Løp og kjøp

maskinisten

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Dette hadde vel vært noe, men de blir neppe billige, det forrige settet på 325W gikk visst for rundt $10000, og disse er jo enorme i forhold.



900w rørblokker på ebay til salgs.
 

Vedlegg

bambadoo

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Direkte linking til annonser er ikke tillatt jfr. regelverket. 1 innlegg er redigert.
 

LMC

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trenger man de, har man feil ht imo
mvh
Leif
 

maskinisten

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bambadoo skrev:
Direkte linking til annonser er ikke tillatt jfr. regelverket. 1 innlegg er redigert.
oops, sorry.. Legger til at selger/konstruktør er Bob Carver, og på eBay er han brukeren ''audioshopper''
Skriv følgende i søkefeltet på eBay: NEW Carver SILVER SEVEN stereo tube monoblock amplifier
 

maskinisten

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Prisen har visst allerede kommet opp i over $10000 nå, noen atyder at prisen vil komme opp i såpass mye som $20000, kanskje ikke rart med tanke på at lakkeringen alene kostet $5000!
Det har vært mange interessante Q og A sessions hver gang noen av disse handlagde rørampene fra Bob Carver har vært aksjonert bort, og denne auksjonen er heller intet unntak.
Her kan vi lese det som er kommet så langt.

Question & Answer

Q: Hi Bob, I have always been a fan of high powered tube amps.Im in the music business and use Marshall tube heads for guitar , I have always wanted to know why tubes always go bad or become weak after time, in your description of your silver seven you say the tubes should last 50 years, how come the other manufacturers cant make tubes in their amps last like that?Thanks for your time.. May-11-11

A: Hi '5201, Now THAT is a great question! I knew someone would ask that. Here's the deal - most musical instrument amplifiers put their output tubes through a lot more stress than an audio output amplifier. I am not a musician,still I have watched musicians play and they are HARD on amps, often using the amp as an extension of their musical instrument. Not only that but the amps idle at a large percentage of the tubes' rating. For example, I own a Mesa Boogie amp,and the 6L6 output tubes idle away at 24 watts each, representing an excellent compromise between longevity, musicality and distortion. The maximum rating on a 6L6 tube is 30 watts. So we see that the tube is idling at 24/30 = 80% of it's maximum allowable dissipation (heat stress). Now, longevity is proportional to the third power of the dissipation. If we compare that dissipation level to those in my amp, we find that the KT120 is rated for 50 watts dissipation, and I idle them at about 11 watts (thanks to the DC restorer), or only 22% of maximum. Finally, the ratio of 80 divided by 22 raised to third power is 48. That means (theoretically) the tubes in my amp will last 48 times longer than the Mesa Boogie tubes. Strictly speaking, for a variety of technical reasons the difference is not quite that severe, but you get the picture, nes 'pa? Great query! Thanks for asking, Bob Carver

Q: NICE, HOW ABOUT THE TRANSFORMERS? ARE YOU USING PIE-TYPE COIL WINDING? ANY SILVER WIRE IN THEM? THANKS! Ronald May-10-11

A: Hi Ron, Yes, this is a full transformer that I wound and received some wire burns from in the process. It's pie wound with six pie segments, and the secondaries are wound with pure silver wire. The primaries are wound with soft copper, oxygen free, and silver coated. I wanted to wind the primaries with solid silver as well, but found I could not handle the thin silver wire without breaking it, so I used the silver coated copper. That actually worked better anyway, for a variety of technical reasons - but that's for a different time. Thanks for writing, Bob Carver

Q: Is this a one off amp, or are they now being produced? May-10-11

A: Hi '99, Since Bob is my name, and amps are my game, I MUST continue macking these amps sometime, somehow. Problem is that there is only me and Tubular Joe building these one at a time. Therefore, sadly for the moment this must remain a one-of-a-kind amplifier. Still, and just the same, it's too beautiful to not build some more. We just cannot do it even in the near future. But someday! We spent way too much time on this amplifier not to have more of them peek their way into the sunshine and into our audiophile hearts and minds. So someday. Great question - thanks for asking, Bob Carver
Q: Hi Bob, Peter here again. Curious, have you ever auditioned your new amplifiers on your amazing ribbons? considering the inefficiencies, how would they perform?? I may want to consider such an amp, seeing that I never had any luck aquiring the original silver sevens. I should state that I am bi amping. Your saying that this amplifier is more than twice as powerful as the original...WOW!! Big fan of your products and designs. May-10-11

A: Ho 'O, I have indeed played my Amazings on these amps. Many times in the past and with my original Silver Sevens - more recently with these new amps, and I for one must say they sound stunning to me. And just for clarity, these amps ARE twice as powerful. Thanks for being my fan - you are helping make my day - and thanks for joining my auction. Bob Carver

