Q: Mr Bob... to get a mass product for your FUTURE... is it possible to ORDER to a factory to product the "NEW" Tubes..??? rather than CANIBALized the Old Amp...? > Go to CHINA for the IN-EXPENSIVE Labor ??? But Be FAIR TRADE PLEASE... they are HUMAN also...! I REALLY REALLY hope that you continue your DREAM MUSEUM with all those OLD ANTIQUE Amplifier. So the next Generation can learn from their heritages... Of course your Wonderful Creation will be the Master Piece in your original DREAM Museum. Please think about it ! I take a deep bow to honor the beatiful Mind and Beautiful Design for Both of You... WONDERFUL Team Work !!! BRAVO !!! MAJU TERUS ...!!! = Move forward ...!!! ThankUVmuch PEACE, moonear. a JAVAman in Minneapolis not the Englishman in New York. he... he.. he... Aug-18-08
A: Hi 'cat, Yes it is possible to go to China for the tubes and labor, but Tubular Joe is the best there is, and he lives right here in the rain-forest of the Northwest. YEA! AND he is having fun building them. As for the tubes - They are all NOS except for the Telefunken, and besides, I have lots to build with and plenty left over for my museum. Um mm... My Master Piece and Wonderful Creation in my Dream Museum! Ahhh... I like the way that sounds. Makes my day brighter. Thanks for writing, Bob Carver
Q: Beautiful MIND & Excellent Design > Simply Beauty... BRAVO !!! Aug-18-08
A: Hi 'cat, Wow. What a beautiful thing to say and what an original way to say it! Thank you 'cat from the bottom of my heart. Now I'm spooky, because if you look closely I'm levitating as I walk; my feet are not in touch with the ground. Thanks for writing in, Bob Carver
Q: mr bob You are known all over the world you are the greatest PLEASE MAKE MORE STUFF AND SIGN IT. ALSO TIM IS A NICE PARTNER FOR YOU BY THE WAY MY WIFE THINKS YOU ARE HANDSOME, IT MUST FEEL GOOD TO BE ABLE TO MAKE GREAT STEREO EQUIP AND BE HANDSOME ALSO. GOD BLESS BRUCE AND CARLA COALE FOREVERMUSIC414 .HOW DO YOU HAVE TIME TO WORK WITH ALL THESE EMAILS YOU GET,, YOU BROKE THE RECORD ON EBAY. IT IS NOT EVERYDAY AN AVERAGE PERSON CAN TALK TO THE BOSS STAY WELL,, I READ ALL YOUR EMAILS YOU HAVE A DEVOTED FOLLOWING FEW STEREO SHOPS WILL EVEN RETURN A CALL. PS I ENJOY MUSIC AND QUALITY EQUIPMENT. YOURS REALLY HOLDS IT VALUE,,,,,,, Aug-16-08
A: Hi '414, I feel lucky to have met Tim - he's a true genius and has been a great partner, even though he lives far away from me. Hey, if anyone says I'm handsome they can be my friend forever. Hi Carla, thanks! Keep on loving music you two. I manage to answer all my mail so far, but I do want to say thanks for writing in advance even if for some reason in the future I can't. Warmest rgards, Bob Carver
Q: Bob This may not be an appropriate place to ask this question but I've noticed in your recent sales that you are very cordial and enthusiastic about answering audio questions so I thought I'd give it a shot. Why did you chose the Yugo 6dj8s for the 490t and C-19 Carver gear? I have both models (and several of your amps) and enjoy them very much. Reason I'm asking is that I recently bought a 2nd SD/A-490t that had Amperex tubes installed. I tend to think the Yugos sound slightly better but can't find them too easily these days. I'm sure your ears are more critically tuned to tube listening than mine. Just wanted to know your thoughts and if there is a specific tube brand I should look for if I can't find a couple of Yugo 6dj8s for my 490t? I wont't be able to attend Carverfest or I would just wait and ask you in person. Good luck with your sale(s), they are impressive. Thanks Mark Aug-16-08
A: Hi Mark, Not to worry, I have a nice stash of vintage Yugo 6DJ8's in my museum. A few more than I need actually. I'll send you a pair free if you send me a reminder next week. Thank you, Bob Carver
Q: Mr Bob Carver , you old Mammiejammer , how are ya dude?? One of a kind , kick ass tube amp , partially designed by an Audio Icon.........Very Very Cool !!! Unfortunately , if I was to bid & win this exquisite work of art I'm afraid it would take up permanent residence in my ass , thanks to my very understanding wife : ) I know , its not a question. I really just wanted to say. Thanks for your proficient accomplishments in the audio field : ) Peace Brother Tom Aug-16-08
A: Hey Tom, You are making my day! Thanks for the thanks! I mean it. As for your permanent residence, think priorities, priorities, buy some flowers, make a bid, take a chance and let 'er rip. Bob Carver
Q: Hello, May I impose on you for a suggestion on what preamp would be a great match with your amp? I listen to vinyl and CD's. Best regards, Durs Aug-16-08
A: I would get a Citation I designed by Stu Hegeman or an EAR 864 designed by Tim de Pravicini. Both have magical phono stages: pure magic and the Citation has tone controls. The EAR is a great choice, with the worlds quietest phono stage, but no tone controls. Nice query, Bob Carver
Q: HI , SINCE THE BIDDING IS GOING TO GO WAY PAST MY CURRENT RESOURCES I'D LIKE TO ASK YOU TO CLARIFY SOMETHING FOR ME, I'M DISABLED FROM A 12,000 VOLT ELECTROCUTION AND RESULTING BRUSH FIRE SO MUSIC IS NOW MY PASSION MORE THAN EVER, I HAVE 2 NEWER MAC MC-275'S AND I'D LIKE TO KNOW WHAT IMPROVEMENTS I COULD MAKE TO THEM IF ANY, AND WHAT TUBES TO USE, I HEAR SO MUCH ABOUT WHAT DIFFERENT BRANDS ARE LIKE BUT IT'S SUCH A MYSTERY TO ME, ANY HELP IS VERY MUCH APPRECIATED, THANKS, ROB MCRAE IN COLORADO SPRINGS Aug-16-08
