There is apparently no subwoofer output problem! What Carver forgot to mention in the user manual is that the subwoofer output level is controlled by the S knob down below the digital input button.
When I first tried using the subwoofer output, it gave no output because my knob was turned all the way counterclockwise. I would never have thought to try the knob (after all, it's supposed to be for digital input tuning). Thanks to Dan Huffman for passing it on to me and a certain F.G. for letting Dan know!

Now my subwoofer's playing level is effectively controlled by my Carver's remote (sub level increases with volume increase). No more reaching behind my subwoofer to tweak its volume control.

I feel I must correct a comment I made earlier on the quality of stereo playback through the HTR-885.1. I know it is explicitly specified on this site not to post more than one review, so the site may not count this rating in its average (which is perfectly fine), but I hope this gets posted up.
The problem with my stereo playback was that I fed my Velodyne VA8100X by way
of a two-into-one (y-adapter) from the tape outputs in the rear of the Carver. This somehow caused the receiver to essentially play in mono mode (!!). I didn't realize it, and over a time period, I found myself listening to music less and less. One day my friend came over with his test CDs (he's a car audio nut), and we listened to some imaging and soundstaging tests. Doh! "My voice should be coming from the left of your soundstage only." Riiight. So I eventually figured out the tape output thing--problem solved.

That same day, my friend and I wreaked havoc on the room's aesthetics by moving pillows to the corners, rolling up old carpets I had and standing them in the corners, putting up blankets on the walls. What a difference...detail, separation of voices and instruments were greatly improved. My speakers are the tiny Mirages that come in the AVS-500 package. My CD player is the Harman/Kardon HD710. There is still some sibilance, but the overall sound is no longer bright--just detailed.

So! There is nothing wrong with the Carver's stereo playback, just a bumbling move on my part. In fact, after reading some of the comments on the Kenwood receivers' musicality, I take my comment back. The Carver may not have an edge in its features or DSP modes (as if they were necessary..), but I think it sounds fine on all counts of musicality.

ive had this unit for a almost a year. before this, i had the htr-880 (same rcv but no ext. 6-ch input or controls). ive had good luck with it. the design is good, and fuction seems flawless. unlike other reviews, i havent had any problems at all with my sub-out control. i run a 5" switch-wired fan on this unit at all times; this seems to keep unit quite cool. this unit is pushing paradigm monitors and also a def-tech sub. i feel that this is an exceptional reciever as far as recievers go and the price was terrific. however, this will most likely be the last reciever i buy.....it'll be all seperates next time around. throughout my listening day, i have always owned a reciever and like then quite well for the purpose they serve. ive had them from pioneer, sony, yamaha, denon, and now these last two carvers. this one has been my favorite so far. i have a denon digital processor hooked up which is nice for reproduction. overall, i feel this is a nice reciever at a super price.

Excelent sound and facilities, great looks.

FM tuner is the weakest part of the receiver

From the moment I saw it I loved its appearance but when the thing started playing I thought that the money I was asked to pay for it were nothing... The sound is open, detailed but not crisp like glass as my previous Yamaha produced. Watching films is much more comfortable and my wife also admitted it - she couldn't listen to Dolby on Yamaha saying it annoyed her.
Now I feel that its potential is higher than my speakers can afford.
And the possibility to use DVD player with DD & DTS decoders is also a big plus.
Great receiver, even if it costed around $900-1000 as it was at the beginning it would be still a good bargain.

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha DSP-E492+NAD-902

TO JOE
i GOT THE DB-25 FROM MONSTER CABLE. CALL THEM DIRECT FOR THE MODEL NUMBER. I GOT ONE FOR MY THEATER GRAND II. WORKS GREAT.

The Carver HTR-885.1 receiver is a very good sounding receiver that is attractive and easy to use. The quality of construction (both physically and electrically; e.g., it can handle 4 ohm speakers, such as the Carver Cinema 5.1 speakers) seems better than most in its price range. However, the tuner performance is only adequate (which, unfortunately, is normal these days). It also lacks the flexibility of most older Carver receivers (no peamp in/out except a mono subwoofer output, and only three audio and two audio/video inputs). Many important functions are accessible only from the remote control (which, again, is unfortunately common these days), so it is important that one never loses the remote. On the front panel, the selection of inputs and tuner (with the exception of the one tape monitor) is done by repeatedly pushing one end of a rocker button marked "AUDIO" and "VIDEO," until one reaches the desired input. Apparently, Carver decided to save a few cents (or a couple of dollars) instead of having a separate button for each input.

