Carver Raven 350 Amps

dracule 1,

So you think the Carvers 350's have a decent top end?
Even the review of the 305 hints about a darken sound.

ozzy

Ozzy, it depends on which amp you’re comparing the Carver’s to and what your preferences are. Are you referring to the review by J. Valin? His reference amps are fast SS amps, I believe. In that context, I’m not surprised by Valin’s assessment. There is a way to significantly improve the sound of the 350’s without spending too much money. You can replace the stock built in volume pots with a mono stepped attenuators from DACT, Gold Point (I have them in my amp), etc. The Gold Points should cost you less than $200 (I have extra set of new Gold Points if you are interested). You can also replace the stock coupling caps with Vcap, Jupiter, or Duelund caps. You’ll need 4 of the 0.22 uF caps (you’ll need to verify values). They’re low value caps so shouldn’t cost arm and a leg. If you go with the tin foil Vcaps (I have them in my amp), you’ll pay around $400. You’ll hear more transparency/detail, increased dynamics, and more extension in the high and low frequencies. These upgrades are well worth the money, and you’ll never think they are "dark" sounding.

dracule 1,

Thank you for your help. I need to find some place to audition them.

ozzy

Glad to have helped.  Good luck.  Let us know what you decided on.

I have a set of the 305s and don’t find them dark at all.
Rig:
Legacy Aeris with Wavelet DSP/preamp & Oppo 105
Only driving 300 hZ+

To be fair, the Aeris are revealing and the AMT tweet/super are what I’d called prominent in the stage. Not overly forward but very revealing.

I can’t speak to how well they handle bass as I’ve never used mine for anything below 300 hZ.

I’m selling my 305s only because the Wavelet has a hard time with many tube amps and do not work with any SET amps.
Bummer as the Carvers have an incredible stage and great clarity (with switch set for less feedback) for a tube amp.
Scott