Chops' Current System Pics ....
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chops
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- #42
Thanks Joe!
Yes, you should check them out. One of my brothers has the 6-outlet PLC Thingie, and it has even more of the same filtering built-in, and we noticed great improvements in his system as well. I'll eventually get more of their products, but I'm more busy trying to get larger $$$ items at the moment. :crackedout:
Paul
Senior Member
My Current System Pics...
Nice. I like how neat is your place is.
How you like the ML speakers so far compare to old ones ?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Nice. I like how neat is your place is.
How you like the ML speakers so far compare to old ones ?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
chops
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- #44
Thank you Paul for the kind words!
As for the Martin's compared to the Sonus', there's no comparison. Surprisingly, they are both somewhat similar in tonality, but the ML's have the ability to simply disappear when you close your eyes. They also paint a much larger and deeper picture. Their sound stage is extremely wide, tall and deep, but never over-exaggerated. Imaging is also much better than the SF's. The ML's also interact a lot less with the room than the SF's did. And of course, with the ML's, there's no need for separate subwoofers which eliminates some clutter in the room.
Don't get me wrong. The SF's are excellent and I love them, but they do have their limits. In the end, there's just no way a little 6" cone and 1.25" dome can compare with the surface area of these 12" x 48" panels.
chops
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- #45
Another update after all of these months...
I sold the Sonus Faber bookshelf speakers shortly after the last post here. Then, after a LOT listening, both with music and movies, I made up my mind that I didn't want to give these speakers back to my brother at some point, so I bought them! And I have no intentions in selling them either, just like my NHT 2.9's.
I also acquired an Outlaw Audio LFM-1 subwoofer from my brother. We installed it late at night, so I was playing them quietly as the kids bedrooms are right down the hallway from my system. As I got it to the point of being pretty much dialed in, we sat back on the couch for a listen. I had the ML's still playing fullrange and had the sub set to I think the lowest crossover point it can go along with the crossover on the P5 preamp (using both crossovers together gets you a steeper roll-off). About 5 minutes into it, we started hearing a bunch of distortion that really sounded a lot more like static. It started quietly and got louder and louder. Within 10 seconds or so, it was pretty darn loud and I noticed smoke coming from the sub, right out of the port! I yanked the power cord out and that was it... Now it's been sitting there for the past 5 months or more, dead. I contacted Outlaw and they said they would sell me a new replacement amp, but then something else came up... I bought a brand new Nissan 370Z! LOL
Since buying the 370Z in late May, I have been dumping money into it left and right, just because. It's brand new and didn't need anything, but if you know me, you know I can't leave a car stock for long. Within two weeks, I had the windows tinted, an axle back exhaust, wheel spacers, GT-R start button and map light lenses, and functional side marker repeaters. The next month a custom made, hand made, hand laid carbon fiber front lip spoiler straight out of Japan. The following month a new fully adjustable clutch pedal assembly. Next month a full polished stainless cat-back exhaust. The next month polished stainless test pipes to replace the stock catalytic converters. Next month a cold air intake and ECU tuner. Then just a few weeks ago, replaced the heavy stock 18" base wheels with stock lighter, stronger 19" Nismo wheels with brand new Continental meats that I ordered from TireRack. Next will be some suspension goodies. If anyone is interested in the progression of the 370Z over the past months, here's the link where it all started in the "Let's see your ride" thread here on the forum... http://www.audioshark.org/automobiles-boats-bikes-planes-108/lets-see-your-ride-19-page18.html
So needless to say, since my system sounds great as is and I pretty much have everything I want, it hasn't changed at all, and all of my attention (and money) has been going into the car. LOL
I sold the Sonus Faber bookshelf speakers shortly after the last post here. Then, after a LOT listening, both with music and movies, I made up my mind that I didn't want to give these speakers back to my brother at some point, so I bought them! And I have no intentions in selling them either, just like my NHT 2.9's.
