Carver TFM 35x

[the apostate]

I wanted to know if this amp is any good, and would work well for HT and 2ch music? I had read on here that this amp doesnt like just mids and highs, it needs to be used at full bandwidth. So while listening to HT my setup sends freqs below 80hz to my sub. In 2ch stereo I have it setup to send the LFE to the fronts while set to large.

Getting a lot of mixed reviews on this amp, cant decide if its a pos or a good amp. Im trying to drive a set of polk RTi 150's that handle 500w and they are 4ohms.

[anatech]

Hi the apostate,
That amp is one of the better Carver products. As time went by, Carver Corp. did constantly improve their products. What that means is that the newer amps sound better. They also react well to detail work, which means the sound can be improved a bit as well.

Are they reliable? Absolutely when used in a normal situation.

Now, the things you seem to be worried about are really not a concern in home audio, just DJ jobs and parade float work. These commutators are set up for normal full-range music. That means that the time the higher voltages are switched on is set up for the normal energy content in each audio band. So, bass amplifier duty is okay, full range duty is fine. Problems may arise if you run mids only and up at the higher power levels. The commutators may not have enough time between musical peaks to turn off.

I really can't see this as an issue in most homes. I recently rebuilt a TFM-55x. It turned out really well. I was actually surprised at how good it sounded afterwards.

I feel these later Carver amps are a safe bet. Of course, service in the future depends on how good the technician is. Looking at this another way, you really do what a high caliber of technician to service anything of value.

One final warning for you. These amplifiers really do deliver their full rated power. That means that you need a straight plug into the AC outlet (no filters or line conditioners!). If you do get silly with the volume control, you may be sitting there with clean music - then the woofers die one after the other. It's not the amplifier's fault at all. Also, make sure you keep an ear out for the loud "clack" as the voice coil hits the backplate for the magnet system. You do not want to hear that sound, lower the volume a bit right away of you do hear this.

-Chris

[the apostate]

thanks for the info. I did wind up buying an adcom gfa-555II on ebay for 290. It will get here soon. I think i will take ur advice on just plugging it into the wall and not into my panamax 4300pm. I live in an old 4 fam apartment, has the old 2 wire electric, no ground! Plus the whole apt is wired to 2, 15amp breakers so i might find myself having to run a 20amp line in the living room for it.

[Glowbug]

That Adcom's a good choice, too

[anatech]

Hi the apostate,
Yes, the Adcom is another good choice.

However, some develop a nasty DC offset. Measure that before you do anything.

-Chris