2. amps-preamps
  3. 147821-128851

Carver M1.5t vs. Krell or ML

Hello again. My screen name might ring a bell, as I recently initiated a discussion re updating my bookshelf speakers. For those keeping score at home, I’ve narrowed my search to Dynaudio Focus 140’s. Crap shoot without an opportunity to audition, but that’s the leap of faith I’ve got to take. We’ll hear as it goes.

So, I’ve got a Carver M1.5t, that’s literally still in the box, after a multi month sabbatical at Hi-tech Audio, Ltd. in WA state. Top to bottom refurb. I’d owned a Phase Linear 400 for decades, so the M1.5t was an easy choice when a very well cared for example became available.

The rub, is that after weeks of lurking about these parts, my long dormant interest to upgrade is making itself known again. Coming back to the fold as it were, I find there are older Krell and Mark Levinson amps that I could actually afford, at least pre-owned.

Obviously I’ll never be confused for a true audiophile, but I do value/appreciate good “stuff,” but only to the extent that it will provide at least some degree of sonic improvement over what I have now.

My preamplifier is a line stage CJ PV-12. My main upstream source is a semi-respectable, Adcom GCD-575.

Am I suffering from amp envy or is there a case to be made for an “upgrade?”
carerra4s

Showing 5 responses by carerra4s

carerra4s's avatar
carerra4s OP
24 posts
 
That would certainly be my preference. Budget realities, however, dictate that in order to go high end, used—or in hipster speak—vintage is the only viable option. 

My understanding is that me pre, though over 20 years old, is still held in high regard by more than a few.

With regard to power amps in general, is that not so much the case?
carerra4s's avatar
carerra4s OP
24 posts
 
Wait for it: very sound advice...no doubt. 

Yes, I’m afraid I got a bit carried away there. Went back and took a look at exactly was done to the Carver, and for all practical purposes, it was pretty much a—to borrow a collector car term—frame-off restoration. Considering my listening habits and chronological age, that amp could very well outlive me.

To that end, the Carver’s a known entity. Any ML or Krell I could afford would be a bit long in the tooth and not likely to have just undergone a complete resto.

Best to stay with what I’ve got.

Thanks for talking me off the ledge...
carerra4s's avatar
carerra4s OP
24 posts
 
@jtucker...2001, with the infamous IMS bearing issue. I’ve installed a Guardian, ferrous metal monitor. In theory, it goes ape $&*# just before the engine lunches itself, and provides a tiny window to shut down.

I just cross my fingers and drive. If it grenades, I’ll have a nice piece of static art in the driveway.

@oddiofyl...I have an outboard, Creek OBH-8 mm phono preamp, but have yet to put that in the loop.
carerra4s's avatar
carerra4s OP
24 posts
 
While I’m a pretty strong 1st amendment type fellow, I thought an ad hominem attack on the Carver was a bit over the top, but as in all things auto & audio, YMMV....

FWIW, I’m holding on to the M1.5, but I did purchase a Class’e CA-D200. First piece of new audio I’ve bought in 20 or 30 years, and so far I’m really pleased with it in my set-up.
carerra4s's avatar
carerra4s OP
24 posts
 
Thanks for sharing your Phase Linear flashback.

I had a much loved model 400 power amp, and during my ownership—1990 to 2010, it was driven hard, often, and put away wet for two decades...and it was long in the tooth when it came into my possession. Parted with it when I purchased the M1.5t, the component that gave birth to this thread.

While frowned upon as low-fi by many denizens in these parts, Bob Carver cranked out some heavy duty gear. Though some belief those amps had shortcomings with respect to being true high fidelity, they more than acquitted themselves with their robust design and long term reliability.

More to discover