I also acquired an Outlaw Audio LFM-1 subwoofer from my brother. We installed it late at night, so I was playing them quietly as the kids bedrooms are right down the hallway from my system. As I got it to the point of being pretty much dialed in, we sat back on the couch for a listen. I had the ML's still playing fullrange and had the sub set to I think the lowest crossover point it can go along with the crossover on the P5 preamp (using both crossovers together gets you a steeper roll-off). About 5 minutes into it, we started hearing a bunch of distortion that really sounded a lot more like static. It started quietly and got louder and louder. Within 10 seconds or so, it was pretty darn loud and I noticed smoke coming from the sub, right out of the port! I yanked the power cord out and that was it... Now it's been sitting there for the past 5 months or more, dead. I contacted Outlaw and they said they would sell me a new replacement amp, but then something else came up... I bought a brand new Nissan 370Z! LOL
Since buying the 370Z in late May, I have been dumping money into it left and right, just because. It's brand new and didn't need anything, but if you know me, you know I can't leave a car stock for long. Within two weeks, I had the windows tinted, an axle back exhaust, wheel spacers, GT-R start button and map light lenses, and functional side marker repeaters. The next month a custom made, hand made, hand laid carbon fiber front lip spoiler straight out of Japan. The following month a new fully adjustable clutch pedal assembly. Next month a full polished stainless cat-back exhaust. The next month polished stainless test pipes to replace the stock catalytic converters. Next month a cold air intake and ECU tuner. Then just a few weeks ago, replaced the heavy stock 18" base wheels with stock lighter, stronger 19" Nismo wheels with brand new Continental meats that I ordered from TireRack. Next will be some suspension goodies. If anyone is interested in the progression of the 370Z over the past months, here's the link where it all started in the "Let's see your ride" thread here on the forum... http://www.audioshark.org/automobiles-boats-bikes-planes-108/lets-see-your-ride-19-page18.html
So needless to say, since my system sounds great as is and I pretty much have everything I want, it hasn't changed at all, and all of my attention (and money) has been going into the car. LOL
chops
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- #46
A couple more updates...
After a recent thread started on here about tuners, I decided to reinstate my old Yamaha TX-540 just for the heck of it. Well, one thing led to another and within a few weeks, I purchased not one, but two "new" tuners. The first to come was a near mint Yamaha TX-1000U, pretty much the last of the best of Yamaha's offerings. About a week or so goes by, then I pick up a totally mint Carver TX-11a. Of course, I go overboard, I know. And to go along with these tuners, I purchased a couple of C.Crane FM Reflect coax dipole antennas (one of which is now connected the the also mint Sansui G-7000 receiver in our bedroom system), the other for the TX-1000U. I also bought a Magnum Dynalab ST-2 antenna to use on the TX-11a.
As always, a few pics...
After a recent thread started on here about tuners, I decided to reinstate my old Yamaha TX-540 just for the heck of it. Well, one thing led to another and within a few weeks, I purchased not one, but two "new" tuners. The first to come was a near mint Yamaha TX-1000U, pretty much the last of the best of Yamaha's offerings. About a week or so goes by, then I pick up a totally mint Carver TX-11a. Of course, I go overboard, I know. And to go along with these tuners, I purchased a couple of C.Crane FM Reflect coax dipole antennas (one of which is now connected the the also mint Sansui G-7000 receiver in our bedroom system), the other for the TX-1000U. I also bought a Magnum Dynalab ST-2 antenna to use on the TX-11a.
As always, a few pics...
Randy Myers
Well-known member
Hehe Chops... lookin good 
... you have more black pieces than silver.... I knew I would win you over.... 
... you have more black pieces than silver.... I knew I would win you over....
chops
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- Thread Author
- #49
Thanks Randy! The Carver doesn't really count because it's more of a gray. Also, the cable box doesn't count because I don't own it. LOL
Thanks Joe! I still need to design and build a new rack though. This one is starting to get a little crowded, plus its not the most stable thing.
Hehe Chops... lookin good
Thanks Joe! I still need to design and build a new rack though. This one is starting to get a little crowded, plus its not the most stable thing.
chops
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- #50
Wow, I didn't realize I haven't updated this lately. There's a been a few uhh... Additional additions to the system... 
