O'Shag

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
4.80 of 5, 5.00 votes

Price Paid:  $400.00 from ebay

Summary:
I've been using the Carver TFM for about a year now. Its primarily used for everyday listening. My setup has my Yamaha RX-Z9 acting as a multichannel processor, and all my sources are connected through it. I then run an ARC preamp through a loop into the Z9. This disengages the z9's internal preamp section for the front channels. I then have my TFM-25 connected on Mains 1 output, and this drives my front channle speakers. For critical listening I also have a pair of ARC Classic 120 tube monoblocks. My general impressions of the TFM-25 have been mixed. I liked some aspects of its performnaqce but was not impressed with others. One glaring flaw I noticed was a flattened soundstage without much front-to-back depth. Another less than impressive trait is that it seems to lack a little transparency. It also seemed to be suffering from slightly uneven power output, with the right channel being a little weaker. Nevertheless it had redeeming qualities. I lived with it like this up until about three weeks ago. A problem I've recognized in my area is that of power. There seems to be a fair amount of interference, probably due to the power stations nearby (I live in Redondo Beach and those of you familiar with the area know that it is littered with giant pylons). I've been sort of a skeptic when it comes to power conditioning, and use pretty basic fair surge protectors. I recently came across a used MIT Z-stabilizer V.1. Its not something to plug sources etc into, but rather it plugs directly into the wall socket and creates a bridge to filter all impurities out of the circuit. I then fired up the system, and literally couldn't believe my ears. The ssystem was literally tranformed, most especially the TFM-25. Gone was the slight imbalance in channels. The improvements were vast in transparency. The bass became tighter. The soundstage more focused, and the suddenly there was much more front-to-back depth. Its still not as good as the ARC monoblocks, but it is now a seriously good little amp. My guess is that the reason for the transformation due to power conditioning comes down to the unique Carver magnetic field technology, which would probably make it more prone to problems with bad power.

Strengths:
When you get the power conditioning sorted, this is a great little amp, and I'm sure it would kick the tail of many a newer amp. After solving power conditioning issue, excellent tranparency, very good soundstage width and depth. Plenty of punch (although not as much as my monoblocks. Excellent at resolving detail. Very musical - Rather than being too analytical this amp is very slightly on the warm side off neutral.

Weaknesses:
Without power conditioning adressed, it will not perform as well as it should.

Similar Products Used:
ARC Classic 120 tube monoblocks, Counterpoint SA-220, Yamaha RX-Z9 (Reciever/processor) Denon 3700 (reciever)

Price Paid:  $600.00 from Hawaii

Summary:
Nothing but trouble. I bought the thing new with the Carver C-11 pre-amp, Carver DPL-33 surround, and Klipsh speakers. I've had the thing to the shop six times because of distortion in the right channel. It keeps coming back. The DPL-33 is crap also as the remote for my Panasonic TV continually shuts it off everytime I adjust the volume on my TV. I must have a a few dirty potentiometers on the C-11 as you hear scratchy sounds everytime one of them is moved.

Weaknesses:
Reliability. Poorly engineered.

Similar Products Used:
DPL-33 Surround and C-11 Preamp.

Price Paid:  $0.00 from recieved as a fine g

Summary:
I own a Carver TFM-24 Amp, which is the same as the Carver TFM-25 Amp without the analog WATT meters. The specifications and sonic characteristics are the same. I, also, have a Carver M-1.0T Amp. The TFM-24 in my system is a very good amp sonically and value wise. It is clearly less powerfull than the M-1.0t. Sonically the TFM-24 has a little warmer sound. I like the TFM-24 a lot, but with expensive inefficient speakers the M-1.0t is by far my preference. The TFM-24 simply does not have as much power as the M-1.0t. This probabbly would not be as apparent with efficient speakers. The M-1.0t has a more laid back sound. Considering the type of speakers that I use the M-1.0t is my preference. By the way I use one Carver CT-Seven Pre Amp and split the output signal ( Left and Right Channels) to each of the above mentioned Amps. I use Precise Monitor 10 speakers for the front left and right speakers. I use Bose 501 for the rear left and right speakers. The Precise Monitor 10 speakers are much less efficient than the Bose 501 speakers. I have used both amps to each set of speakers to reach my opinion and conclusion. The M-1.0t sounds a little better with the Bose 501 speakers, and a lot better with the Precise Monitor 10 speakers.

Strengths:
Warm Sound, Clean Sound

Weaknesses:
Could be more powerfull.

Similar Products Used:
Sunfire, Mark Levinson, Krell

Price Paid:  $300.00 from from a friend

Summary:
I must say that I stumbled on a fantastic deal. I purchased This unit from a friend who upgraded to a new system. Now he wants to buy it back from me because the speakers he has cant be driven as well and sound as well as they did before he sold the TFM-25 to me. Needless to say I have heard several new amps costing in the thousands, sure they sound great but I smile when a realize I paid just a few hundred dollars for a unit that sounds just as good and in most cases better than the new technology. If anyone can get their hands on one of these from e-bay or any other source for a few hundred bucks consider it your lucky day. I am in search of one more possibly two more to round out my system. The TFM-25 is a unit that can grow into the most discriminating systems for the future including home theater. I could write a book on my experiance with this unit but I think you get the idea. I use this unit for home theater applications but I found that I enjoy it even more when I listen to cd's. Music just seems to have so much more depth and will have you pulling out your old cd collection to discover what you have been missing. The old saying holds true, "They dont make them like they use to!"

Strengths:
Smooth,low distortion ,extra clean, awesome realistic deep base, and clarity that is first rate.

Weaknesses:
Not a single flaw!!

Similar Products Used:
Denon, Adcom, Yamaha, Sony ES.

Price Paid:  $500.00 from Ebay

Summary:
Smooth sounding amp. Sounds great when used with similiar Carver products ie, Carver C-5 preamp. Almost impossible to drive to clipping!

Strengths:
Warm sounding. Sonically perfect when used with the right equipment.

Weaknesses:
None