Price Paid:  $1000.00 from UBID

Summary:
Hi
I purchased this receiver from UBID six months ago for $1000.
So far it has performed reliability and without a hitch. i mention that upfront because in so many of the reviews that I read here on Audio Review, writers complain about there units having problems out of the box or after owning for a short while.
Thats totally unacceptable to me , after paying my hard earned money, so I stay away from any audio equipement made in malaysia, singapore and China. They dont work out of the box or break down under normal use.
So many reviews in the major audio publications (audio review. sterophile, home cinema choice, what hifi, never digress on reliabilty which is a clear indication of thier not being objective in thier reviews of the unit. Thats pisspoor and make this site the number one Audio publication in the world.
The sound.
200 watts of pure clean power. Absolutely no coloration of the source input. Good soundstage.
Stereo
Outstanding.
Surround (Dolby Digital & DTS)
Outstanding
The build quality is excellent.
The remote is okay but one would expect a better remote for this price.
Inputs
Enough to enable this unit to be the center of a complicated home audio video center.
As a bonus it has a phono input for Lp guys lke me.
Drawbacks
The surround sound options are limited to Dolby Digital , DTS and two other non descript surround options.
Dolby prologic II and 6.1 surround and all channel stero would have added to the fun factor of this unit.
If you can live without the surround fields and are looking for a high quality good sounding, basic, dolby digital , dts receiver, that excels in what it does ( stereo and basic surround) this is an excellent choicce.
Only lacking one star becasue of the drawbacks listed above.

tested with /against
Sony str da es 777 receiver
Technics DA 10
Vandersteen 1b speakers for stereo
Acoustic Research AR 50s for surround sound set up
Denon 1200 turntable
Panasonic dvd 50 dvd player
Pioneer CD Changer

Strengths:
Build quality , sound production, reliability, remote

Weaknesses:
lact of surround sound fields

Similar Products Used:
Sony STR DA-ES 777, Denon 3801, Technics DA10,

Price Paid:  $1300.00

Summary:
This receiver won out against the likes of B&K 307 and the Denon 5800. Both excellent units and more capable in switching and 7 channel output plus the component video switching.The switching matter is not an issue to me as I see no reason to limit the bandwidth and go directly into the monitor. My prime consideration was the sound quality and amp headroom. Carvers c1000a is very adept at music as well as theater. In this subjective review but the Carver simply sounds more detailed and delivers more power when needed than the Denon. The Carver is discontinued so given the price it is a rare find. Grab one quickly, not likely you will be disappointed.

Strengths:
Articulate preamp section, high current amps, build quality.

Weaknesses:
No DPL II, 6 channel matrix uses two rear amps to develop the 6th channel.

Similar Products Used:
B&L 307, Denon 5800, Denon 4800, Classe prepro

Summary:
A good, powerful HT receiver. Well built with excellent dynamics and a clear detailed sound that rivals more expensice separates even in 2 channel mode running into high end audiophile speakers.

The amplifier capability is the major strong point of this receiver. Other receivers with similar power (not many!) cost considerably more when viewed against the recent sale price of around $1200.00 (available all over the WEB).

I borrowed one of these to eveluate before purchase. Once I opened the box it became appearant why the sale prices abound, no component switching.

Unfortunitly, this receiver is flawed by a major limitation, it has no capability to switch component video. And for a receiver in this class, it's a fatal flaw.

The C100A has only composite and S-Video switching and with component outputs on inexpensive DVD players and inputs on low price, large screen TVs, it means that you will have to degrade the video to s-video or composite. Given its strength in other areas this is a surprising omission.

People looking to spend $1200.00 plus for an HT receiver usually aren't terribly constrained financially, so while this is a good deal for lots of power and it does have fine audio performance, I have to give it a pass based on the omission of component switching alone.

I'm sorry to be negitive on the C100A, I really like it in so many ways and the price is certainly righ, but the switching limitation just can't be ignored, anyone purchasing this much receiver is going to run afoul of the video switching limits very quickly.

AFH

Strengths:
Excellent power reserves, detailed, inexpensive

Weaknesses:
No component video switching - a serious limitation

Similar Products Used:
various HT receivers

Price Paid:  $1200.00 from 800.Com

Summary:
Bob Carver has come back with a Carver amp that is simply breathtaking. He has brought prestige back to the Carver name. The C1000A is a awesome 6.1 channel home theater control center. It's sound is trememdous with everything from music to movies. Bob Carver has done his name proud.

Strengths:
Beautiful clarity and sound regardless of volume position. Great with all types of music from classical to rock. The DTS and Dolby Digital processor mode is awesome.

Weaknesses:
None to speak of its awesome in my opinion.

Similar Products Used:
Carver AV405 CT27V and SD390T