The first piece of Carver equipment was the TX-11a tuner. Shortly after, I purchased a C-9 Sonic Holography processor. Shortly after that, I purchased an upgraded and highly modified (approved by Bob Carver himself) M-500t amplifier, now referred to as the M-500t MkII. And lastly, just in today, a fully updated and upgraded C-1 preamp, referred to as the BillD C-1, which I believe is also approved by Bob Carver.
The preamp has just been fixed up, so it only has about 15 hours on it so far, all new caps, resistors, opamps, etc, etc. It even has a remote volume control installed in it with an upgraded power supply and a removable power cord. And man, does this thing sound good! I'm very surprised and happy to say that it sounds (so far) considerably better than the Parasound Halo P5! And that's a tall order to fill!
Anyway, some pics...
The first piece of Carver equipment was the TX-11a tuner. Shortly after, I purchased a C-9 Sonic Holography processor. Shortly after that, I purchased an upgraded and highly modified (approved by Bob Carver himself) M-500t amplifier, now referred to as the M-500t MkII. And lastly, just in today, a fully updated and upgraded C-1 preamp, referred to as the BillD C-1, which I believe is also approved by Bob Carver.
The preamp has just been fixed up, so it only has about 15 hours on it so far, all new caps, resistors, opamps, etc, etc. It even has a remote volume control installed in it with an upgraded power supply and a removable power cord. And man, does this thing sound good! I'm very surprised and happy to say that it sounds (so far) considerably better than the Parasound Halo P5! And that's a tall order to fill!
Anyway, some pics...
Randy Myers
Well-known member
Awesome Charles... the system looks great!
chops
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- #52
Thanks Randy!
I wish you could hear it, and hear the difference between the newer gear and the updated/modified Carver gear. Like I said, it's quite shocking at how much better the Carver gear really sounds, especially concerning the two different preamps. It's substantial to say the least. This old vintage Carver stuff is really making these ML's sing.
The updates and modifications really bring this gear up to speed with current gear, and definitely moves them up to true "audiophile" status. I've never heard these big ML's sound this good. So much refinement, extension at both extremes, finesse, accuracy, detail, body and warmth. A wider and deeper sound stage, and yes, all WITHOUT the Sonic Holography engaged.
And I just realized something... With the exception of the TT, Oppo, APC and cable box, the rest of the system is all vintage, with the ML's being the newest. And those date back to '97. That short list is going to get even shorter because I'm going to be selling the TT and going back with my old trusty Technics SL-1700 Mk2. It just sounds better than the Pro-Ject. Not that the Pro-Ject is bad at all. It just can't compete with the big old Technics.
I wish you could hear it, and hear the difference between the newer gear and the updated/modified Carver gear. Like I said, it's quite shocking at how much better the Carver gear really sounds, especially concerning the two different preamps. It's substantial to say the least. This old vintage Carver stuff is really making these ML's sing.
The updates and modifications really bring this gear up to speed with current gear, and definitely moves them up to true "audiophile" status. I've never heard these big ML's sound this good. So much refinement, extension at both extremes, finesse, accuracy, detail, body and warmth. A wider and deeper sound stage, and yes, all WITHOUT the Sonic Holography engaged.
And I just realized something... With the exception of the TT, Oppo, APC and cable box, the rest of the system is all vintage, with the ML's being the newest. And those date back to '97. That short list is going to get even shorter because I'm going to be selling the TT and going back with my old trusty Technics SL-1700 Mk2. It just sounds better than the Pro-Ject. Not that the Pro-Ject is bad at all. It just can't compete with the big old Technics.
Randy Myers
Well-known member
Very Nice Charles! Some times th vintage gear is pretty darn good. The 15 year old Audio Research amp is a good example.
Carver was always good equipment and it sounds like the upgrades that you is on your pieces make it even better!
I am thinking that I might eventually sell the Son Of Ampzilla II and save up for a new Audio Research amp.
Carver was always good equipment and it sounds like the upgrades that you is on your pieces make it even better!
I am thinking that I might eventually sell the Son Of Ampzilla II and save up for a new Audio Research amp.
chops
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- #55
Come on down, Joe!
Randy, I think that if this Carver gear originally came out from the factory with these mods in them, they would have been an even bigger hit than they already were, and wouldn't have been considered more of an audiophile brand.
