CARVIN POWER AMPS...OPINIONS??

[bclark812008]

Hey guys!

I recently just purchased a QSC RMX1450 power amp and I like most everything about it except the fact that it is an awkward 40 lbs. The weight is a bit of an issue, but the poor weight distribution is the major concern. It's just really awkward to carry even in a rack case!

I see QSC makes a light weight power amp for around $700-800. But, I stumbled across some Carvin Power amps that are equally as light and powerful but half the price!

So my question...Are Carvin amps good quality?? I have owned/played a few of their basses and they are really good quality for the money. Are the Power amps the same quality??

I greatly appreciate you input!

Brad

[lowendblues]

Carvin power amps are quite good. Do a seach and you'll find lots of reviews.

[basswave]

I used to use a Carvin DCM1500 as part of my bass rig for years and not its part of my PA and I have never had an issue.

Its solid, loud and very, very neutral.

[bclark812008]

Originally Posted by lowendblues

Carvin power amps are quite good. Do a seach and you'll find lots of reviews.

Thanks! I saw a few on here and a bunch on Carvin's site. I don't usually trust reviews on company website's too much because who knows who's actually writing them!

I'm trying to get impressions of new owners about the current quality and players who are currently using them in their rigs to give their impressions overall.

[bclark812008]

Originally Posted by basswave

I used to use a Carvin DCM1500 as part of my bass rig for years and not its part of my PA and I have never had an issue.

Its solid, loud and very, very neutral.

Thanks! That is exactly the model I am looking at too!

I wonder why I see crown and QSC? From what I've read/seen, Carvin amps are just as nice and a lot less expensive than the other light weight amps!

[NKBassman]

I had a DCM1000 for a few years that treated me quite well.

[BassmanPaul]

I use the DCM1000L in my main rig. I can detect no difference in sound or "feel" between it and the heavy power amp it replaced.

[Verminaard]

I use a DCM2000 and love it. Would like the L version, and a TS100 to boot.

Carvin.com : TS100 100W TUBE POWER AMP

[kb9wyz]

I love Carvin's amplifiers, all around. Not met one I didn't like.

[Datsgor]

I use a DCM 1000 currently. It has worked well for years and years...it's even been dropped a few times. Heavy though. Solid.

[JackTheRipper]

I use a DCM3000L in my bass rack and a DCM3000L and DCM2000L in my PA rack and they have been rock solid.

--jack

[Count Bassie]

Resurrection time!... anyone ever use a Carvin TS100 power amp? I just picked up a JBL Cabaret B4625 cab with an E-140 driver, and I've got an old Ampeg SVP-Pro preamp sitting around for a front-end. I thought a nice tube power amp might be the way to go with this idea, and the 100 watts will be fine for this use, I think; I'm not looking to beat the driver up, it'll be a nice small-gig rig. I found the Carvin locally, wrote the guy, am waiting to hear back.

I offered up, possibly, my GK 800RB in trade, + cash on his end. Don't think he'll go for it, but it doesn't hurt to ask!

Anyway I'd be interested to hear of any experiences with this amp. I looked at a guitar player's gear site, and it gets 'ok' reviews... good really, but not necessarily stellar. But maybe there are different qualifiers for this kind of thing over on that side of the fence.

[Quackhead]

There are some skeptics out there I'm sure, but I've owned two Carvins, an older DCM1000 and a newer HD1500. Both were solidly built, great sounding amps.

[SolarMan]

I remember Green Boy recommending the Carvin BX1500 as a great amp to power his design.

[Count Bassie]

Originally Posted by Quackhead

There are some skeptics out there I'm sure, but I've owned two Carvins, an older DCM1000 and a newer HD1500. Both were solidly built, great sounding amps.

Originally Posted by SolarMan

I remember Green Boy recommending the Carvin BX1500 as a great amp to power his design.

I know of the reputation of their SS designs, but I'm liking the thought of a tube power section. I've got a Crown XLS-402 SS amp now, and it's fine- even though it's an older model that I have to Gerry-rig to run it bridged/mono. But, the Ampeg preamp has 5 tubes in it, and even though it's a bit noisy (even with a Behringer noise-reduction box), it sounds just phat and quite beautiful to my ear. I imagine a tube power section from the tube pre, run into that tuned cab around the JBL E-140 would be just unbearable...

Or am I just running too far with this?

[Quackhead]

Originally Posted by Count Bassie

Or am I just running too far with this?

Well considering it's completely unrelated to the OP's topic, maybe.

[Count Bassie]

Originally Posted by Quackhead

Well considering it's completely unrelated to the OP's topic, maybe.

I realize it's a digression, but it's not completely unrelated... I asked because here's a place where people who know about Carvin gear may intersect. I will move along to a better thread for my interest, or start one, but would be receptive to leads... thank you.

[Quackhead]

I was kidding of course, but it is a pretty significant sidetrack. While it is a Carvin piece of gear, it's primarily used for guitar, so I doubt many of us have experience with it. A specific thread about the TS100 will probably get more response anyway.

[Quackhead]

I also highly recommend the HD series. I had an HD1500 which was sonically indistinguishable from my old DCM1000. The Carvin rep I bought the HD1500 from said that the guts of the HA and DCM amps are essentially the same. The only real difference is the connectors. You can't use speakons for the bridge connection, but I think that's about it. There is a slight difference in output in stereo mode, but not much. And they cost less.

Originally Posted by bclark812008

Thanks! That is exactly the model I am looking at too!

I wonder why I see crown and QSC? From what I've read/seen, Carvin amps are just as nice and a lot less expensive than the other light weight amps!

[brotherbassj]

Carvin power amps have been bullet proof for me.........I have used their power amps and PA equipment for at least 16 years now