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Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Carver Professional ZR1000 Amplifier (SS) by mttbsh@comcast.net

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REVIEW: Carver Professional ZR1000 Amplifier (SS)

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Model: ZR1000
Category: Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price: $1000
Description: Tripath Chip Based Digital Amplifier
Manufacturer URL: Carver Professional
Model Picture: View

Review by mttbsh@comcast.net ( A ) on July 08, 2003 at 17:47:11
IP Address: 12.211.107.12
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for the ZR1000


I recently purchased a Carver Pro ZR1000 based on personal recommendations and reading very favorable reviews of digital amps and of the TriPath chip technology which the ZR series uses. I was also convinced, after buying an M-Audio Superdac a few months ago, that pro gear offers all the benefits of brand name "high end" equipment, minus some fit and finish, for a fraction of the cost. At 225 Watts at 8 ohms, the ZR1000 delivers more power and control than much more expensive amps with comparable technology.

As a preamp for the Carver, I purchased an NHT Passive Volume Control. Defeat switches on the ZR1000 allowed me to bi-pass its attenuator controls, and I use the NHT to control the volume. Both the NHT and Carver accept fully balanced connections (I use balanced Apogee interconnects) and I replaced the ZR1000's stock power cord with a Z Cable cord.

After several weeks of burn in, the ZR1000 has revealed a quality of amplification I've not heard before. My immediate impression was how "relaxed" it sounded, with music emerging from dead silence. In addition, there is a total absence of grain, regardless of volume, making for an extremely smooth presentation. The "presence" of the music is entirely convincing, with wonderfully deep bass, lush midrange, crystal smooth treble, and the most natural note decay I've ever heard from an audio system. The amp also manages to resolve subtle recorded details that I was unable to hear before. What most impresses me however is the soundstage: the ZR1000 has an uncanny ability to unbundle instruments and place them in their relative positions well beyond the speakers. A fellow Carver Pro owner aptly describes this as a "sound bubble" that places the listener firmly inside the music. On well-recorded live discs, I am simultaneously in my living room and, with eyes closed, in the audience at the performance.

I don't have extensive experience with amplifiers, but the Carver ZR1000 is exponentially superior to the Sim Audio I-5080 integrated it replaced, and I liked that amp a lot.

Did I mention that I paid $760.00 for the ZR1000 and $150.00 for the NHT? Also, the Superdac at $200 easily bested the $1,100 Monarchy 22B DAC it replaced. As such, I'm a true believer in pro audio gear, and am surprised that it remains virtually ignored by the press. Search the web for any info or reviews on the ZR1000 and you'll see what I mean.

Drawbacks: My NHT PVC/ Carver Pro ZR1000 setup does not allow remote control.

Also, I was initially concerned about the amp's ever-running fan, designed to keep it cool (as pro gear is designed to be stacked in an enclosed rack environment). But I found the ZR1000 runs absolutely cool without the fan, and it's a snap to disconnect. Finally (and not a drawback to me) the ZR1000, although by no means an eyesore, will not win any beauty contests. But I'm sure to get comparable performance from a showroom piece you would have to spend several times the money, and when I'm trading my hard earned cash for audio equipment, it's the sound that counts. The Carver Pro ZR series comes with my highest recommendation.


Product Weakness: no remote
Product Strengths: Huge soundstage, deep bass, best amp I've heard


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: Craver Pro ZR1000 225Watts@8 ohms
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): NHT PVC
Sources (CDP/Turntable): JVC XL-Z1050TN CDP
Speakers: Soliloquy 5.3
Cables/Interconnects: Apogee balanced interconnects, bi-wired Analysis Plus speaker cable
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Rock, Jazz, Blues, Folk
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): M Audio Superdac, Brickwall PW8R15AUD power filter
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition): See above




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Topic - REVIEW: Carver Professional ZR1000 Amplifier (SS) - mttbsh@comcast.net 17:47:11 07/8/03 ( 7)