Q: Bob -- Would that I had the gelt to buy these -- how beautiful and technologically interesting they are. Any chance you'll ever be putting out a schematice, if not for these then for a similar amp, so I can learn more about the DC Restorer? I'd like to better understand how this circuit works. Always learning... May-10-11

A: Hi xoons, I have put out a schematic several times, but now I have to update it so it's the latest, greatest. My plan is to put it on the Carver forum in the next week or so, so keep checking. I would do it now but I'm sooooo busy right now I just don't have time to sit down and draw a new one. I will in the next few weeks though. keep me posted. Thanks for writing, Bob Carver

Q: Hi Bob, is this actually you?? If so, would you mind giving me the oppotunity to contact you by email or phone regarding the platinum series IV?? I just sent you an email, but i"m not sure i sent it correctly. We met once at the LV CES show several years ago. I just need some info. Hope you can and are willing to help me thank you Peter....my email is creativedesigns@bellnet.ca May-10-11

A: Hi 'fast three again, Well, let's see if it is really me - I'll pinch myself hard, and if it hurts it must really be me. Here goes, ouuuuch, that hurt! Yep, it really is me! bob.sunfire@gmail.com I'll help and we will get your speakers working fine again. Bob Carver

Q: Hi Bob, Are we bidding on a PAIR of amps (Both channels) or is the bid price each? Also, will they work on a 240V/50Hz mains supply? May-10-11

A: Hi 'fast three, Oops, sorry about my poor clarity - we are bidding on a pair of SILVER SEVEN NINE HUNDREDS. A pair is required to make stereo. I just read my auction again and the only place I even remotely make it clear is at the top with the word "each". And even that is not particularly clarifying. Good catch 'fast three. As for 120/240 volt conversion, no sweat. If English idiom sounds goofy (or colloquial English is not your first language), the answer is YES. Bob Carver

Q: Mr Carver, First let me say that your contribution to appreciation of honest sound replication has made my life better!... oh yea! and beer. I own a pair of Seven's, had them about 20yrs now. I have never taken them apart to replace the tubes or for any other reason. having a basic knowledge of tube lifespan I'm aware that the tubes may need to be replaced... there is a slight hum in the system, I was wondering if the problem lies in the tubes, capacitors of possibly something else,is the balancing/biasing a critical part of making the amps honest and could I replace them myself? Even with the hum they sound great I'm a guitar builder and a musician, I've replaced a few tubes in my time and mechanical problems are only a solution away so I my question would be... what whould you reccomend? May-10-11

A: Hi Highnoon, This will be easy to fix - just call me and we can almost certainly fix it over the phone just by talking about it and performing a series of converging experiments that will lead us to a perfect fix. Call me at 425 487 4258 and we will fix it together. It is probably one of the 12BY7's. Does it do it on both channels? Does the hum go away when the volume control is turned down? Does the hum go away if a ground "buster" is used on the AC power-line cord? As an outside chance, though unlikely, it may turn out to be a filter capacitor, weak or stating to dry up. Not to worry, we will get it fixed! Of that there is no doubt. Bob Carver

Q: Hi Bob, Long time no talk. As I own a set of your Cherry 180's can you tell me how Sliver Sevens sound different, from the Cherry 180's. As we talked about at CF10, I changed the KT88's to to the TK120's for 260 wpc Hoping to see you in July I am planing a trip to Vancouver, will see you in Sept at CF11 Brian. Ottawa. Canada. May-10-11

A: Hi Brian, well, the KT120's sound the same as the KT88's provided the bias current is adjusted to be the same. They will sound different if the bias voltage is set the same. Usually if we simply change the tubes without doing anything else, the amp will sound more forward with a tighter focus with the KT120's, and will posses a larger acoustic in a big acoustic space with the KT88's or KT100's. Hope this helps, Brian, oops, I mean Bob Carver

Q: Jumpin' Jehoshaphat, Bob! These babies are a sight to behold!! Looking at the pictures and reading your description, however, cause me to wonder about a couple of minor details. First, you state, "Four output terminals; common ground, one, two, four, eight and sixteen ohms," which seems to me that it is six (6) rather than four output terminals. Am I missing something? Second, these are monoblock amplifiers, yet I see a pair of RCA coaxial connectors on each. Is this supposed to be some kind of variation on a balanced input, using isolated coaxial connectors, or is it something else? Let me also just say that these babies are absolutely bee-you-tee-full! If I had these killers at my place, I wouldn't need any form of external heat source as I'd have these mothers hot and rockin' all the time! Keep these great amps of your a-comin'!!! -joe May-10-11

