Carver Model C-9 Sonic Hologram Generator

[JohnnyBoy83]

With absolutely no idea what exactly this thing was I bought one at the local thrift store. Anyone with any experience with these? Its a weird mix online of being totally impressed or totally not.
I picked it up for 5.99 i think I did alright on a mini gamble i suppose

Opinions? Advice?

 

[benricci]

I've heard this circuitry, but not in a standalone unit, rather built into Carver's C4000 preamp. I thought it was kind of neat, like a trick bit of kit that widens the stereo imaging.

Kinda gimmicky and doesn't work well with all music. Your mileage may vary.

 

[century tek]

Without looking it up, I believe that that is a preamp with cool options. Have you hooked it up yet?

 

[benricci]

Without looking it up, I believe that that is a preamp with cool options. Have you hooked it up yet?

The C9 is not a preamp. It’s just the SH circuitry in a component sized box. Set of inputs and outputs.

 

[century tek]

Ah cool! Thank you for that!

 

[goodolpg]

Can sound ok IF the speakers and the listening seat are perfectly placed according to Carver recommendations.
Some of the effect may be better or worse depending on a particular recording.
The WOW! factor most likely decreases if you move away from that seat.

 

[TWTRTECH]

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[JohnnyBoy83]

Its the strangest thing that I hadnt heard of one and yes its a stand alone like the picture attached. It def makes it sound brighter and im.trying to figure out the speaker placement

 

[JohnnyBoy83]

The wow factor becomes normal if you move away but you can turn it off if you arent sitting in front...also it has an option for wider

 

[jazzmans]

It eliminates cross-talk between speakers, like the polk SDA, only done before the amplifier.

YMMV, as to whether you like it or not. I liked it on some stuff, and disliked it on others.

I wouldn't mind a stand alone sonic hologram unit.

 

[Rey1]

I have one built into my CT-3 preamp. Unfortunately, it's the only thing on the preamp that doesn't work. I always wondered if I was missing something!

 

[goodolpg]

My Carver CT-17 preamp/tuner has it as well.
Haven't used it as my room , furniture, and arrangement don't allow for the optimal placement.

 

[joebeadg]

sonic hologram generator, classic audiophile speak! Carver probably doesn't know what the hell it is either, with a name like that, does it matter??? I would have bought it too! LOL

 

[Lapslah]

I heard this circuitry in a hi-fi shop back in the '80s and it was really cool. In a dedicated room the soundfield filled the whole room and I actually heard things coming from underneath my chair, among other places. I'm sure the "wow factor" is HIGHLY dependent upon setup and room acoustics. If things aren't exactly right, everything would fall apart completely, which is why reviews varied so widely.

 

[JoeESP9]

Back then I tried an Omnisonix 801 and a Carver C-9. Both were quickly relegated to my spares closet. I've also heard the Polk SDS systems. With the right source and proper setup they are impressive. IMO they were better than either "box".