Amplifier design / Bob Carver's thoughts


Here's an interesting article i ran across. For those that are interested in how devices work and the decisions that engineers make when designing a product, try taking a look at this article. It is an older interview with Bob Carver and gives background on the how's / why's of the Sunfire designs and why he chose the design attributes that he did. Obviously, the specific decisions made when designing any product are a matter of subjective preferences and some may not agree with Carver's personal designs / take on things. Having said that, the info provided here may help some of you that are less technically inclined understand how an amp works and what the various trade-offs are. Good reading, even if you don't like "Sideshow Bob". Sean
>

Design attributes of the Sunfire amplifier
sean

Showing 1 response by rgcards

Sean,
I have always wanted a lightstar amp; I heard one years ago and never forgot it. I ended up buying an a760x which is a poor man's version of the lightstar, but reduced in its power and control. I never seem to have the money or I am always a little late on the rare occasions when one come up for sale. I wonder if I should break down an buy a sunfire. Except for its "voiceing" I think it is essentially the same design as the lightstar. Any thoughts? By the way in my opinion Bob Carver is a genius. The reason he is reviled by many audiophiles, is that he has no problems putting his name on junk. The thing is even his junk is still a pretty good deal for the price, just not up to audiophile standards. He doesn't have aproblem making compromises to design and manufacture to a price point. If you understand that, and appreciate his goals, you can realize tha he has brought good sound to many people who would have spent the same money for bad sound. If it isn't great sound, its still better then they likely would have attained form other components in the sam price range.