Bob Carver 180 Mono-blocks perform superbly

Thanks for the feedback Thuan98.

I will most likely go for the GP attenuator upgrade as well.

I mentioned in an earlier post that I had upgraded my stock Electron KT88s to Sovtek equivalents with great results. I have now upgraded the Sovteks to Gold Lions others seem to recommend here. The results are even better with more refinement in the mids and highs. Plus a veil has been lifted it seems on the music with the Sovteks in place. So Gold Lions are definitely recommended for not a huge outlay.

I was also very fortunate to receive some EAT ECC 803S, 12AX7 equivalent.
These sound clearer and more transparent than the Telefunken 12AX7's I was using before. Music just has a more aliveliness to it now with the EAT/GL combo.

Hi Tuan89, I'm glad the GP worked out for you. It's the best affordable upgrade, better than tube rolling I think. The attenuator is the first thing the signal sees when it enters the amp, so a crappy volume pot will degrade the sound from the beginning no matter what you do downstream in the amp.

The output coupling caps are 0.22 uF (should be rated at >600V). You'll need 4 of them.

BTW, I've had GP in my amps for the past 2 years (had the amps for about 3 years I think). I've had zero problems (no hum, no pops, no tube hiss). Bias setting is stable once set. These amps are the most reliable tube amp I've ever owned, on par with the most reliable SS amps.

Vmhf, thanks for feedback on your tube rolling. I've wanted to try the Golden Lion KT88s, but hesitated because no one has reported about them with he Carvers. Now, I need to save up.

How much is a pair of EAT 12AX7s?

Hi Dracule,
I think there was someone else who mentioned the GL's earlier in this thread.
But I do have quite a few friends with other tubes amps that swear by them.

My HIFI dealer/friend uses top level Lamm mono blocks and has heard my Bobs with the stock Electron, Sovtek and Gold Lions. He noticed the transparency level and refinement of the Bobs the best he ever heard them!

EAT 12AX7's are pricy tubes at around $249 AUD each which is about $220 USD I gather. I put the Telefunkens back in for what appears a lusher smoother sound. Horses for courses as they say.

Just an update. The Goldpoint attenuators are now on the way!
I'll have my tech install them and might as well get him to do the cap upgrades too.

Will keep you guys posted!