A preamplifier featuring Sonic Holography processing designed to expand soundstage imaging beyond speaker boundaries.
Overview
The Carver C-1 Sonic Holography Preamplifier is a control amplifier made by Carver, a company founded in 1972 by engineer Bob Carver in Edmonds, Washington. Known for innovative and unconventional audio designs, Carver implemented his philosophy of creative engineering in this unit through the inclusion of Sonic Holography—a signal processing system aimed at correcting room-induced crosstalk. The C-1 was originally priced at ¥165,000 around 1985 and features dedicated circuitry for both MM and MC phono cartridges, with adjustable loading for 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
The Carver C-1 features Sonic Holography, a processing system that cancels acoustic crosstalk between speakers to create a more expansive soundstage. The function includes 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, while the MC input (Phono2) includes a built-in high S/N, low-distortion head amplifier. The unit uses a G-10 glass epoxy substrate for its circuit board, includes a switchable turnover frequency in the tone control section, a loop function for external signal processors, and an infrasonic filter mounted on the rear panel.
Context
Bob Carver, known for challenging conventional audio engineering norms, led the development of products like the C-1 under Carver Corporation before leaving in 1990 after the company was sold to Curtis Mathes. The C-1 shares Sonic Holography technology with the Carver C-4000 preamplifier, which implements a version called the "Sonic Hologram Generator," indicating a product line focused on spatial audio enhancement.
Market
A pre-owned Carver C-1 Sonic Holography Preamplifier was listed on eBay for C $693.26 with C $122.87 shipping, reflecting current collector interest. User ratings from eBay show a 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 15 product ratings, with commentary noting 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—ideal for those who want to feel their music.
eBay Listings
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