A: Hi 'amd, If you think they are a sight to behold in the pictures, you should see them in real life - the finish is five miles deep and sparkles like diamonds. As for the output terminals, each one does double duty. The power band is so wide that it almost doesn't matter which tap we use to drive a given speaker because the amp can deliver its rated power, for example, into four or eight ohms on the same output transformer tap. This means that the power into an eight ohm resistor will be the same regardless of whether it's hooked to the four or eight ohm tap. Consequently, the taps are, in order, one to two ohms, two to four ohms, four to eight ohms or sixteen ohms. Now my head is spinning. The RCA input jacks accept either a DC "lab direct" signal or an AC "normal" (capacitor coupled) signal just to be on the safe side when a real-world preamp is used. Good eyes Captain! Bob Carver

Q: Wow!! $5,000 dollars just for the paint on this amplifiers? May-10-11

A: Hi'ses, I know, I know! Here's what happened - I knew I wanted a paint job even better than even the most powerful minor god could apply, so I went over to "Killer Paints", looked around their shop, and saw a beautiful motorcycle. I pointed my trigger finger and said' "I want my color just like that!" It reminded me of my first car. I said "Give me the best paint job you have." I new it would be expensive, but not just HOW expensive, and I did not ask how much it would cost. Was I in for a surprise! It took about five weeks, and from time-to-time I would go to the paint shop and view the progress. I gotta say it was gorgeous! Try 18 layers of hand rubbed cellulose acetate nitrate lacquer, followed by six coats of clear-coat, each hand polished between coats. Each chassis took many days to finalize. I was to the point of being afraid to ask how much, and really was starting to get nervous. I kept my silence and when I picked up the chassisum (plural of chassis?)I was amazed and overjoyed! I knew I was in the presence of greatness! Also sticker shock. In the end, I was happy. The pictures here do not do justice to the real, live paint finish. The real amps looks way more stunning than my pictures do - don't know why exactly - they just do. Bob Carver

Q: Hey Bob... The new amps are stunning, and the point-to-point work is nothing short of stellar. These look to have more tubes in them than the original Silver 7's did. It would appear that these have more in common with the incredibly rare Silver 9's (two or three pairs I believe)... Do you have plans on building more of these amps, as you have done with the "Cherry" series, or will these be a one time deal here on Ebay? I would love to have these, but with a move coming up, the finances are not there at the moment. May-10-11

A: Hi John, What sharp eyes you have! These new amps DO have more tubes than the original 'Sevens. And, and otherwise they are substantially different (from the '9's) - about double the power - plus they have a current feedback loop that the originals did not have, allowing them to "listen" to the room more and generate a bigger acoustic space, my DC restorer which allows the output tubes to run cool, deliver lots of power with lower distortion (not that it needed lower distortion), as well as my latest thinking regarding power amp design. As far as building more, it will be a long, long, time. The paint itself was done by "Killer Paints", a shop specializing in exotic motorcycle and car painting;the paint alone for the four chassis cost $5,000! I went nuts. Not only that, but Tubular Joe labored over these amplifiers like like non other and the effort truly exhausted him. Oh well, the future lies ahead - we'll see. Beyond that, I cannot say, so I'm not saying. Hope this helps, Bob Carver

Q: Bob, You gotta stop listing all these beautiful amps. Everytime you list one it takes me hours to clean up the drool. That is sweet!!!!! May-10-11

A: Hi'6501, No way, Bob's my name, amps are my game. Bob Carver
 

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Poster det foreløpig siste fra Q & A sessionen angående auksjonen, prisen er kommet opp i over $20000 nå, og med enda over 5 dager igjen kan det jo sluttsummen bli ganske heftig.


Q: Bob, I have never listened to a tube type amp. I am currently listening to the original Fleetwood Mac(Peter Green) through a set of Maggie 1.7's driven by one of your Carver 760x amps. What would you say that I would gain. I know that is a very broad question, but they are both your amps so am hoping that you will take a shot at it. By the way , thank you for all the enjoyment that you have brought to our ears. May-13-11

A: Hi again '99, I can imagine that Fleetwood Mac, Maggies, and my amp would give lots of enjoyment - that's for certain. I'm a child of the 70's and Fleetwood Mac was a favorite of all my friends in undergraduate school. As for what you would gain, all I can do is try and describe an experience using mere words. It's hard to do, especially since I'm not a poet - I wish I were. But I'll try - here goes. The sound stage would be larger, with imaging (inside that soundstage) enveloping you with almost a magical acoustic. It will sound more delicious, more real, more realistic, more enchanting, you will be able to play it substantially louder but it won't seem louder, just more visceral, and will be able to give you even bigger goosebumps when you turn the lights out and allow yourself to float away. There is nothing, I mean nothing like a tube amp!

