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Restored Carver C-2 Pre-Amplifier 26 capacitors replaced. 1 power indicator replaced with L.E.D.All switches and potentiometers cleaned and lubricated. All functions work fine. Tested over 40 hours Restored June 2026 *** No meets ups or P.O. Boxes***Specifications:Frequency response: 3Hz to 80kHzTotal harmonic distortion: 0.05%Gain: 53dB (MC), 35dB (MM), 15dB (line)Signal to noise ratio: 77dB (MC), 83dB (MM), 95dB (line)Dimensions: 17.3 x 9 x 2.55 inchesWeight: 6.5lbs
This is an ambitious ask, not a fair one. At US$475, it sits above the US$440 75th percentile and notably over the US$405 median, so it’s priced at the top end of the recent used market rather than like a bargain.
The C-2 is well-liked for its lively, full-bodied vintage preamp sound and capable phono section, so a clean, original example can still be very appealing. But this model is old enough that scratchy controls and aging switches are common, so at this price I’d want clear confirmation of fully working channels, quiet pots, and no service headaches before paying up.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Founded in 1979 in the United States by audio innovator Bob Carver, a physicist and engineer from the Pacific Northwest, the Carver brand emerged from his earlier work at Phase Linear, where he designed groundbreaking amplifiers like the 1972 Phase Linear 700—the most powerful consumer amp of its era. Carver Corporation quickly built on this foundation, delivering hand-crafted amplifiers that combined cutting-edge technology with immense power at accessible prices, revolutionizing high-fidelity sound for everyday enthusiasts.
Carver specialized in power amplifiers, preamplifiers, and integrated systems, earning acclaim for magnetic field amplification and other proprietary designs that prioritized performance over luxury pricing. The brand expanded into professional audio with Carver Professional in 1984 and home cinema via Sunfire in 1994, while maintaining a core focus on robust, high-output electronics rather than speakers, turntables, DACs, headphones, or cables.
Positioned as a populist force in the hi-fi market, Carver brought audiophile-grade power to the middle class, rivaling elite brands at a fraction of the cost and fostering a loyal following among vintage collectors today. Though corporate shifts and the 2024 closure of Bob Carver Corp marked challenges, its legacy endures as mid-tier innovation that democratized excellence, now overseen by Carver Holdings Group.
See all Carver listings on RADAR.
