mk IITM series
audio amplifiers
Carver M-1.0t mk II specifications
| Stock | Mk II | opt 002 | |
| Power | |||
| 8 ohms | 200 watts <0.15% THD | 400 watts <0.15% THD | 460 watts < 0.15% THD |
| 4 ohms | 400 watts <0.15% THD | 450 watts <0.15% THD | 510 watts < 0.15% THD |
| At Clipping | |||
| 8 ohms | 350 watts | 450 watts | 500 watts |
| 4 ohms | 500 watts | 520 watts | 555 watts |
| Dynamic | |||
| 8 ohms | 550 watts | 670 watts | 700 watts |
| 4 ohms | 832 watts | 940 watts | 1000 watts |
| 2 ohms | 928 watts | 1250 watts | 1290 watts |
New for 2009: FulcrumTM bias pivot
The
original bias network (black) allows the bias point to drift as
temperature increases. Addition of a complimentary transistor
and network (red) counteracts this drift, and maintains the bias set
point. As a result, heatsink temperatures are reduced by 10
degrees F.
M-1.0t MARK II Manual Addendum
The M-1.0t has to be one of the most under-rated amplifiers of all time. It's rumored that this was done to fit the m-1.0t in the model line (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 4.0). It's also suggested that it was rated at 200W to match the Conrad Johnson Premier V rating (the $12,000 tube amplifier it was transfer function modified to sound like).
This is the amp that won the famous Stereophile Magazine Carver amplifier challenge. Nine months ago I started experimenting, and the Carver Mk II modification upgrade is the result. Each amplifier goes through a 2 track process.
TRAC I
| Troubleshoot: | Component level fault isolation. |
| Repair: | Replace any malfunctioning parts; bring the amplifier to working status. |
| Align: | Perform all published alignment and service bulletins. |
| Calibrate: | Verify performance against published specifications. |
TRAC II
| Test: | Check power diodes and resistors for drift in value due to age and use. Perform initial benchmark |
| Restore: | Replace all electrolytic capacitors; power resistors and power diodes replaced as required |
| Augment: | Replace all voltage rectifiers with higher current devices. Boost power supply rail voltages. Re-design gain stage for new rail voltages. Replace all electrolytic capacitors and pre-drivers with higher voltage/current devices. Increase capacitance from 26000 uf to 43000 uf. Remove output transistor solder and replace using 7% silver solder. Install M-1.0t's infamous Turn on/off thump fix. |
| Calibrate: | Benchmark to new specifications. Perform 96 hour burn in at 1/3 power into 4 ohms. Final alignment. |
The result is an amplifier with a much higher power rating, more headroom, less commutation distortion, better current sourcing and performance into low impedance loads, as well as tighter bass and transient control.
Bonus upgrade:
- 5-way binding posts bring the amp into the 21st Century using 7% silver solder
Option 002
This option adds parallel (current sharing) transistors to the low tier rail, as well as higher current transistors to the high tier rail; parallel output devices help prevent the power rail from sagging under heavy loads.
As a result of these additional modifications, the M-1.0t Mk II opt 002 is the MOST POWERFUL Carver amplifier, excepting the Silver-7t/9t monoblocks (selling for $1,200 - $1,400), and the TFM-75 (very rare, selling for > $1,000).
What can I do with it?
The M-1.0t MK II is an awesome 2 channel amplifier
For home theater use, it can be used to power the front left and right speakers by connecting the amplifier to the HT receiver preamp outputs. If your HT receiver has no preamp outputs a line level converter may be used (I can make one for you if required).
What happens if the amp fails?
During the first 15 days, if you are unsatisfied, for any reason, with the M-1.0t Mk II you can return it to me and I will buy it back for the sale price + $50.00.
3 year parts and labor warranty.
As long as we're alive we will repair any M-1.0t Mk II sold for cost of parts plus shipping.
Images:
M-1.0t Mk II illustrated parts list
M-1.0t Mk II opt 002 illustrated parts list (left channel shown)
Carver mk IITM 2008 by Richard Pecoraro
All design modifications are freely available, for non commercial use, and licensed under the TAPR open hardware license (www.tapr.org/OHL)
Hear what you've been missing, with a Carver mk II series audio amplifier!