Carver Amplifier Problems, Need A Little Direction! (1 Viewer)

[Mike.Thompson]

Hello-
I just bought a Carver amp model TFM-24. This is essentially the same as the TFM-25, sans the VU meters and replaced with LED's. The problem I am having is the distortion put out- the best way to describe the sound is like a bad radio signal. I have tried cleaning the binding posts somewhat, tried multiple pairs of interconnects, and speaker wire as well. What happens is I turn it on, it sounds bad, and if I turn it up much either the amp or pre-amp goes into protection. The pre-amp I am using I believe works fine because headphones work like a charm., model CT-6. If anyone has had a similar problem, has a place for me to start or anyhting I would be most appreciative as I am pretty clueless and lost but need to enjoy my tunes!
Thanks in advance. Mike

 

[Tim Streagle]

Sounds like it could be bad output transistors. Usually only one channel dies at a time, though. Take it to a friend's house and plug it up to their pre-outs and speakers to be sure it's the amp.

 

[Mike.Thompson]

Thanks for the reply.
I forgot to mention that I did hook it up to a Phase Linear 700 and it sounded fine, and the speakers I tried hooking up are off my bedroom 2 channel system and sound fine on that setup. The distortion is on both channels, no matter which interconnect or speaker I use. I think I have eliminated the possibility of it being anything other than the amp, unless I have a huge oversight
I was just looking to see if anyone had similar problems, and what they did about it. Thanks again. Mike