Carver 490T (circa 1991–1992)
The Carver 490T - sold and reviewed as the SD/A-490t - is a compact disc player from the early 1990s. It pairs single-bit digital conversion with a dual 6DJ8 vacuum-tube analog output stage. The surviving record is thin: essentially a test report in HiFI-Stereo and a run of Carver advertisements. The archive has no service manual or substantial product literature, so the period press carries most of what is known.
Carver's own advertising, running in Audio (June 1992, p.23), claimed the single-bit D/A circuitry eliminated a form of distortion common in then-current CD player designs. It also claimed the tube stage removed the "digital harshness" that soured many early digital discs. The ads priced it at $699 suggested retail, $500 less than the nearest competitor offering tube output.
HiFI-Stereo (April 1991, p.38) measured the player and found frequency response flat within ±0.05 dB from 20 Hz to 7 kHz, rising to +0.2 dB at 16 kHz before rolling off above 20 kHz. The same report described a black, 9-pound chassis with sturdy front handles. A large level knob on the right controlled the variable analog outputs and the headphone jack. The price at that test was $700. A companion test report (April 1991, p.37) listed whole-disc repeat, programmed-track repeat, defined-segment repeat, and a fader. Carver ads also touted a proprietary Soft EQ circuit meant to compensate for spatial (L−R) and midrange equalization quirks found in CDs mastered from analog tape.
Known at a glance:
- Single-bit D/A conversion; dual 6DJ8 vacuum tube output stage
- Variable analog outputs; headphone jack
- Soft EQ circuitry
- Black finish; front handles; 9 lb
- ~$700 new (1991–1992)
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