Carver M400 Magnetic Field Power Amps

[pheonix358]

I have 2 of these. They are 240V models. They do NOT work. I am considering throwing out the insides and making cute amps using the cute metal work. Could be a nice 2.1 system for my computer desk.

Question, is this a sin. If so is it a big sin or a little sin

If anyone wants them then make an offer, I will post anywhere and I am posting from AUstralia. Cosmeticaly they are OK, could do with a spray paint job.

 

[Zero Cool]

I just picked up a broken M400 and I may need parts.

 

[GeeVee]

Hi Pheoinx

These amps were well regarded, and designed by a very highly regarded designer.

Bob Carver was known for not following trends, and designing his way.

I reckon they are worth getting up and running, especially of they are the "T" model. The T model many say was much better.

Hope this helps.

 

[john65b]

I would drop the guts and put an Icepower or hypex module inside...or , if you don't need the power, a cute square Gainclone.

I was not a big fan of Carver amps. Lotsa power, but thin, anemic sound.

 

[thefragger]

Damnit, you're far! I'd love to tackle the repair of these amps!!

For ***** and giggles, can you tell me how much it'll cost to ship 'em to M4B1P1 in Toronto, Ontario (Canada)?

 

[Zero Cool]

I just repaired mine. and it wast that hard to get running. the power supply is basically a light dimmer! there are two 2amp bridge rectifiers in parallel for the 25V supply. I guess these fail often causing the unit to blow fuses etc. I followed the instructions in the service manual and the repair was quite easy. just a PITA to get the lil bugger apart far enough to GET to the dang bridges. I upgraded to a single 10 amp bridge rectifier and all was good after that. the service manual is well written and easy to follow.


Zc

 

[johnferrier]

I don't remember the M400 being an amplifier that had the "T" option. Does it stand for "tube"? Working there, we called it the Carver "tweak". Didn't see him often, though when I did, Bob was usually jubilant about his whatever it was he was brewing up. Besides the Carver challenge, professional amplifiers for the touring Michael Jackson were big for the company.

 

[zora]

Wasn't the "t" designation for "transfer function calibrated"? I believe it was supposed to make the amps "sound" like well regarded high-end amps of the time period.

 

[johnferrier]

Wasn't the "t" designation for "transfer function calibrated"? I believe it was supposed to make the amps "sound" like well regarded high-end amps of the time period.

That's it! The shootout happened to be a test against a Conrad Johnson tube amp (another listening test occurred against Mark Levinson ML-2 monoblocks).