Jump to content

Carver C4000 pre-amp features that really work


bracurrie

Recommended Posts

After considering an Apt Holman pre-amp and getting good feedback here, I ran into the Carver C4000 and bit on the Autocorrelator and Peak Unlimiter features.

Those features work well in my opinion and have increased my enjoyment of my R2R listening.  It also helps with records, but it makes good R2R tapes stunning.

One tape that really shines using both gadgets is ELP Tarkus that I bought new and sealed 7 1/2 ips factory prerecorded. It was pretty good without any processing, but with the processing its sonic impact is enhanced by the expander with no "breathing" effects. The Autocorrelator suppresses noise very well while not reducing the sonics of quiet passages.

I have run into a number of 2nd generation protection or safety copies on 2 track 15 ips that were taken from master tapes used in radio stations. (This is unverified.) 

My favorites so far are Genesis - Trick of the Tail and Miles Davis - Kind of Blue

I have ripped to digital both of these using the processing features of the C4000 and made regular ole' CDs to play for my tech on his system. He agrees with my assessment and noticed the lack of the irritation he often gets from playing CDs. 

There are other features of the C4000 such as the infamous Sonic Hologram Generator and time delay with rear speakers driven directly by the pre-amp that I may never explore fully, but I have to wonder how well Bob Carver did implementing those features.  

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you think the Carver processing works well with analog sources you owe it to yourself to try a DBX 3BX-DS Dynamic Range Controller.

That's a good idea. I had some bad results with previous versions of DBX expanders. But I guess this offers the control to get it right and not overprocess.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The Carver Sonic Hologram generator worked fantastically......if you held your head in the right place and kept it there!!!! You also had to set it up right to begin with. 

I have tried it several times while following the instructions. It just doesn't work for me. Could be my speakers or room.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...