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Carver TFM 35 vs TFM 35x

I have a pair of Eminent Technology LFT-8 speakers (pretty low efficiency but lovely sounding) and was planning on driving them with a pair of Carver TFM 35's (in bridged mode) after replacing my Musical Fidelity A3cr and liking the sound. Without getting into of the merits of whether the Carver sounds better than the MF amp, I'd like to know if there is any difference in voicing between the Carver TFM 35 and the 35x version? As I said, I plan on bridging them and using one per channel.
dhowell
dhowell OP
1 posts
 
Thnaks. I had heard these with a 500 watt per channel amp in a showroom (vs 150) and it really opened up the sound (especially in transients). Also, these speakers are very low in sensitivity (84db) and I was really using the extra 3db or so of actual apparent volume change (when doubling the power) for the headroom (hence my question about matching the voicing). So, to expand the thought, how do you feel about bi-amping (woofer/planar panels) if the amps do, in fact, sound somewhat different after the departure of Bob Carver and the hoops that LucasFilm imposed for the THX designation?
hifihvn
943 posts
 
I'm guessing you'd be using half of each for the top and bottom. I haven't heard the THX, I don't think there would be much volume gain, if any volume gain, and I think it would be trial and error as to which one would be best for the highs and lows. One thing I do remember is the first Transfer Function Calibrated (non-THX) one is polite and laid back sounding. The soundstage was closer to the speakers or wall behind them. If the other newer doesn't have it, I would guess it might sound a little more forward (out in the room ) if it has a different sound.
deepee99's avatar
deepee99
86 posts
 
They use a different set of capacitors, that I know.
sandthemall
544 posts
 
I was lucky enough to buy a NOS TFM-35 on eBay somewhere around 2009. Seller had posted one image of an unopened, sealed box! I am familiar with the box graphics since I bought a new TFM-15 back in 1995. Price was comparable to good used units at the time, so I took a chance and bought it.

Capacitors are Nichicon (No bulging to this day). Transistors are Toshiba. This amp still sounds very clean and tight today. High end is very open and easy/relaxed but sparkling...very pleasing to say the least. Bass was clean and tight but just a little lacking. I recently bought a Don Sachs preamp and this combination is really nice! Bass is kinda spectacular now on some material (mostly listen to vinyl on a Technics 1200G).

This preamp/amp combo throws a decent but not huge sound stage. 


pootytang127
8 posts
 

I have a pair of Dynaudio emit m30 a Marantz sr5006 and a tfm 35. It’s sounds great.nice and warm and bass.

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