to be HT oriented, and I only want a good two channel pre-amp with Sonic Holography. Of course, I can always use the HT pre/processor for two channel, but that is wasting money.
Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits.
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits.
Post edited by BlueFox on
Comments
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SDA is much better than SH.
Anyway, Bob is still in the business. Of late, he's been making custom tube amps and dabbling in a few other projects that I probably shouldn't mention.Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
Is he with a company selling products, or just "dabbling"?Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits. -
He's a consultant to Sunfire and running his own small business, I guess you could say.Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
You just missed his latest offerings that he built, the ebay auction ending on 1/3/2010
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180448871518&
That is slightly ironic. Other than small, efficient, high power amplifiers, he is known for advocating the sound of an amplifier is unrelated to its technology. Why make an expensive tube amp if its sound is easily reproduced with a solid state amp, or so the theory is.Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits. -
I love Bob Carver, and while this may be blasphemous to some...I wouldn't mess with SH. I 'works' but the parameters that you have to work with are ridiculously small and precise....however, you can pick up a C-9 Hologram generator and experiment.
Bob has said that with the Sunfire HT processors, he was able to expand the sweetspot...never heard one so I don't know.
BDTI plan for the future. - F1Nut -
The one and the only Bob and his famous flame linear ...Great man with a skillful marketing strategy to find a profitable niche for "new technology" as always comes and goes. We love your work though, Bob.
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Bob Carver is a douchebag.CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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lol CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint. -
Mark your an POS (:)) for even thinking that the man the myth the legen that is Bob Carver is a douchebag. He is the smartest man in HiFi. Bob was also looking in and helping Rita.If life had more tubes it would be a lot smoother.
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He did about 50% of the work rehabing my Sunfire 600x2, and even supplied a new Joule Meter for free. His designs have been controversial at times and are not everyone's cup of tea, but the man is far from being a ****. He is a stand up guy that cares passionately about audio. He also makes time in his life for those that enjoy his gear, even making trips all the way to North Carolina for Carverfest every year.The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD
“When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson -
TNRabbit
NO Polk Audio Equipment :eek:
Sunfire TG-IV
Ashly 1001 Active Crossover
Rane PEQ-15 Parametric Equalizers x 2
Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature Seven
Carver AL-III Speakers
Klipsch RT-12d Subwoofer -
After thinking about this some more, I am not sure an expanded sound field is worth pursuing. Other than the SDAs, and Sonic Holgraphy, I have not heard of other implementations. There does not appear to be much of a demand for this concept in the audiophile world. Otherwise other vendors would be offering it, which is to bad. It would be nice to have the option on the pre-amp to turn Expand on/off. I guess vendors feel the additional circuitry would either increase cost, or degrade the sound, maybe both.Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits. -
It also exists in mastering/processing: http://www.qsound.com/index.htm
Albums mixed in Q Sound: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QSound"He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche -
It also exists in mastering/processing: http://www.qsound.com/index.htm
Albums mixed in Q Sound: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QSound
That's interesting. I never heard of that. I wonder why it did not catch on?Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits. -
I like shooting hares
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Other than the SDAs, and Sonic Holgraphy, I have not heard of other implementations. There does not appear to be much of a demand for this concept in the audiophile world. Otherwise other vendors would be offering it, which is to bad.
Both are patented technologies.Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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What is the point of such personal bashing?
You have the sense of humor of a rock.:rolleyes: -
Not every post is gonna be a tribute. Troll? LOL.
I meant trolling for suckers to get offended~
LOL back atcha~TNRabbit
NO Polk Audio Equipment :eek:
Sunfire TG-IV
Ashly 1001 Active Crossover
Rane PEQ-15 Parametric Equalizers x 2
Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature Seven
Carver AL-III Speakers
Klipsch RT-12d Subwoofer -
I meant trolling for suckers to get offended~
LOL back atcha~
Fair enough....you're one of the good ones anyways.CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint. -
~ 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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When you listen to a Carver amplifier, you are listening to the sound Carver intended. I am not familiar in any detail with earlier Carver designs. But, to go straight to the point, the Sunfire is among the best of amplifiers. Never mind the reasonable price, nor the absurd question that has preoccupied some reviewers of whether Carver is a true High End designer-as if that were some mystic priesthood-nor the fact that the Sunfire is enormously powerful, which to some implies automatically, in a vast misunderstanding of how things work, a lack of refinement. The Sunfire stands in the top ranks, defying all such preconceptions.
01) DENON AVR-4308CI: Advanced 7.1 CH/5.1+2 CH/ 3.1+2+2 CH A/V Home Theater /MultiMedia Multi-Source/Zone Receiver with Networking and WiFi/170 watts x 7 channels
02) SUNFIRE Grand Signature - Bob Carver's
03) OPPO DV-980H 1080p Up-Converting Universal DVD Player with HDMI and 7.1CH Audio
04) OPPO BDP-83 Blu-ray Disc Player w/SACD & DVD-Audio / DENON DVD-2500BTCI: Blu-ray Disc DVD/CD Digital Player/Transport
05) HITACHI P55T501. 55" HD1080 Plasma HDTV
06) POLKAUDIO LSiC (Center speaker)
07) POLKAUDIO LSi15 LEFT (Front speaker)
08) POLKAUDIO LSi15 RIGHT (Front speaker)
09) POLKAUDIO LSif/x LEFT (Surround speaker)
10) POLKAUDIO LSif/x RIGHT (Surround speaker)
11) VELODYNE OPTIMUN 12" (High Output Digital EQ SubWoofer 2400W/1200WRMS) -
The Sunfire stands in the top ranks, defying all such preconceptions.
