Replace Carver TFM 15?

OK, Thanks to all of you for your helpful thoughts. Based in input from you, I've decided to send the Carver in for a thorough refurbishing and keep it a few years longer.   

I have a 26 year old TFM 15-CB.  Just had it refurbished for about $400 maybe eighteen months ago though I had a stretch where it was in storage and didn't need to have mine recapped.  Wonderful amp and for the money, it is really excellent.  

My issue with the Carvers is that I tend to get a little hum that just won't go away.  In the same power strip, nothing kills it.  You may find that a more modern integrated amp will do the trick if you are looking for an upgrade.  They will be quieter and give you sound that is as good.  

For the money, Rega would do a nice job and give you a similar sound profile.  They offer a few integrated amps that are outstanding and the Elicit R would give you the power you are looking for.  I moved from using my carvers every day to a Brio R and it was quieter and as resolving. Just not as powerful.  The Elicit R will be a bit more powerful.  

There are a million other integrated amps on the market.  Knowing the Carver, I think you will like Rega.  Seperates in this price range will not be a huge step forward and your best value will be with an integrated.  Though, if you are hell bent on separates, Vincent is probably your best bet.  

Marantz, Rotel and Arcam also have interesting options for integrated amps.  

I still have a Carver M400 (the cube) Amp that powers some B&W speakers in the game room. For that room and purpose it still sounds great! I did have to have some caps replaced about 20 years ago.

ozzy

I doubt you can get your amp inspected and recapped for $100. Get an estimate and then you can make a decision.

I didn't put any money into my old Carver and kept it as a backup. Funds went toward a new (used) amp.

Thanks for the tips. I have a pair of Monitor Audio speakers that are only a few years old. Not sure I want to throw in the towel on these just yet. Really, I'm trying to ascertain if I'm going to see a significant difference in sound quality if I go to (say) a Parasound or Cambridge amp in the 2-3 thousand dollar range. If not, then I'll stay put with the Carver. Thanks for your thoughts.  

For 2-3K I would suggest (if you really want a leap forward) a pair of KEF LS50W’s speakers ($2500). These are ready to go and use a very similar driver that is in the KEF Blade ($30,000). I know your talking electronics but these have everything you need, just give them a source...which can be Analog, Optical, Coax,Wireless (WI-FI), Bluetooth, they have built in DAC’s and amps (they are self powered) I mean once you put these on good stands and connect a streamer of your choice or use whatever cloud music service, thats it! Audio Bliss (future proof).

Matt M

I have 2 Craver 500tm love them.i would try and get them fixed and have the caps redone.