I have been a fan of Sunfire gear for many years using the Sunfire TG 3 as my processor and a Sunfire TSEQ 10 subwoofer. I really like the SQ of the Sunfire products ans decided to try biamping my wide channels (or side axis channels as they are called in my Sunfire manual). I didn't want to drop more them $500 for a used Sunfire 5 channel amplifier and my saw a Carver AV 505 5 channel amp rated at 80 watts a channel all channels driven or 125 watts a channel in stereo on Craigslist.
I scored the amp for $130 (less than the cost of one of the power cables in my main rig) and set my expectations accordingly.
First I was surprised by the size of this thing, about 50 pounds and the size of a carry on bag with wheels you take on a plane.
I wanted to evaluate the SQ before dropping it into my main rig so I propped it up on a couple of chairs and connected it to my desktop system driving a pair of JBL 230 speakers. I was expecting the power of a sledge hammer and instead this amp was as delicate as a flower, almost tube like. Music just floated effortlessly from my speakers and when things became more dynamic no strain, no collapse just effortless rendering of the signal. These amps use something called "power steering" so it can direct power to whatever channels need it at the time instead of all channels constantly being driven at the same power. All i can say is that I think that is why this amp presents music so effortlessly, it has a giant reserve to tap whenever it needs it.
I am going to move this amp into my HT rig and now I feel I need to get a Carver 2 channel amp for my desktop (I have been spoiled).
Another nice thing about getting this amp is it has Made in USA stamped on it so no skimping on manufacturing costs.
I highy recommend this amp. If you are adding more speakers for immersive audio height channels and need more amplification check your local Crigslist or E Bay for a used carver amp and use the left over $$$ to buy some other new toys.
I scored the amp for $130 (less than the cost of one of the power cables in my main rig) and set my expectations accordingly.
First I was surprised by the size of this thing, about 50 pounds and the size of a carry on bag with wheels you take on a plane.
I wanted to evaluate the SQ before dropping it into my main rig so I propped it up on a couple of chairs and connected it to my desktop system driving a pair of JBL 230 speakers. I was expecting the power of a sledge hammer and instead this amp was as delicate as a flower, almost tube like. Music just floated effortlessly from my speakers and when things became more dynamic no strain, no collapse just effortless rendering of the signal. These amps use something called "power steering" so it can direct power to whatever channels need it at the time instead of all channels constantly being driven at the same power. All i can say is that I think that is why this amp presents music so effortlessly, it has a giant reserve to tap whenever it needs it.
I am going to move this amp into my HT rig and now I feel I need to get a Carver 2 channel amp for my desktop (I have been spoiled).
Another nice thing about getting this amp is it has Made in USA stamped on it so no skimping on manufacturing costs.
I highy recommend this amp. If you are adding more speakers for immersive audio height channels and need more amplification check your local Crigslist or E Bay for a used carver amp and use the left over $$$ to buy some other new toys.