Price Paid:  $459.00 from Moretone StereoGuelp

Summary:
CarverH9AV Sonic Hologram Generator. This audio video sound enhancement device replaces the older Carver C-9 Hologram Generator. The product connects thru the tape monitor circuits or the preamp in/out jacks. These hologram generators provide a wide sound stage with accurate sonic clues. When utilizing the normal stereo mode on your system it is excellant. Try connecting the H-9Av thru an additional spare receiver,integrated amp speakers combo for a real sound treat! You must treat the room accoustically and position the speakers VERY accurately. (use a steel tape or tailors tape depending on your application. The owners manual should be read several times before positioning. Final tweaking can be done later. Speaker toe-in is critical. Not too close to parrallel walls. If toe-in is out by more than 1 inch difference on either speaker it will affect the end result. Distance from back wall must be the same. Use the service manual as a good tool.

Strengths:
Gives great results when setup well and accurately. Precognition pot at minimum for any music most times. Strengths outway the weaknessess.

Weaknesses:
Noisy switches , top can be removed to easily spray with a good switch cleaner/lube. Leaving engaged all the time eliminates the activation transient. A really minor problem.

Similar Products Used:
Carverm400amp,Yamaha preamp,tuners,Teac tapedeck,Technics tapedeck,Technics CD player,B&W speakers (4) Sony Receiver.

Price Paid:  $100.00 from pawn shop,ofallon,mo

Summary:
more detailed highs than the p.s audio 4.5.looks cooler.sounds better.just a shame i had to part with it and be stuck with just the 4.5come to think of it id rather have my thoebe than the 4.5.the carvers a great preamp,and affordable due to age,pick one up,if your a minimalist like me!!!

Strengths:
clean sound,awsome appearance,anodized,purplish color,,mismatched with white lettering but who cares.

Weaknesses:
4 square selector buttons,loose oevr time,not easy to push.

Similar Products Used:
p.s audio 4.5

Price Paid:  $290.00 from AAFES (Military exchange)

Summary:
I'm running this with a Carver M1.0t amp and a pair of Polk Audio SDA2a's. The whole system uses Monster cable interconnects. I recently bought a Sony DVD player that runs CD spinning duty. The whole system sounds great and I love it, but I really need to replace the pre-amp; not having a remote or any A/V capability is really a drag.

Strengths:
Still works great after 12 years. It has even survived the Mt. Pinatubo volcano eruption in the Philippines in 1991! Don't have any other pre-amps to compare it to. It won't die!

Weaknesses:
No remote. Markings on the case front are impossible to read unless lighting is perfect. "Pots" that knobs control are getting noisy and require some spinning now and again to get them cleaned up. No A/V capabilities whatsoever. Definately a minimilist pre-amp.

Similar Products Used:
None