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Carvin Amps and Cabs?

#21
Ive had/used several carvin amps/cabs . never had probs. (older stuff tho).
..currently using carvin monitors/speakers /poweramps at our practice space ..also without issue. (for what its worth.)
i would not hesitate to buy another carvin product. :)
and...made in USA...(again..for whatever thats worth) wtg carvin.

ymmv.
 
#25
FWIW - I've been using a Carvin BX500/BR210/BR115 rig for about a year. The BX500 had a problem with the mute switch when I got it but Carvin was good abut getting that fixed. Other than that, it's been perfect for what I do - practice and jamming with friends - never gigged though.

The BX500 is transparent but has loads of EQ control and a built-in single knob compressor. There's a 12AX7 tube in the pre-amp section if you want it. The cabs are basic and seem solid but, again, I rarely push it hard (old-guy blues/jazz), so I don't know how real the power ratings are.

It was, by far, the best deal I could get on new gear, even after shipping from San Diego to Ottawa, Canada (a 10-day UPS ride).
 
#26
I have an SB5000, it's a great modern-sounding active 70's style 5-string jazz.
I also picked up a used B1500 amp for $275 on CL. LOUD clean thick-sounding solid state amp with a nice simple eq. What an incredible deal.

Yes, Carvin is a good brand, with some real standout products. I wouldn't say all their stuff is perfect, for instance I don't think I'd get one of their bass speaker cabinets. But for the most part the main criticism of their stuff tends to be "nicely made at a good price but lacks personality". That's of course subjective, so try it for yourself if you can.
 
#27
I have two of the BRX10.2 cabs with the Neo speakers. Have not played the br series but have heard that they are not the quality of the brx. My cabs ROCK. They get crazy loud without losing it and are cleanly voiced. Really really nice cabs. If I were you id skip br cab and get the brx4.10 Neo or sear h for used 10.2 Neos
 
#28
Picked up a Carvin SB5000 used, here on TB. It's become my go-to for a modern J bass tone.

With my former band, I bought a pair of the powered 12-plus-horn PA cabs new from the factory to use as stage monitors. (This was about a year ago.) We pushed 'em pretty hard on the gig and they never gave any trouble at all.
 
#30
I for one thought of getting a Carvin amp and cab. However I like to be able to play and hear stuff before I buy it, and unless I fly out to San Diego I would not be able to do that. And that ain't happening. I never see used Carvin gear at any of my local guitar stores.
 
#31
I have owned several Carvin amps over the last couple of decades; I've always liked the sound, when they worked; there are undeniable reliability issues that continue to crop up.

Something that needs to be taken into consideration: part & parcel of the comparatively low purchase price, is Carvin's cutoff date, after which they will no longer support a particular model, and the one-year warranty on amps.

It appears that at least one poster in this thread, is taking this more than a little personally.
 
#32
If any of you Carvinites are interested, I still have an FS22 in very good condition, because I never used it, which I would be happy to let go of on the cheap. They retail for $34 and I would ship it to your door for $20 plus the $4 PayPal fee.
 
#34
I own three Carvin six string basses. They are my go to instruments and they are really good.

My main amp is a self designed tube pre driving a DCM1000L. It sounds superb and, in its for space rack case, can easily be lifted with two fingers. My number two amp is a BX1500. Same opinion. The ONLY thing that disappointed me was the one year warranty on the BX. I consider that insufficient for an amp at that price.
 
#35
I find that Carvin is considered inexpensive, but not crap. Behringer is considered crap to many.

There have been Carvin quality issues, but that is no different at Mesa, Ampeg, etc.

I think they are very good value (amps, cabs, poweramps, etc.) but a little boring to my ears. Just not my thing, but if I found one I loved the sound of, I would buy Carvin in a second.

I look at Carvin as America's Traynor/Yorkville.
 
#37
Cabs, I'd probably buy them. Both the BR and the BRX series have their uses; they're just not the same. Electronics, I'd probably limit myself to products with warranties longer than a year. So, for Carvin, that would mean no bass amps, just power amps that I'd drive with a preamp. However, I should also say I apply that rule to anything+everything these days. If Carvin were to extend the warranty length on their bass amps to at least 2 years, I might consider buying another one. Until then, it's G-K and Aguilar. If 3, though, I probably would buy one.
 
#38
I own a BX250,BX500, BX1500, 2 BRX10.2 neo cabs and a 112AG cab. They were all bought within the last 3 years and all work fine. I'll keep using them because the quality, price and service from Carvin are wonderful. Oh yeah, my favorite bass is a Carvin XB75. Beats my Fender P by a mile.
 

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