Price Paid:  $400.00 from ebay

Summary:
Got this integrated amp from an auction on ebay. This is one of many Carver "vintage" pieces I got from different sources. I must say it is my favorite so far. It is very well built. The design and layout of the various functions and buttons is simple but very adequate. The sound is impecable without any coloration or distortion. Absolutely no hum or hiss at any volume levels. Motorized volume knob and "direct CD" input that bybass the triple tone controls are a couple interesting features. There is also a B speaker setting that makes the second pair of speaker act as ambience sound. As far as looks are concerned, it is very elegant. With it's two analogue "old fashion" power meters combined to an overall modern look, the result is stunning. Rated conservatively at 100 watts per chanel into 8 ohms it should be more than enough power for most home applications.

Strengths:
Design, Sound, Looks, Quality built.

Weaknesses:
None that I can see.

Similar Products Used:
Bryston, Sony

Price Paid:  $415.00 from Loca store

Summary:
I was looking for an amp with umph but with a clear colorless sound. My limited budget steered me to an integrated amp design and therefore the field started to narrow. When I found this Carver, I remembered that the Carver name often means something.
I got my wish. The amp has now been with me through 3 pairs of speakers (presently Pinnacle Classic Gold Towers) and 2 CD players. It is a flat but sweet sound reproducer.
It has a CD direct pre-amp to amp stage or it allows you to go thrrough the preamp and adjust bass-midranfe-and treble controls. THrough both types of transport it allows the famous Carver holography imagining to be switched on or off. There are times I choose the image staging and times I don't, largely depending on the stage of the actual recording.
Put another way, this amp is loads of fun to enjoy with its sweetness, smoothness and serious POWER. For the money, you better know how to build your own.

Strengths:
Clarity, POWER, versatility, size (fits in my cabinet. Shallow compared to anything.

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
Rotel 1070

Price Paid:  $499.00 from 26-05-2003

Summary:
I bought this integrated amplifier in 1993, in a Hi-Fi store brand new, I used it with a pair of big,s JBL 11 series. For some reasons I change those speakers and the CM1090 in 1995 for a QUAD amp+pre and CArver,s ALIII, sounds very well but different. Now 8 years later in the month of May, my fiend is returning the CM1090 to me, for the same price i sold it. This amp was very well received and the first thing i made was connect it to my Carver,s and after 8 years a smile returns to my face, Nothing sound like this couple, I never had the opportunuity to heard them together before, and it,s really amazing. I spend large amounts of time hearing music, the best i can, and it,s really impressive. The price is a bargain for the quality of sound. Should be a classic like the bulbs Mac of the 70,s

Strengths:
Flexibility, Technology (for the holographic math. process) Power, design, (including the VU,s).

Weaknesses:
none

Similar Products Used:
Not exactly similar because i heard pre + amp,s like Hafler, FORTE, Threshold, QUAD, also Carver,s Silver 7.

Price Paid:  $450.00 from South Texas Music Ma

Summary:
Purchased my Carver CM1090 new through a friend who owned a music business back in 92 or 93. I can't begin to tell you how much enjoyment it has been for me. From the moment I brought it home, unplugged my old Kenwood receiver, and hooked the cm1090 up to my Klipsch & JBL'S. It is the best sounding stereo I have ever heard, and everyone that has listened to it says the same.

Strengths:
nice bass, excellent midrange, power to run most speakers, great looks, easy to use, sonic holography is super.

Weaknesses:
Haven't found any

Price Paid:  $0.00 from Stereo Unlimited

Summary:
I purchased the CM-1090 new in 1992 after much research, and have never regretted going with Carver for a second. It has performed great for over 10 years. Adequate power, great looks, and trouble free performance. Currently powers PSB's teamed with a large powered Yamaha Sub on A, and a pair of Klipsch floorstanding towers on B. If old Carver was still around I would replace with another. Alas, I need to get a Home theater receiver so my CM-1090 is for sale to a good home.

Strengths:
Power abundance (different form of amplification from others I've owned), still great looks after all these years!

Weaknesses:
Does run hot, so keep it well ventilated. Could stand to be slightly warmer sounding.

Similar Products Used:
Soundcraftman professional amp.