My Carver preamp is killing me!

Posted by Ken Simmons [IP: 208.8.211.231] on May 27, 1999 at 19:58:29
Using Mozilla/4.6 [en] (Win95; U):

In Reply to: My Carver preamp is killing me! posted by Jesse Mendoza on May 27, 1999 at 13:10:39:

1) Does the "dropout" happen with EVERY INPUT DEVICE or primarily with ONE source input (i.e. ONLY on VCR)?
2) BEFORE you added the Carver, did you have a "stable", operational system with no "dropouts", or did you start "all at once" with the equipment?
3) Have you tried a different AMPLIFIER with your sources?

For 1): if ONLY ONE source is at fault, then that's where to look. I suspect the TV FEED, since many cable-TV providers DO NOT provide Stereo audio for those programs that have Stereo/Surround. If ALL sources are at fault, then you need to go straight to 3)!

For 2): if you bought "everything at once", then you need to try another AMP (see 3) ) with the preamp. If not, then you need to see if the AMP ITSELF (again, 3) ) might be at fault (i.e. a thermal problem).

For 3): Since you've tried another preamp and still had the same problem AFTER A TIME (if I read things right), then THE AMP is the next place to look. Try another amp with your "repaired" preamp - if the problem "Goes Away", then you lost time with the preamp (don't feel bad! ;) ). If it doesn't, GET YOUR MONEY BACK on the Carver and TRY ANOTHER BRAND preamp.

That's all I can suggest. I sincerely doubt the "other stuff" is causing the problem. Of course, you might try getting a BETTER surge strip with EMI/RFI filtering.

Oh yeah: when the "dropouts" occurred, did you notice any "dimming" of the lights or anything else that might suggest POWER SAGS (brownouts)? Given the sheer number of devices you list, and assuming your're powering them off ONE OUTLET, you might want to try "splitting" outlets and watch out for GROUND LOOP problems.

Good luck. :)

Ken

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