Carver M.240
The Carver M.240 is a four-channel car amplifier. Not much independent writing on it survives, but one solid period test does. Audio (May 1987, p.49) measured it as a true four-channel component and found a full four-channel amp that takes up only about 0.1 cubic foot. Each pair of channels can be bridged on its own switch. Bridge one pair and the other pair drives satellites at moderate power, while the bridged pair feeds a subwoofer more power. Bridge both pairs and it becomes a stereo amplifier of substantial output.
In Audio's measured data, the M.240 was rated and measured at 120 watts per channel at 4 ohms in four-channel mode. The comparative test also covered the ADS PQ10, Hafler MA-1, and Harman/Kardon CA260 (Audio, May 1987, p.52). With both channel pairs bridged, Audio credited it with the highest stereo power of any amp in that report.
Carver's own advertising introduced the M.240 as "The Carver Car Amplifier," the first time the company's Magnetic Field Amplifier technology went into automotive audio. The ads pushed the protection features. An overcurrent detector muted audio within microseconds of a short circuit. A short-circuit monitoring circuit watched for faults. A delayed turn-on circuit suppressed startup pops and thumps. An infrasonic filter kept inaudible subsonic content from wasting power (Audio, June 1986, p.137). The campaign appeared in print from at least September 1985 through early 1988.
Beyond those period pieces, little is documented. No production years, original price, or full specification sheet have survived in the Archive's materials.
- Four-channel automotive power amplifier; independent bridging switches for each channel pair
- Rated and measured 120 W/channel at 4 ohms (true four-channel operation)
- Occupies roughly 0.1 cubic foot
- Uses Carver Magnetic Field Amplifier technology
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