Carver CT-29V (ca. 1992)
The CT-29V is an A/V preamplifier/tuner with Dolby Pro Logic surround sound. Its owner's manual dates to 1992. Carver positioned it as a way to separate the control and surround-sound sections from the power amplifier. That makes it a component approach to home theater, not a one-box receiver. HiFI-Stereo (June 1994, p.46) covered it in a test report. The reviewer noted that it could be paired with out-of-sight stereo power amplifiers, leaving only the compact control unit and source components visible.
Information on performance is sparse. The same review described the FM tuner section as adequate but not outstanding in measured performance. The AM tuner had restricted bandwidth, rolling off to -6 dB at 3.5 kHz and at 45 Hz. The reviewer considered that considerably better than most other units tested at the time. A 1995 price listing in HiFI-Stereo (February 1995, p.89) gave the CT-29v a list price of $1,900. It had seven audio inputs, three composite/S-video inputs and outputs, a subwoofer output, a signal-processor loop, and a CATV coaxial FM input. DSP surround modes and Vocal Zoom circuitry for dialog enhancement were also listed.
No production years beyond the 1992 manual date are documented. The used market typically shows the CT-29V around $200, and schematics are sometimes available separately.
- Product type: A/V Preamplifier/Tuner with Dolby Pro Logic Surround
- Manual dated: 1992
- List price (1995): $1,900
- Audio inputs: 7
- Composite/S-video inputs/outputs: 3 each
- Subwoofer output, signal-processor loop, CATV coaxial FM input
- DSP surround modes, Vocal Zoom circuitry
- FM tuner: adequate but not outstanding (per period review)
- AM tuner bandwidth: –6 dB at 3.5 kHz and 45 Hz
Similar items on eBay
No exact Carver CT-29V listings are live right now — these searches show current Carver and similar vintage audio gear on eBay:
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.