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Carver TFM amplifier owners -- what preamp are you using?

myu701

myu701

Vintage futurist
I've got a TFM-35x amplifier and it's currently mated to an ADCOM GFP-565 preamp. I'm finding it to be a very nice combination, but I haven't tried any other preamps so I've no basis of comparison.

If you've got a TFM series amp, please post about it and what preamps you've used with it (indicate which ones you preferred). Thanks!
 
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I'm using an Echowars restored marantz 3600 with my tfm 45. I'm very happy with this combination.
Your Adcom is no slouch and that should mate up quite well with your tfm 35 I'm betting.
 
I recently had a TFM-25 matched with a Pioneer Spec 1 preamp and sounded very good with no harshness playing through JBL 4312s. I then rotated in my B&K ST140 and found it had a bit less power but sounded even better. The guy who got the Carver from me is now running it through a Yammy preamp to Thiels and reported it sounds good also with that preamp.
 
I'm using a Pioneer C-90 with a pair of TFM-24's bridged into Carver Amazings(Silver)
 
Used a Carver C-1 for awhile with my TFM-22 but found it a little harsh with my RF-5s and Heresy IIs so now the TFM is powering my LF and a Marantz 1152DC is pulling pre and HF duty. The TFM really tightened up the bass in the Klipsch's compared to the Marantz.
 
I'm using a Carver CT-17 preamp with my TFM-55 and it works and sounds just fine. No, it's not one of the upper end units like the C-16, C-19, etc but I am happy with the sound. I like the remote control part of it and the way they look together, personally. There's also a Carver TL-3300 single disc CD player, a SD/A-360 5-disc changer and a Denon DCM-560 changer in that stack. I use a Carver CT-7 with my M-1.0t in another system. Again...remote control...me likey.
 
motorstereo said:
Your Adcom is no slouch and that should mate up quite well with your tfm 35 I'm betting.
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Yes indeed! It's very transparent, which I guess is what it's really meant to do. I just wish it had a remote... when I'm listening to digital music, songs have mixed levels and minor adjustments are sometimes needed.

The TFM-45 is no slouch either, and I'm sure sounds impeccable with the Marantz preamp.

Avguytx, I've got a CT-17 coming my way. Got a very good price on it... very interested to see how it stacks up to the ADCOM. I know one or two people on AK are compelled to knock it down as lifeless any chance they get, but I have to wonder if there's a particular context influencing it... and I know some Carver models had mixed quality results.
 
Well, got the CT-17. Very nice unit, a bit more capable than I had expected. You can really use this for basic HT (5.1), or just plain old 2-channel.

I compared it to my ADCOM GFP-565, essentially an A/B with same CD, CDP, and speakers. And the CT-17 is more than adequate. But... I'd have to say that there's just a bit more "realism" to the ADCOM. I ran this track from Andreas Vollenweider's Cosmopoly that starts out with some rich, colorful vocal intonations. And although the CT-17 articulated the singer well, the GFP-565 made it feel like the guy was in the room.

Otherwise, the CT-17 is chocked with features. It can take a bass anemic recording and fill out the lower frequencies quite well, when using some of the dimension options. The "holography" effect sounds a little peculiar in 2-channel. I'm curious if a 5.1 setup would allow it to work some interesting audio magic. Also, having a remote is just so darned convenient. The tuner is alright... not quite as good as my Sansui or HK, but is certainly doable for casual listening. Overall, first impression is pretty good. I'll have to give it some more time to see if it's a keeper. :)
 
I'm running a Rotel RC-995 pre with my TFM-25. I am realy liking the way this combo sounds using the onboard phono preamp in the Rotel.
 
Running a Carver C-19 to two TFM-45's. The TFM-45's drive biamped Acoustic Research AR9's. Wonderful sounding!

John
 
Carver C-1 for the past 28 years. No problems ever! Have tried a few other pre-amps but like the C-1 the best with the speakers I have.
 
Used Adcom unit for years (wonderful bass), Later purchased an Outlaw RR1250 and used the preamp outs to my TFM-15 (owned for >20 yrs). Currently totally in love with my Little Dot Mk III tube amp used as a preamp. The bass could be tighter, but the mids and highs are to die for.
 
I use a Carver CT-27v in my office system. Very neutral (unless using Sonic Holography) and quiet. The tuner section is very good. Only drawback is due to it's 1990's design is support for MM only.
 
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