winchester21 Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 My son is putting together a low $$ entry level - 2 ch-system from used components. There have been some Crown 300 and some older - (90s)carver pre amp/ amp combos for sale pretty cheap on e-bay and at some local shops. I have heard that there are some cooling issues and fan noises to be considered with some of these older units. Any in particulatr that should be avoided/reccomended? I have had good luck with newer pre owned power amps for HT applications. This would be for 2 channel - RF3s. Thanks in advance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IndyKlipschFan Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 The Crown 300 was a great workhorse clean amp for years. I have Sunfire equipment but Bob Carvers stuff runs cool to warm at the touch, and is a great match with Klipsch too. Fan noise in either of these?? I doubt it... Bad pots or bent binding posts maybe? Both are still used and enjoyed to this day too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colterphoto1 Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 DC300IIA would be the big hoss to get, there is also DC150A and DC75A which is a current model (used for recording studios a lot). They are quiet with no fans and ballsy as heck. Another nice heavy duty non-fan Crown series is the PS series. I don't know much about the more recent Power Base and others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Par2 Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 I own a Crown DC300 from the 70's that has been a fine piece of equipment. 150 wpc., and built like a tank. No fan, but it doesn't run particularly hot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacksonbart Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 Even the amps with fans will not run, if powering efficient speakers at none deafening volumes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tigerwoodKhorns Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 DC300IIA would be the big hoss to get, there is also DC150A and DC75A which is a current model (used for recording studios a lot). They are quiet with no fans and ballsy as heck. Another nice heavy duty non-fan Crown series is the PS series. I don't know much about the more recent Power Base and others. I have a Crown 75 boxed up and ready to ship if you are interested. Drop me an email. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philipbarrett Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 Watch out for Carvers on the high efficiency Klipsch models. The switching PSU often has a slight rizz that is inaudible on the average Joe's speaker but vey apparent on our beloved babys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colterphoto1 Posted March 27, 2009 Share Posted March 27, 2009 How much power are you looking for? I have a couple of very nice Crown units here that I could probably sell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rplace Posted March 27, 2009 Share Posted March 27, 2009 IMO you cannot go wrong with a Carver TFM series and Klipsch speakers. While I have tubes for 2-channel. I have 4 Carver TFM-25s for my HT and it is clean and quiet. I also had 90s Carver gear with my KG4 and Forte II speakers and it was a great match. Can't comment on the Crown as I have never owned any. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winchester21 Posted March 27, 2009 Author Share Posted March 27, 2009 Crowns??? whatchaa got how much?? Pm me- thanks CV I would say arounfd 150 WPC but all options are open... starving college kid working several jobs (sympathy vote) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winchester21 Posted March 27, 2009 Author Share Posted March 27, 2009 yeah- i am running carver for HT also and it stomps @ss!!!!!!!!!! Going tubes for Ht as well- need counseling Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winchester21 Posted March 27, 2009 Author Share Posted March 27, 2009 I I meant tubes for 2 ch.. not quite that sick..... yet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
artto Posted March 28, 2009 Share Posted March 28, 2009 Even the amps with fans will not run, if powering efficient speakers at none deafening volumes Not true my friend. The Crown PSA2 (the pro version of the SA2 without meters) has a multi-stage fan. The fan runs on low speed, always on when the amp is on. This amp also tends to run hottest at very low power levels where the fan will occassionally step up to a higher speed even at idle in a closed room. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colterphoto1 Posted March 28, 2009 Share Posted March 28, 2009 Microtech fans are always on, Macrotech also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
artto Posted March 28, 2009 Share Posted March 28, 2009 The older Bob Carver stuff like Phase Linear & thereafter were all noisy IMO, and not all that reliable. Reliability was not in the same league as Crown. The old D series Crown stuff is still used to this day, very high reliability. Some people say they sound bright/metalicy/harsh. But the same can be said of Carver, especially the older stuff. The Crown D60 is a niffty little amp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nu2toobs Posted March 28, 2009 Share Posted March 28, 2009 The older Bob Carver stuff like Phase Linear & thereafter were all noisy IMO, and not all that reliable. Reliability was not in the same league as Crown. The old D series Crown stuff is still used to this day, very high reliability. Some people say they sound bright/metalicy/harsh. But the same can be said of Carver, especially the older stuff. The Crown D60 is a niffty little amp. My old Phase Linear 400 was an ear bleeder for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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