A preamplifier with Sonic Holography processing, built to expand soundstage imaging beyond the speaker boundaries.
Overview
The Carver C-1 Sonic Holography Preamplifier is a control amplifier from Carver, a company founded in 1972 by engineer Bob Carver in Edmonds, Washington. Carver was known for unconventional audio designs, and the C-1 follows that habit with Sonic Holography - a signal processing system aimed at correcting room-induced crosstalk. It was originally priced at ¥165,000 around 1985. It has dedicated circuitry for both MM and MC phono cartridges, with adjustable loading on the MM input.
Specifications
| Frequency characteristic | Phono : RIAA ± 0.25 dB; High level : 5 Hz to 200 kHz +1, -3dB |
| Signal-to-noise ratio (IHF-A) | Phono1:82dB; High level : 96 dBv (1 Vrms or less) |
| Total harmonic distortion factor | Not more than 0.05% |
| Cross modulation distortion factor | 0.04% or Less (CCIR/SMPTE) |
| TIM Distortion | Unmeasurable |
| Infrasonic filter | 12dB/oct., 20 Hzf ∎ = 15 Hz or less |
| External dimensions | Width 483 x Height 89 x Depth 254 mm |
| Weight | 2.7kg |
Design
Sonic Holography cancels acoustic crosstalk between the speakers to create a more expansive soundstage. The function has an ON/OFF switch and an Injection and Separation switch. The MM cartridge input (Phono1) has a selectable cartridge load, with three levels of resistance and inductance adjustment. The MC input (Phono2) has a built-in head amplifier with high S/N and low distortion. The circuit board is G-10 glass epoxy. The tone control section has a switchable turnover frequency, there is a loop function for external signal processors, and an infrasonic filter sits on the rear panel.
Context
Bob Carver led development of products like the C-1 under Carver Corporation. He left in 1990, after the company was sold to Curtis Mathes. The C-1 shares its Sonic Holography technology with the Carver C-4000 preamplifier, which uses a version called the "Sonic Hologram Generator."
Market
A pre-owned Carver C-1 Sonic Holography Preamplifier was listed on eBay for C $693.26 with C $122.87 shipping. User ratings on eBay show 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 15 product ratings. One comment says that when Sonic Holography works with suitable material, the effect is startling. Carver equipment is described as rewarding listeners who value excitement, scale, and dynamic impact over fine tonal refinement.
eBay Listings
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