Q: Dear Mr. Carver, As I type, I am admiring the look of our vintage Silver Seven t amps, each sitting quietly at the base of KEF 107 speakers. A design detail (of many!) that allows these bespoke s.s. amps to feel special is the ghost-like "Carver Silver Seven t" (etc.) markings that only really become visible in close proximity. There is something very powerful and indeed tasteful about being understated. My point: I completely agree with your decision to keep things aesthetically "uncomplicated" with the stunning new Sevens. Your signature and nothing else should adorn them. Why clutter perfection! Ahwooga! Marc + Maria + beagles Vancouver Canuckland, BC PS Looking ahead, sure hope the economics support building more Silver Sevens if your busy schedule permits. I suspect that there is/will be considerable demand even if they end up selling for some crazy record amount. May-13-11

A: Hi guys, After more thought, I concur!

Q: Dear Bob, this is awesome, just the thing I need for cold winter nights... It reminds me of Philadelphia Experiment. If I buy it I promise to not treat the tubes in the same barbaric way... even if we cannot close the hyperspace door. :) So what is the bandwidth and the power consumption on these beauties? I would like to see the schematic also when you post it. Thank you! Cicel May-13-11

A: Hi Cicel, This amp actually runs cool as a cucumber. The tubes idle at only nine watts plate dissipation - we can touch them without getting burned. Though I have to say it would be uncomfortable, and it would not be wise to grab them for an extended time. Here are the most important specifications: Power into one, two, four, or eight ohms is 900 watts. power bandwidth extends from 18 Hz to 24 Hz. Frequency response is from 2 Hz to 100 kHz. The signal-to-noise ratio is minus (-) 120 dB A weighted, referred to 900 watts. Idle power = 882 watts, and the total input power at full output = 3120 watts. Here's the good news: a standard 15 ampere wall-outlet will work just fine because music or voice has maximum power requirements that are about five time more than the average requirements. This means that if we play the amplifier at full-tilt-boogie maximum, right up to the point where it would start to overload, the power from the wall outlet would be be about one fifth the maximum, plus half the total idle power. The grand total is approximately 1,153 divided by five, times two, plus 506 watts plus a fudge factor = 1,100 watts. A walk in the park! Hummm, bench testing would be a different matter though. Still, and just the same, even on the bench we would probably test one amp at a time. Hope I did not put you to sleep. If you're still awake, read on ..... Good question! Bob Carver

Q: Bob, if ever there was an amp worthy of your autograph, certainly it would be this one. No model name, no model number, just your signature,.....'nuff said. BTW, been a fan since 1984 when I bought my first piece of stereo equipment-the original Carver Receiver. I drove an hour and a half to the nearest dealer and fell in love with it the moment I saw it. Is it OK to say that in public? May you live long and prosper! May-13-11

A: Hi '6, "...live long and prosper", I like the sound of that! All is well and all is okay. I feel honored that you drove so far to get a Carver Receiver - I cannot help but wonder if it still works - does it? When I first started building these amps it felt funny not to have a name or a logo embossed on the escutcheon, and it took some effort to resist putting SOMETHING on. But I could not think of a cool name, so I gave up and let 'er rip with just a signature and a happy greeting. Thanks again Man, Bob Carver

Q: Doggone it Mr. Carver everytime we think you're tired of doing great things you do something beautiful. God Bless you. Peace. May-13-11

A: Hi again '1949, Thanks for you wonderful Hi-Five! Now I feel I'm floating on air. If you look closely as I walk, peering under my long black robe, you will see my feet are actually about three inches off the ground and I'm floating along. Very spooky, but fun. Thanks again, Bob Carver

Q: Hi Mr. Carver, I could never afford to own these or probably even rent the set for a week, however I do love vacuum tube audio. I currently use a restored Heathkit AA121 and a CJ PV-3. I work in Everett and would love to drop by and see / hear these masterpieces. Any chance? Thanks! Ethan May-13-11

A: Hi 'ii, Wow! You do live right around the corner. I do have lots of listening sessions with friends and colleagues - send me you e-mail address and you are invited. You will need to bring your AA121 and your CJ. Those are the rules. Best wishes, Bob Carver

Q: Hello Bob!!! Thanks again for signing my Sunfire Classic tube preamp.My question is will older Silver Sevens be able to be up graded into Silver Seven 900's? Thanks again you're MY hero!!!! May-13-11

A: Hi 44', What do you think - Bob's still my name and amps are still my game - of course they can be upgraded to a Silver Seven Nine Hundred. I have to warn you though, it's a big, big deal. New output transformers, two new power transformers, new KT120's, and somehow I would have to find a place to install five more output tubes. In other words, basically a whole new amplifier. That being said, it would be possible and practical to do it all, but refrain from installing the extra tubes (no room on the chassis really). With the additional circuit up-dated, with new tubes and transformers we would get about 750 watts per channel. Almost double the original 'Seven. The biggest problem I see is that it would sound funny - not the amplifier - but uttering its name: Silver Seven Seven Hundred Fifty. Ughh! However, perhaps we could reduce the power and call it the Silver Seven Seven Hundred - nope -too many "sevens". clearly it would need a new name. Silver Seven Hundred? I give up. The circuit's easy, the name's the hard part. See what you have done? Just kidding, warmest and best! Bob Carver

