Which is the better AMP. Phase Linear 700B or Carver Mt-1.5 ?

Question

I think both are rated at 375 wpc. at 8 ohms. Please state the reasons for your choice. Thank you.

Answer 1

I guess if you're looking for raw power, perhaps the Phase Linear will do a better job.  I'm not impressed with Carver's inflated power output ratings.  For example, I've compared a Carver with 350 wpc with a Bryston with 250 wpc and the Bryston not only played stronger, it was easily more effortless and musical.  Heck, my then Proton integrated (only 50 wpc) put out deeper bass and got nearly as loud, and was easily more musical than the Carver.  Sorry, I don't remember the model numbers off-hand, but you get the idea.

Answer 2

Are either stable @ 2 Ohms (bass frequencies)? I would choose neither and go with a stack of Mackie M1400's, or Yamaha PM-2000's. QSC, Crown, or even a McIntosh would still be another choice before I'd choose the two listed.

Pro power for pro sound.

Reasons: Low Resistance Stability and Headroom Availability!

I've had issues with Carvers taping out (& shutting down) when approaching full power> not good at a show!

The Phase Linear and Carver are both old school amps,

and so they do not have the

Lowest Harmonic Distortion,

Highest Signal to Noise Ratio

and most Dynamic Power/Current levels available.

My system has 113 db S/N levels (I have to compress the signal just to listen to it, but it can bring LP levels up to surpass CD/DVD quality and drop the noise level below the cut-off. Even those scratched, poor quality LP recordings are ready to be duped off to CD/DVD quality with little effort!

I put on an LP and my friends freak out,

saying "That CAN'T BE a Phonograph Record!

Almost any of the Esoteric Equipment I have heard has noise in the background, and less dynamic range, than a good modern studio amp. NOISE is NOISE.

Esoteric equipment will awe your friends,

but SOTA Studio equipment will AWE you,

and present those newest recordings

with professional level studio-sound-stage performance!

A modern studio amp will make all the difference if you are looking for the best sound!

Answer 3

I don't know if it's completely true for these exact model numbers, but I generally think of Phase Linear as a workhorse and I think of Carver as a more refined and delicate piece.

If you are looking for sound reinforcement for a large commercial venue, I would definately choose Phase Linear. If you are thinking for your home, I would use Carver. Caveat: My knowledge of these two brands is dated.