2. amps-preamps
  3. 1408548596

advice needed, antique vs modern tech

Greetings Audiogoners,

I am dusting off my parts bin and setting up a two channel bedroom system. I am using a Meridian 561 as my pre and a brand new pair of Dynaudio Excite 12 plus a powered subwoofer.
Source is just Sonos/NAS Apple lossless files.
My amp is an ancient Carver TMF-25. still working fine. What really bothers me is the high background "hiss" noise level. I am pretty sure it's amp causing this and below are my options.

1. trying to get the TMF reconditioned/recapped and hoping that will solve the issue but will cost probably couple of hundred bucks at least. I bot the Carver used about 10-12 ago and the unit is probably much older than that but I used it on and off for only couple of years and rest of time just sitting in the box. The risk is that the hiss may still be there afterwards.

2. go for something new, like the NAD D3020. I spend a bit more but it's really totally new tech and great reviews. But i couldn't help but doubt that the NAD weighing just 4-5 pounds and can really drive my Excite 12 speakers. But it's a recommended class C component and getting rave reviews and fit my need, if it works. any input will be appreciated.

cheers,

Rich
ddl24
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"My amp is an ancient Carver TMF-25. still working fine. What really bothers me is the high background "hiss" noise level. I am pretty sure it's amp causing this and below are my options."

Try lowering the gain on whatever input you have your source plugged into on your 561. That may fix your problem.
ddl24 OP
9 posts
 
Thanks Zd, I will try to do that. just to clarify, I only have a Blue-ray player and Sonos connected via composite digital input. so u r suggesting that I go into Meridian's setup menu and manually lower the gains of those two inputs? Thanks.
beewax
173 posts
 
If you like the sound of yesterday, go antique.
If you like the music of today, go modern tech.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
Yes. Even if the input is digital, you can still have too much gain and that could generate some noise.

I just thought of something else. Try unplugging your sub. Do every thing; power cord, IC's.. Anything that goes to the sub.

"But i couldn't help but doubt that the NAD weighing just 4-5 pounds and can really drive my Excite 12 speakers."

That's nothing to worry about. The reason its so light is because its a class D amp. They don't generate a lot of heat like a traditional amp. Class D amps don't need big heat sinks and other parts that weigh a lot. Even expensive, high output class D amps weigh very little.
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