Q: Bi Bob! You seem so proud and passionate about these amplifiers and you obviously went all out to build them - I still can't believe the super paint job you decided to put on them, and if that's just the outside, I can only imagine what you put INSIDE of them! It clearly shows that they're your flagship amplifier! Just knowing that you designed the whole thing and that you actually build part of them with your own two hands, it's amazing! I wish I won the lottery to be able to bid on them, they're an instant classic, a collector's item, heck, they're more like an ultra-high-end-audio museum's main attraction!! I'm sure they will be the pride and joy of the lucky winner of this auction. I'm green with envy already! Since you're so passionate about these amps, I would think you really invest a lot of your time listening to them to make them sound perfect, what's the process you do to fine-tune and "voice" them? May-13-11

A: Hi seses, Thanks for your encouraging comments, and it's true I'm very passionate about my amplifiers - I hope you are right and that they indeed will become classics. That would be nice. As for the process associated with fine tuning - I'm not saying.

Q: Hey Bob. Boy these things are beautiful ! Do they happen to come with OO AWG a Stinger and Grounding Clamp ? LOL. On the serious side, would you consider these babies to be your Magnum Opus or do you have even greater plans for the future ? May-11-11

A: Hi '16dc, Well, these amps have been a lifetime in the making - I'm looking at the original super power tube amp I built while in college long, long ago. It's covered in dust and the paint (Red Burgundy) is chipped and marred - and it has not worked for years - I don't remember why not - probably because I could not stop working on it and wore the poor amp out. It sports vintage Tung-Sol 6550's. Only 12 of them, but what the heck, it was a start long ago. I honestly do not know what the future holds, so these ARE my Magnum Opus. At least for the here and now. As for the future, we will see. Thanks for joining my auction and for making me think, Bob Carver

Q: Are you will to provide the schematics so I could build these on my own? Also, if I was to build these on my own would you be willing to build the transformers I need for the amps? Thank you. May-11-11

A: Hi '318, I would be happy to provide the schematics. Later this week or next I will have updated ones posted on the Carver forum. As for the transformers, that is more difficult as it takes me forever to wind one. I'm soooo slow with a winder and I can't even stack 'em without making at least one error - I catch it of course or it would not work at all. Still, it is a long, long, labor of love to make a transformer. I'm thinking about teaching my laboratory assistant how to wind them, freeing my time up, or finally finding a commercial transformer house to make me some (for less than an arm and a leg). Stay tuned and please contact me later this year - I plan to have a solution for the transformers by then. I don't exactly know how right now, but I will by then. There's almost nothing more fun than building tube amps, so go for it with all the gusto you can find! Bob Carver

Q: hi bob this amp is incredible WOW! awesome keep upping the ante. I was wondering if you could make me an amp using 6973 tubes ..these tubes are very sweet .mostly find in old juke boxes .But im interested in more power as these only produce 12watts a piece .Looking to get monon blocks with these tubes but 50 - 100 watts a side .Your design seems to work can we do this with the 6973 tubes ..they are very impressive tubes and deserve to be used thank you bill.Ps its been noted that these tubes out perform the el 84 May-11-11

A: Hi '839, I guess I have been "upping the ante" so to speak. Oh well, I'll say it again - Bob's my name, and amps are my game. I can't help it! But honestly, I cannot think of ANY way to up the ante again after this almost unimaginable effort! 6973 tubes represent the last and the zenith of tube development in sensitivity and power response. They are remarkable tubes, and if you have some, they deserve to be used in a lovingly built amp. I don't have the time to build one for you, as fun a project it would be, but you are welcome to use my circuit and build one yourself. It would really work and sound wonderful. A ctually it would sound awesome! Happy building! Bob Carver

Q: Dear Mr. Carver: What a surprising and thrilling turn of events - we didn't see this one coming at all! You wonderful sneak! Well, we ADORE the new look of your all new Silver Seven masterpiece. Fingers, paws, and even wagging tails crossed that this auction is a big success. Kind regards, Marc + Maria + beagles Vancouver, BC CANADA, eh. May-11-11

A: Hi M&M, Bee too, what a treat to get your sweet missive. It made me smile. Warmest and all my best to all, Bob Carver
 

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16 timer og 40 minutter igjen av auksjonen nå, prisen har kommet opp i $31800 nå.
Her er det siste fra Q&A

