2. amps-preamps
  3. 158765-148961

Replace Carver TFM 15?

I've got a 38 year old Carver TFM 15 (100 watts a side) coupled with a Carver C-5 preamp. It still sounds pretty good but...like most things technology tends to improve quality. I assume that technology has improved amps since 1982. That said, I'm hearing many people say the old amps still stack up well against modern amps. The Carvers are suffering a bit...on/off buttons failing etc and maybe they are failing on the inside as well--electronics can't last forever right? Question: Do I blow a hundred bucks and get the little stuff fixed or should I spend 2-3 K on a new amp/preamp? Will I notice an improvement in sound quality? 
Thanks for any advice.   
coastmtn
limomangus's avatar
limomangus
1,363 posts
 
I have 2 Craver 500tm love them.i would try and get them fixed and have the caps redone.
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,493 posts
 
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


coastmtn OP
2 posts
 
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.  
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,411 posts
 
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.

ozzy's avatar
ozzy
7,426 posts
 
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
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