Obviously, I think that it is less than ideal, but considering that it can be had for about $500 (if it can be found at all), it must be regarded as a very good deal. It sounds very good, looks very good, and is very easy to live with, despite its lack of flexibility. I know of no better receiver for its price.

I purchased my Carver 885.1 HTR about 8 months ago via Heartland America for the price of $312.00. As it was brand-new, I think it was a steal. It listed for $499. but after the discount for being in the "Buying Club" it dropped to $429.99. I then received a couple of more catalogs after I purchsed the unit and the price was dropping in each issue, finally going down to $312. Heartland America has a price guarantee so they refunded money each time I called.
I have had problems with the receiver, however. The first one that I got I had to send back. The volume knob would just spin and not do anything, so I got a new one and this has no sound from the subwoofer output. Fortunately, I can hook my speakers directly into another set of inputs on the sub. Does anyone know what is wrong??? I am running Cambridge Soundwork's original Ensamble satellite system (sats and 2 subs) from my old system for the front, a Cambridge Powered Bass Cube 12, a Cambridge Center Stage speaker for the middle, and Cambridge Surround II's for the rear. The system really kicks ass and the bass is awesome, especially in the Pro Logic mode. I love the look of the unit and other than having to have the remote for many of the functions, I am very pleased. I did not know that some of the newer add-on components have Dolby Digital built-in, so I'm not too worried about expandability. If anyone can help me on this subwoofer output issue, I would be very appreciative. I don't want to have to take the unit in for service!

I bought the HTR-885.1 from Heartland America as well. I too, havethe subwoofer output problem. No signal whatsoever. I found out too
late, as I bought my Velodyne VA-8100X much later. I then called up
Heartland asking if I could exchange it, but they said I had to go through
Carver's warranty dept. Haven't followed up on it, I'm using one of the
tape-out RCAs for the subwoofer signal.

Anyway--on to my review. I can't accurately gauge the sound quality since
this is my first A/V receiver. I purchased Carver's own DB-25 to 6 RCA cable
from Onecall, and currently have it hooked up to my Toshiba SD-3108's internal
DD decoder. Very nice, I'm very happy with the Dolby Digital sound. Pro-Logic
also sounds good, except I have a soft humming sound coming from the rear
speakers (not present in the left, center, right speakers). It doesn't bother
me much, since most of the movies I watch have enough sound activity that
it doesn't get quiet enough to hear the rear hum. I have a problem with
the quality of stereo music--I think this is a non-receiver issue, but I won't
drop my ratings on it otherwise since this is primarily a Pro-Logic/DD receiver anyway.

The ergonomics and navigating could be much better, IMHO. It is apparent
that the 885.1 is an off-shoot of the 880, just by haphazard placement of the
"Digital Input" button you have to press in order to switch to DD. It's not
accessible from the remote. Another is the bothersome display on/off (for
blanking out the display while watching a movie). You can do it, but it
requires pressing the display switch several times. A bit of a hassle
for the lazy bum that I am, so I just leave it as it is, a constant blue
patch in my peripheral vision. I feel like I'm extra picky about the
ergonomics such that many receivers out on the market wouldn't make
the cut. I won't let it affect my rating too harshly.

Considering the price (just over $300 shipped), it's a good catch.
However I would strongly consider the new Kenwood VR307. It's around
the same price and has Dolby Digital decoding built-in. Sure it's not
a Carver, but...

I recently purchased the Carver HTR-885.1 receiver and I have been most impressed with it!In my opinion, this unit is very well built and it is also very user friendly. The overall appearance and sound quality are absolutely superb! This unit has also integrated well with my other Carver components: CT-23, TFM-15CB, TDR-1550 and SD/A-360. Again, the sound quality is wonderful and it certainly rivals in all aspects the sound quality coming from my Carver separates! In closing, I would encourage anyone who is in the market for a new receiver to audition this great sounding unit if it can still be found!In its price range, I have yet to hear anything which sounds any better. Carver Corp. has once again, kept its tradition of designing and manufacturing excellent audio/video components at very affordable prices! This unit is well deserving of a five star rating!!!