Q: I'm a fan dispite not having any of your equipment to speak of. (still hoping to be gifted a TFM-35,45,55 or 75... ok, dream ) I follow this forum and thought you would find this interesting or at the most, jump in the fray. Whoever wins these units will be blessed. Glad to see you are alive and well. http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/amp/messages/16/165382.html May-18-11

A: Hi 'man, I am glad to be alive and well! Thank you for taking the time and for your audio passion. Bob Carver

Q: HELLO BOB, FIRST OF ALL I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE GIVEN TO THE AUDIO WORLD! YOU HAVE AN INTENSE AND LOYAL GROUP OF AUDIOPHILES THAT HAVE BEEN "BLESSED" WITH YOUR WISDOM AND INTELLIGENCE AND GREAT DESIGNS FOR ALL THESE YEARS. YOUR PICS SHOW YOU LOOKING HAPPY HEALTHY AND GRAND!!! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK STAY HEALTHY AND GOD BLESS. MY BEST WISHES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.............. May-18-11

A: Hi 'Huskys, Thank you - you have truly helped make my day. I hope I can continue doing the same for you forever. Best wishes and warmest regards, Bob Carver

Q: Dear Bob, I see it has 2 x RCA input on each monoblock / channel. Why 2? Are they balanced input (1 for + and the other for -)? Thanks! May-18-11

A: Hi '30 again, Nope, one is for direct (DC coupled) in, the other is an AC coupled input. The AC coupled input has as its low frequency cut-off 5 Hz. Hope this helps, Bob Carver

Q: Hi Bob long time fan here! How often do you put one of these out and do you always sell them on Ebay? May-18-11

A: Hi '3135, It seems about one per month on average. It's not many, but then they are built one at a time on a kitchen table by me and Tubular Joe. Good question, Bob Carver

Q: There is something puzzling me (among many), why are you selling them? If this amp is your magnum opus, why not keep them and enjoy the music for years to come? By definition, you can't have something better than these at home and if you sell them, you are settling for second best at home. I'm confused.... May-18-11

A: It all started when I was in the first grade with my 'Dick and Jane' reader. Dick was selling his toys on the sidewalk. He looked like he was having so much fun selling his toys, one of which was a small amplifier, that I became enamored with selling and still am to this day. While it's true these amps are, as you say, my "magnum opus," I can easily make another pair, so selling these is not a problem for me, but NOT putting them out there would deprive the lucky winner of a sonic experience they could never enjoy otherwise. The satisfaction for me in building amps like these ultimately rests in the knowledge that someone else will enjoy them as well. Hope this helps put together that puzzle. Warmest and best, Bob Carver

Q: Dear Bob, These are certainly amazing, but far beyond what my system requires. Any chance you will have either a pair of +/-200 wpc (rms @ 4ohm) tube monoblock amps (or a single stereo amp of same power) soon? Any chance of an integrated tube amp or tube preamp soon? I just need to drive some maggie 3.7's in a medium size living room. Thank you. May-18-11

A: Hi 'fin, Stay tuned for a 180 watt (clips at over 200 watts) cherry monoblock that I will be listing in the future. Someone once said "Good things are worth waiting for," but I don't remember who. As far as anything beyond that, I'm not saying. Thanks for joining my auction, Bob Carver

Q: I'm interested in this monoblock, however, do you offer 230V version? May-18-11

A: Hi '30, As I mentioned earlier, this amp has every de-lux feature known to man, woman, and all minor gods, so of course it has the feature of being 230 volt ready. All it takes is to select the primary voltage from several available on the split primary winding of the power transformer. An easy task for any technician who works on amplifiers. Or I can do it for your country's voltage if you wish. Hope this helps, Thanks for writing. Bob Carver

Q: Hi Bob. You stated that you "wanted a paint job even better than even the most powerful minor god could apply." It seems that EVERYTHING about this pair of amplifiers could be viewed in the same light. Just when I was beginning to think that amplifier designs, in general, had begun to go stale, you come up with these, blowing both me and my misconceptions away! You've mentioned the DC restorer, the output transformers, and certainly, the gargantuan output power these units produce. Are there any other engineering wonders lurking within the chassis that perhaps you've overlooked (not that they're required to make my ears already lust with desire!). I would love to own these, but frankly, they are too rich for my purse. But the sheer existence of units like these tells me that you are still a beacon of innovation in the world of 2 channel stereo and gives promise of still more to come. Keep it up, Bob! May-17-11

