Carver C-500 Power Amp

[Netfly]

I'm interested in building a second system. Is this one worth taking a shot at repairing?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Carver-C-500-Power-Amplifier-For-Parts-Or-Repair-Only-Not-Working/172813081344?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D41375%26meid%3D30fdcaf5ebc94c96b809efc3700c530a%26pid%3D100033%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D8%26sd%3D172813081344&_trksid=p2045573.c100033.m2042

or would I be better off looking for another PL700? Aside from the output power difference is the PL a better built amp?

Also what do yo think this one in broken, 'as is' condition is worth?

Any thoughts about Carver amps or PL vs Carver appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[THD+N]

The C-500 is a nice amp (I have 2 of them). Build quality of the C-500 is just as good as the PL gear. It is very similar to a PL 400. The C-500 puts out a little more power than the 400 and has 8 outputs (per channel) instead of 6.

If you can get it for a decent price, I would buy it. Unfortunately, your bidding on it instead of a Buy It Now. I try and limit my purchase price to less than $250 if they are not working, but everyone has a different perception of what "too much" is.

However, if you hold out for a 700, your going to pay significantly more for the 700 than a C-500.

 

[Netfly]

Thanks for the info THD+N. I'll keep that bid price in mind.

 

[laatsch55]

How about 500.00 for a decent 700?

 

[Netfly]

laatsch55 maybe, is it a 700seriesII or a 700B? I'll do that for a series II in good shape. I'm not that familiar with the differences with the B.

 

[laatsch55]

I'll post a few pics...

 

[laatsch55]

Only difference in the B and the Series II are the meters...

 

[Netfly]

Have the output transistor been replaced yet? I'm trying to locate an owner's manual to compare them.

 

[laatsch55]

Nope, completely stock...the Series II's used the PL36 board, a B used mostly PL14, or PL020 board. Same circuit design, different layout, same sound...

 

[Netfly]

Here are the specs from the service manuals:
700B:

1-0. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS


POWER OUTPUT: 345 WATTS PER CHANNEL MINIMUM RMS AT 8 OHMS FROM 20-20kHZ WITH NO MORE THAN 0.25% TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION.
TYPICAL THD: 0.01% at rated power into 8 ohms. IM DISTORTION(60Hz:7kHz=4 :1): less than 0.25%
into 8-ohms at rated power .

SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO: greater than lOOdB below rated output.

INPUT IMPEDANCE: lOOk-ohms nominal• reduces to lOk-ohms with input sensitivity controls shorted( fully CW) .

DAMPING FACTOR: 1000:1 @ lkHz

SLEW RATE: greater than 11 volts/microsecond

RISE TIME: less than 1.6 microseconds (small signal) POWER BANDWIDTH: 12Hz-40kHz, +0-ldB
PHASE SHIFT: 0 degrees at 20Hz, lagging 10 degrees at 20kHz.

INPUT SENSITIVITY: l.75v for rated output into 8 ohms.

700 series II:

Seems the specs are a bit different. Some may be how they were rated. Slightly more power, but the S/N, distortion and slew rate all appear better with the Series II. Maybe they used different output transistors? Considering I have a series II already, that's probably what I'd want to go with again, but thanks for the offer.

 

[laatsch55]

Not a problem, looks like ya got er all knowed up Bud, just thought I would throw this out there....in case.....

 

[Netfly]

To compare here are the Carver C500 specs:


Also not as good as the 700 Series II

 

[laatsch55]

Yep, looks like the Series II's were the pinnacle of the design...

 

[Netfly]

I do appreaciate the offer and I'll keep it in mind.

 

[laatsch55]

Amen, like I said Bud, got 12 of the buggers around here.....and not a Series II in the bunch....o-woe-is-me...

 

[Netfly]

S/N is the one spec I usually look for foremost. Distortion too, but S/N means a lot. That lead me to the SAE 2900 pre over the PL and Carver units too.

 

[Netfly]

12!!! WOW I bet when you have a party the whole neighborhood goes dim.

 

[laatsch55]

Well actually I've never even had any of these 12 plugged in. 10 are from Hadley Sound in Boston, old touring amps , and they are trashed, only thing good in them are the transformers and meters. This one was going to be one of my personal WOPL's with a black faceplate and Perry's WOPL 1000 inserts. BUT!!!! Since Joe came out with chassis and faceplates I can build a few of those Handley amps, like I said just seein if ya wanted to start your WOPL project with a looker....

 

[laatsch55]

No PL amp goes on the K's with no DC protect, and after hearing a White Oaked Pl, nothing compares that I've heard, and I've had a few amps here to compare to....

 

[laatsch55]

SNR's on the WOPL's can be as high as 120db....depends on your wire discipline and construction expertise.....



And I've yet to test a PL amp that tested the same...all over the map.

Heck, I've got a PL 400 transformer here that has 108 rail voltage...