Sorry, not so. For example, Bob's custom tube amps put the Sunfire amps to shame.Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
When you listen to a Carver amplifier, you are listening to the sound Carver intended. I am not familiar in any detail with earlier Carver designs. But, to go straight to the point, the Sunfire is among the best of amplifiers. Never mind the reasonable price, nor the absurd question that has preoccupied some reviewers of whether Carver is a true High End designer-as if that were some mystic priesthood-nor the fact that the Sunfire is enormously powerful, which to some implies automatically, in a vast misunderstanding of how things work, a lack of refinement. The Sunfire stands in the top ranks, defying all such preconceptions.
01) DENON AVR-4308CI: Advanced 7.1 CH/5.1+2 CH/ 3.1+2+2 CH A/V Home Theater /MultiMedia Multi-Source/Zone Receiver with Networking and WiFi/170 watts x 7 channels
02) SUNFIRE Grand Signature - Bob Carver's
03) OPPO DV-980H 1080p Up-Converting Universal DVD Player with HDMI and 7.1CH Audio
04) OPPO BDP-83 Blu-ray Disc Player w/SACD & DVD-Audio / DENON DVD-2500BTCI: Blu-ray Disc™ DVD/CD Digital Player/Transport
05) HITACHI P55T501. 55" HD1080 Plasma HDTV
06) POLKAUDIO LSiC (Center speaker)
07) POLKAUDIO LSi15 LEFT (Front speaker)
08) POLKAUDIO LSi15 RIGHT (Front speaker)
09) POLKAUDIO LSif/x LEFT (Surround speaker)
10) POLKAUDIO LSif/x RIGHT (Surround speaker)
11) VELODYNE OPTIMUN 12" (High Output Digital EQ SubWoofer 2400W/1200WRMS)
Sorry Bernal! You need to go out and listen to other powerful amps and listen to what the differences are. SunFire makes some good amps but hardly stand at the top ranks (not even in the middle ranks).
SunFire amps are considered higher end for entry level amps (not top ranks). Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin: -
Regarding Bob, I respect the man and I love his creation. But I don't like his amps that much. But I obviously love his speakers so I decided to take Carver Amazing speakers with me to my grave.Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin:
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Sorry Bernal! You need to go out and listen to other powerful amps and listen to what the differences are. SunFire makes some good amps but hardly stand at the top ranks (not even in the middle ranks). SunFire amps are considered higher end for entry level amps (not top ranks).
"... You need to go out and listen to other powerful amps and listen to what the differences are...."
Ok.
For example, names of amplifier should I listen?
I want to learn about the topic. -
Krell, Mcintosh, Classe, BAT, Levinson just to name a few. Bob's new tube amps should also be on that short list, but I did not include them in the list because they are nearly impossible to get your ears on.
I consider Sunfire to be solid MID-FI gear that for the price are tough to beat. The 600x2 approaches the low end of true high fi IMHO.The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD
“When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson -
nooshinjohn wrote: »Krell, Mcintosh, Classe, BAT, Levinson just to name a few. Bob's new tube amps should also be on that short list, but I did not include them in the list because they are nearly impossible to get your ears on.
I consider Sunfire to be solid MID-FI gear that for the price are tough to beat. The 600x2 approaches the low end of true high fi IMHO.
Thanks for your reply.
I have a McIntosh in my stereo system but it is another world and a very different category.
I also have the MBL-8011AM amplifier and is excellent -
nooshinjohn wrote: »He did about 50% of the work rehabing my Sunfire 600x2, and even supplied a new Joule Meter for free. His designs have been controversial at times and are not everyone's cup of tea, but the man is far from being a ****. He is a stand up guy that cares passionately about audio. He also makes time in his life for those that enjoy his gear, even making trips all the way to North Carolina for Carverfest every year.
Bob is the man!!! 15 years ago Rita worked on my TFM25 1year later BOB called my house and asked that i send it back because he found something he did not like with parts Rita used even though my amp worked fine. Sent me a next day air label and off it went 5days later it was in my hands again with a refund for the work i paid for just for my trouble....ANY BODY GOT ANOTHER MANUFACTURE THAT WOULD DO THAT?.......didn't think so -
I remember the following quote:
"...The essence of design is control. The objet trouve may have its attractions, but the greatest accomplishments of art, science, or craftsmanship are accessible only to those who control their medium completely. Raphael's School of Athens could not have arisen as street art. The Beethoven Ninth Symphony could not have been improvised by an inexperienced amateur. Amplifier "design by listening" is a charming phrase, seeming to combine the process and the goal. But the charm is meretricious if it amounts to some "audiophile designer" wandering around in an electronic parts house sticking resistors, capacitors, and tubes or transistors together, hoping for some magical sound. That won't work. "You have to know what you are doing" is the motto behind real accomplishment.
When it comes to amplifiers, few others know what they are doing as well as Bob Carver..."