A: Profound silence..........more profound silence....Wow. It's true I wanted this amplifier to be remarkable. Here's what I did, at least at a conceptual level. I used dual KT120 power tubes for the output tube screen regulators, I designed it to be fully balanced from the output of the class A front-end stage with low voltage regulators and huge filter capacitors for enormous energy storage - way more than is absolutely needed. The power supply topology is a classic pie-filter with an inductor for absolutely perfect smoothing. I used the best high-frequency video pentodes that money can buy. The output stage is pure pentode using very high voltage and regulated screens. The regulator error amplifier is comprised of a dual 12BH7 which is capable of holding the screen voltage to within 0.05% of my target design voltage. Believe it or not, it's true! It took me so many tries to get the output transformer right I don't even want to think about it. I had sweat falling from my brow with the effort. The power transformer was easy, as big and as huge as it was, but the output transformer was so hard for me I wanted to give up, certainly when I found I could not make nature yield for me (for a great transformer). And now I'm glad I didn't. Then there is the DC restorer, a really cool circuit that allows some true magic to happen with the output stage. Of course it's not really magic , but we can think of it that way. More fun! I could go on and on, but you get the picture, nes 'pa? I don't want to put you to sleep, still, I may have already - please stay awake and bid! Bob Carver

Q: Hi Bob! Long time Carver/Sunfire owner here from NC! (C-2,C-1,M-400t,M1.0t's(2), A-760x,A-753x,A-200,TX-1-11 (2)Sunfire Sig. Stereo and Cinema Grand Sig. and the list goes on...)And I have a quick question about your (and indirectly, my Sunfires) Silver Seven 900w beauties. First and foremost: I love the sound of my Sunfires and I've always assumed that you voiced them from your original Silver Seven design. Would my SF's compare favorably within their power bandwidths in sound? Also (and most importantly) my Cinema Grand makes a "whirp" sound when the AC is cut from it and I've always thought this meant that there was a minimum of protection from the outputs to the speakers. Do these amps make a similar sound during power down and if so, does it mean anything other than the speakers are seeing the output straight from the taps with no protection gizmos. Thanks and sincerest best regards! Rick May-17-11

A: Hi 'chops, At the time of its (the Sunfire) design, I did not have a Silver Seven to directly compare it to, so I did it by memory. Later, when it was in production, I found my original pre-production version of the 'Seven, and guess what? I got it right even by memory. But I cheated - I also had a Mesa Baron tube amp that I DID use to help me along. The "whip" sound is nothing to worry about - just ignore it if it's not too loud. Has nothing to do with protection, rather it's a timing problem with the mute circuit not muting fast enough on power-down. It is totally benign and innocuous. As for these amps, tube amps designed with thermionic valves have no need for muting circuits, and no, they don't do it. Good questions. Thanks for writing, Bob Carver

Q: Bob, will these Amps drive my Original Quad ESL Speakers ? (Joke ! - they would MELT THEM DOWN !!!) Still, AWESOME AMPS !!! JimD, BAS ... May-16-11

A: Hi '1957, You bet they will drive your original Quads - right to the Pearly Gates after a total meltdown. Actually, with a voltage limiter installed (an easy task) they would give awesome sound. No doubt about it! And with safety too. Bob Carver

Q: Hi Bob, I contacted you a couple of months ago about a good friend of mine by the name of David Derda. He actually bought a pair of your original Silver Seven amps directly from you and has them to this day. His pair includes the stand as well. I shared with him that you had come out with a new version of the amp and he was quite intrigued. Im not sure if you ever contacted him or even remember him from way back when but Im sure he appreciate the opportunity to talk sometime as we was interested in your use of the KT tube. His number is 269.683.6332. Great looking amps by the way. I think youre a very interesting man and I could only dream to work under someone like you. I appreciate all the work youve done over the years for this industry. Regards, Lucas May-15-11

A: Hi Lucas, Wow! That was indeed a long, long, time ago. I wish I could remember, but I cannot. Thanks for the hi-five and for your thoughtful missive. Means a lot to me. After I get myself organized, I'll give David a call next week or so. It will be fun! Thanks again! Bob Carver

Q: I was wondering what the ac voltage and current for each mono block amp is. would I need to contact my power company for a nuclear reactor to run these,just kidding.Will they run on a standard 115vac 15 amp wall socket? May-15-11

A: Hi 'noo, Yes, they will operate just fine from a 15 amp wall socket. A 15 amp wall socket at 120 volts can deliver 1800 watts, and the amplifier draws less than that when operated at maximum output (just at clipping and full-tilt-boogie) using speech or music. Read on down through the Q&A's for a more complete discussion of this issue. I remember answering it several days ago, so I know it is here. Thanks for writing, great question, and an important one! Bob Carver

