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Review 4 of 11
Price Paid:
$250.00
from Circuit City Summary:
I got one of these for $250 at Circuit City when they were closing out their stock after Carver went out of business.
What I must mention is that Carver didn't make the sound processing input-specific. For instance, if I'm watching a film on the LD in Dolby Pro-Logic, then switch to the CD input, I have to change the processing to stereo, then back when I want to watch a movie again. My Sony, which was 5 years older, and my new Marantz, both have individual settings for each input, so the DVD input stays in Dolby, and CD is always straight stereo, and changing one doesn't effect the other.
On the front panel, the buttons you use the most, like the Surround mode button, (for the reasons mentioned above) are the smallest, and in odd places. For instance, the test tone button is large and centered, while the surround is identical to, and right next to, the multi room button? How often do you use those buttons? If you're lucky you only use the test tones once, and I never needed the multi room feature. Other buttons are similarly mis-arranged.
However, the amp sounds great. My Sony kicked out static from the surround speakers while using Pro-Logic, and music was always flat and lifeless. Not so with the Carver. There was plenty of headroom, no distortion, and the separation was fantastic, even without the Sonic Holography turned on. I got near-Dolby Digital quality out of the Pro-Logic decoder. I convinced a number of friends to upgrade to Dolby and DVD's with a showing at my place. Other great features include 3 S-Video inputs & 2 outputs, subwoofer out, 5 channel pre-outs and input level control.
Bottom line: If you can get a deal on this used, and you don't need Dolby Digital, you won't be disappointed by the sound this thing puts out. It may not be that user friendly, but let's face it, there's always something you're not going to like about any given product. 4 stars. Strengths:
Great sounding amp, especially for music. Pro Logic processing top notch, sonic holography. Weaknesses:
DSP doesn't switch with input, confusing remote, user-hostile front panel layout. Similar Products Used:
Ultrx & Sony receivers before, upgraded to Marantz SR-8000 recently. Used Pioneer, Harman Kardon, and NAD in shared apartments.
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