C-1 vs C-3
The C-3's signal-to-noise is 80 dB against the C-1's 86 dB, its thd 0.010% against 0.040%, its weight 4 kg (9 lbs) against 2.7 kg (6 lbs), and its width 483 mm against 482.6 mm.
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The Carver C-1 is a high-performance console preamplifier featuring precise RIAA phono equalization for both moving-magnet (MM) and moving-coil (MC) cartridges. It offers extremely low noise and distortion, a high slew rate, and wide dynamic range. A distinctive feature is its built-in Sonic Holography generator, which enhances the stereo image by canceling confused audio information between ears, creating a three-dimensional soundstage that extends beyond the loudspeakers in breadth and depth. The preamplifier includes a cartridge load selector for MM cartridges with three resistance and inductance settings, and a high signal-to-noise, low distortion head amplifier for MC cartridges. It also has tone control with selectable turnover frequencies, an infrasonic filter to cut unwanted low frequencies, and a loop function for external signal processors. The unit is built with high-quality components on a G-10 glass epoxy substrate for reliability and precision.
Analog signal output specifications
Phono stage specifications
Size, weight, and appearance
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Estimated price (community-sourced)
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The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The C-3's signal-to-noise is 80 dB against the C-1's 86 dB, its thd 0.010% against 0.040%, its weight 4 kg (9 lbs) against 2.7 kg (6 lbs), and its width 483 mm against 482.6 mm.
The 3200's signal-to-noise is 75 dB against the C-1's 86 dB, its thd 0.020% against 0.040%, its weight 5.26 kg (12 lbs) against 2.7 kg (6 lbs), and its height 96 mm against 88.9 mm.
The 1600's signal-to-noise is 75 dB against the C-1's 86 dB, its weight 7.8 kg (17 lbs) against 2.7 kg (6 lbs), and its height 110 mm against 88.9 mm. Both share thd (0.040%).
Both turn up in the same documented systems.
The 3155's signal-to-noise is 78 dB against the C-1's 86 dB, its weight 8.4 kg (19 lbs) against 2.7 kg (6 lbs), and its height 108 mm against 88.9 mm. Both share thd (0.040%).
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