Q: Hi Bob: I've been a fan of your amplifier designs for almost 30 years and am glad to have a chance to communicate directly with you. Although the amp you have for sale on EBay is clearly beyond my means, I'd just thought I'd let you know that my first amp incorporating one of your designs was a Yamaha A-960 which I acquired in 1981. This amp stood up well for many years until I decided I needed more power and bought a used M 1.01. Compared to other amps I've owned, I was struck at how open and airy it sounded. This led me to my latest purchase - a Sunfire TGR-3, which I purchased a year ago, and which I absolutely love. Since it was being discontinued, I got a bit of break off the $5,000 msrp, although the price is by far the most I've ever spent on an audio component. Could I ask you a question? Is it better for the unit if I leave the Sunfire on constantly, rather than turn it off and then on again, when I want to use it? Thanks. May-15-11

A: Hi'gng, It almost does not matter weather you leave it on or turn it off. My Mother taught me to always turn electrical things off when not in use, and I have pretty much followed her advise. If you leave it on, you won't have to bother with turning it on when you are ready to make music. On the other hand, if you turn it off, you save the idle power which is about the same as a small light bulb. All in all, I say turn it off. Hope this helps - wish I could have been more emphatic. I cannot remember what I wrote about it all in the manual. If you have a manual, see what it says. If you don't, see if you can find one on-line from an after-market manual seller. Bob Carver

Q: Hi bob your amps are a sight to behold. a tru showpiece to all kinds of freinds. if youll allow me to be honest. how much better sounding are these behemoths better than your recently hand made and solid monoblock monsters. with power these are superior. vince May-14-11

A: Hi Vince, Thanks Man, I think they are a sight to behold too. We formed the chassis corners round, then followed with fine "wet or dry" sandpaper followed by lots of beautiful "Killer Paints" paint. As for the difference in sound between these amps and my Black Beauty amps, I'm not saying. They are both great, and like our children, each with a different personality, we love them both. We cannot say which is best. I don't think I answered your question though, but I truly did my best. Bob Carver

Q: Hi, Bob. What a captivating story. I had always wished I could own a set of Silver Sevens from its initial incarnation years ago. Alas, I am your average middle-class person who can only dream of owning something like this or the originals. It would be an absolute delight if you can design a delicious tube amp that someone like me can afford and treasure... May-14-11

A: Hi cice-joe', I'm glad you liked the history - it was FUN for me to remember it all and write it down. As for the delicious tube amp, someday. I'm working on it. Promise. Bob
 

rama

biskopen av holmlia
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jeg synes de er nette og fine, jeg.
er jo ikke noe større enn 8watts-blokkene til lmc...

legger inn et maksbud på 40.000 usd og stikker og legger meg, tenker jeg.
får se imorra om jeg har vunnet.
 
V

vredensgnag

Gjest
Canales skrev:
jeg synes de er nette og fine, jeg.
er jo ikke noe større enn 8watts-blokkene til lmc...

legger inn et maksbud på 40.000 usd og stikker og legger meg, tenker jeg.
får se imorra om jeg har vunnet.
Gratulerer, Canales! Du ble ikke snipet.
Noe å våkne opp til, denne nyheten.
 

Vedlegg

maskinisten

Hi-Fi entusiast
Ble medlem
09.02.2008
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Sted
Meløy, den stille fjærding
Audiophile-Arve skrev:
Kunne vore veldig interessant å prøve, dei greiene der. Sikkert kraftige nok, og eg hadde hatt det veldig moro heilt fram til rørskift vart nødvendig....
Bob Carver har bygd denne og flere andre rørforsterkere på en slik måte at rørene vil vare langt utover det som er normalt, bortimot 50 år ved 'normal' bruk.
Disse forsterkerne avgir også veldig lite varme som en følge av konstruksjonen.
I tillegg vil han reparere forsterkeren, og eventuellt skifte rørene gratis om det skulle skje noe med dem så lenge han lever, det kaller jeg garanti.. 8)
Uansett, prisen ble litt i stiveste laget for min del, prisen i seg selv er det muligens ikke noe å si på, de originale Silver Seven som disse er videreutviklet fra (har vel egentlig ikke mye annet en utseendet til felles) de kostet vel rundt $17500 i sin tid, de var vel de dyreste rørforsterkerne som fantes da.
 

rama

biskopen av holmlia
Ble medlem
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Torget vurderinger
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vredensgnag skrev:
Canales skrev:
jeg synes de er nette og fine, jeg.
er jo ikke noe større enn 8watts-blokkene til lmc...

legger inn et maksbud på 40.000 usd og stikker og legger meg, tenker jeg.
får se imorra om jeg har vunnet.
Gratulerer, Canales! Du ble ikke snipet.
Noe å våkne opp til, denne nyheten.

herlig.
paypaloverføring unnagjort.
nå gjelder det bare å skaffe seg et par apogee scintilla eller noe sånt.
79db1w og dipping ned til 1ohm er hva jeg trenger.

fleip til side - det finnes flere veier til rom.
tviler ikke på at disse blokkene låter avsindig rått koblet opp mot rette høyttalere.
 
Topp Bunn