Seriously, there's guys on the forum that have sold their Conrad Johnson, McIntosh, Audio Research preamps in favor of a modded BillD C-1 preamp because the improvements are that good. And most of those were new, current model preamps!
So you know how it is to sometimes go with older gear as well, although just about all of my Carver gear is double the age of your AR amp. However, now, the Carver gear tests and measures better than when new!
Randy, I think that if this Carver gear originally came out from the factory with these mods in them, they would have been an even bigger hit than they already were, and wouldn't have been considered more of an audiophile brand.
Seriously, there's guys on the forum that have sold their Conrad Johnson, McIntosh, Audio Research preamps in favor of a modded BillD C-1 preamp because the improvements are that good. And most of those were new, current model preamps!
So you know how it is to sometimes go with older gear as well, although just about all of my Carver gear is double the age of your AR amp. However, now, the Carver gear tests and measures better than when new!
Randy Myers
Well-known member
Nice.... the Audio Research was just factory refurbished and re-tubed! As a learning experiment, to teach myself how to do it, I just checked and adjusted the output tube bias on the amplifier. Whenever I am in the mood to listen to rock or funk, or to listen to FM or background, or at high volume, I switch the wires over to the Ampzilla. However for serious listening, Jazz, Folk, Classical, New Age, Jazz Vocals, Easy Listening, etc., I kick it over to the ARC. It is just a sweet sounding classic little amp!
chops
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- #57
Just got the Carver BillD C-1 preamp back from getting a few more tweaks, one of which I just performed on the dining room table a couple hours ago. I swapped out the black rack handles for the proper anthracite ones that belong on it. A couple of other upgrades include going back to the original red LED instead of that doggone super bright blue laser beam that was installed in there, and a couple more upgraded opamps, one in the line stage, the other in the phono section.
Also reinstated the trusty old Technics SL-1700 MK2. I still need to mount the Ortofon 2M Bronze as it has my brother's 2M Blue on it right now. And lastly, I'm using my original Mr Speakers "Mad Dog" planar headphones again.
Also reinstated the trusty old Technics SL-1700 MK2. I still need to mount the Ortofon 2M Bronze as it has my brother's 2M Blue on it right now. And lastly, I'm using my original Mr Speakers "Mad Dog" planar headphones again.
Randy Myers
Well-known member
Nice... looking great Charles!!!
Just got the Carver BillD C-1 preamp back from getting a few more tweaks, one of which I just performed on the dining room table a couple hours ago. I swapped out the black rack handles for the proper anthracite ones that belong on it. A couple of other upgrades include going back to the original red LED instead of that doggone super bright blue laser beam that was installed in there, and a couple more upgraded opamps, one in the line stage, the other in the phono section.
Also reinstated the trusty old Technics SL-1700 MK2. I still need to mount the Ortofon 2M Bronze as it has my brother's 2M Blue on it right now. And lastly, I'm using my original Mr Speakers "Mad Dog" planar headphones again.
Great to see the Carver gear again. Brings back fond memories. They were BEASTS back in their day. Fond memories of driving some B&W 801F's with them.
chops
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- #60
Thanks Mike!
If you thought they were beasts back in the day, you should hear them now with updated, modern capacitors, resistors, diodes and opamps in them, not to mention factory mandated fixes, revised circuits, modified circuits and added daughterboards. This gear is now performing to the standards that Bob Carver wanted but couldn't achieve within budget.
This C-1 preamp already outperformed my Parasound Halo P5 which is a major achievement alone. Now with these two new opamps added, it's even better! This preamp only has about 20 hours on it, and about 7 hours on these new opamps. Give it about 300 hours and things should be really good!
If you thought they were beasts back in the day, you should hear them now with updated, modern capacitors, resistors, diodes and opamps in them, not to mention factory mandated fixes, revised circuits, modified circuits and added daughterboards. This gear is now performing to the standards that Bob Carver wanted but couldn't achieve within budget.
This C-1 preamp already outperformed my Parasound Halo P5 which is a major achievement alone. Now with these two new opamps added, it's even better! This preamp only has about 20 hours on it, and about 7 hours on these new opamps. Give it about 300 hours and things should be really good!