A: Hi Rob, 12,000 volts! Holy moley! I hope you are able to enjoy music as much as ever. As far as the 275's go, I would add lots of energy storage to the power supply. If you contact me after the auction, I'll send you some capacitors that will do the trick. Output tubes - brand new Shuguang output tubes are really great these days. Front -end tubes best to get used vintage RCA, GE, Tung-Sol, Sylvania, Raytheon or even NOS. Except they can be expensive. Thanks for writing, Bob Carver
Q: Hi Bob! Great pair of amps. Marantz fan here with a 7, 8B and 10B. Hey, I was wondering if you know the whereabouts of A.P. Van Meter with whom you used to work back in the Phase Linear days. Best regards, crooner Aug-16-08
A: Hi Crooner 7c, I don't have a seven or 8B, but I do have a 10B. I have lost touch with A.P.Van Meter over the years, but I'm pretty sure he is retired and still in the Seattle area. Try the phone book - if no A.P. contact me after the auction. Thanks for writing, Bob Carver
Q: Hi Bob, Very surprised to see you here on ebay. Do you think you could start making kits for those of us that remember Heathkit and Dynaco? The only time I get to solder is to repair something. I'm sure there are many in the hobby that feel as I do. Thanks, Alan A Aug-16-08
A: Hi Alan. Man, I would really love to make some kits, especially vintage vacuum tube ones. It's a great idea and would be good for me and fun for you. Sadly though, these amps are built out of parts from my museum, and if I used them for kits, they would be gone too soon. Maybe someday.... great idea! Bob Carver
Q: Hi, When are you guys going to turn your talents toward helping out us amateur and CB radio operators who need a great, multiband vintage-style RF linear amplifier with a filtered design that keeps our RF out of the neighbor's baby monitor, TV, and phone? Your workmanship is so neat and elegant, wow! Great job guys...everyone is so blown away by your amplifiers. Aug-15-08
A: Uhhh..... Also, thanks for the accolade, now we're truly blushing! Bob Carver
Q: Hi Bob, Can you tell me why there are (3) Red terminals on the back of each Amp & only (1) Black? Thanks, Lasareath Aug-15-08
A: Hi Lasareath, The black is common to the four red terminals; the color black is a standard to signify this. The four red terminals are different output transformer taps to allow different speaker impedances to be used. Taken Together, they range from one ohm to 32 ohms. Thanks for asking, Bob Carver
Q: Mr. Carver, My wife said if I bid on these amps I will be eating bologna for the rest of my life. Do you have any good recipes? Excellent amps, good to have you back on e-Bay! John Aug-14-08
A: Hi John, Priorities, priorities! Thanks you. Bob Carver
Q: Hey Bill, Is that a tuna fish sandwich? I really love the Vintage Iron hand made/signed concept. I sold amps like this 10-years ago, called them Vintage Iron or VI - made out of excellent Fisher (Todd NY) iron. Think I figured out your audio output diode rectified DC bias voltage feedback circuit to cook the tubes hotter with music playing, cooler when idling - need to try in my own VI amp and see how this works (oscillation?). Great idea offering genuine high caliber hand crafted amplifiers that are works of art, lifetime keepers that are signed by the masters. Rewarding for all involved. Sell on eBay in 30 years for $100k? Aug-13-08
A: Hi Paul, Cheese and bologna. Sounds like you had a lot of fun building amps too. And thanks for saying they are works of art! If you wish, I'll e-mail you a copy of the DC restorer circuit at the close of the auction. Please send me a reminder though. Bob Carver
Q: Hi Bob, 'was doing some late night eBay browsing when I ran across your auction. I'm 44 and started into audio at age 13 with Pink Floyd and a Dynakit. Anyway, I have some vintage B&K test equipment that you may be just the guy to help me move it. Please check out this eBay auction 250276768607 Thanks. Aug-13-08
A: Hi 'Ral, Will do. Bob Carver. Ha! I started at age 12.
Q: Hi Bob, I don't know if you're religous, but if you are, Jesus told me I was supposed to have these amps. thanks,(and God Bless) fred Aug-13-08
A: Hi Fred, I hope I can help - I'm saying my prayers for you right now. Jesus and I are with you. Good luck and may light shine on your bid. (With a little help from you of course.) Thanks for writing in, Bob Carver
Q: Hi Bob, pleasure to talk to you again. Last month you sold a pair of mono tube amp, using GE 6550 output tube and uses 12bh7 driver, same have 6AL5/5726 DC restorer. Identical on power bandwidth frequecy response of 2hz to 95khz with power output of 180watts each. The questions: Is the one you have now that uses KT88 design by you & Tim is this the same topologies/circuitry of what you have now, I thought you mentioned 6550 tube is the best according to Stu Hegeman. Question#2: My speaker is electrostatic, is this amp takes lower loads down to 2-1.5 ohms. Thanks, hope you make more amps like this & long live to you. Nappy Nagayo Aug-13-08
A: Hi Nappy, This amp is the same as the first one that was designed by Tim and me. Still, Stu Hegeman did indeed like 6550's better than KT88's, and that's why I used them when I built his phase inverter/driver circuit. This amp can use the 6550 or the KT88. It can easily drive an electrostatic even at 1.5 ohms; the output transformer is configured for one ohm and up.