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  • Carver M-500(t) mkII Restore and Upgrade

       (5 reviews)

    Nelion Audio

    This service is a full restoration and possible upgrade which includes cleaning inside and out, replacement of all consumable parts, reflow of questionable solder, service bulletins, new LEDs (your choice of color) for the meters, new 5-way binding posts, high-quality output relay, and the mkII upgraded components. The mkII upgrade gives your 500(t) a much higher power rating, more headroom, less commutation distortion, better current sourcing and performance into low impedance loads, and tighter bass and transient control.

    We are the only techs authorized to perform this mod. Any other 'pros' out there claiming they can do this upgrade have copied information available on our websites and perform these upgrades without our permission.

    Our prices are well worth every penny. We stand behind our work 100%. If we can impress Bob Carver himself with our work, you can't be disappointed!

     

    FAQ: Are repairs covered under the restore? Yes. When we say restore, we mean it. It's not a gimmick. We really do tear down and replace all components known to go bad over time. Only extraordinary things like human meddling, corrosion, cracks, etc might not be covered, but only if these problems impede the operation of the unit. We have to cover a 3 year warranty, so we will make sure the unit is as flawless as possible.

     

     

    How they look when we get them:

    image.thumb.png.9a277c89c4936d01ec707a46fda0a667.png

     

    How they look when we're done:

     

    image.png

     

    Features of Restore:

    - Long life high temp capacitors throughout

    - High performance audio grade capacitors in signal paths

    - Replace all power rectifiers

    - Replace output protection relay

    - Replace meter bulbs with LEDs of your color choice

    - Perform factory service bulletins where needed

    - Calibrate, burn-in and test to specs. I also listen to all the amps I work on. It doesn't leave my bench unless is sounds like it should.

     

    mkII features:

    - Replace voltage trim pots

    - Replace and upgrade power switching diodes

    - Replace high power switching transistors and drivers in power supply

    - Replace entire pre-drive stage transistors to higher voltage, higher power type

    - Replace input opamp buffer to audio grade device

    - Completely upgrade and rebuild output stage transistors for more linearity, durability and higher power handling

    - Upgrade speaker binding posts to modern 5-way gold or silver

    - m500 models are upgraded with the 't' mod, as recommended by the factory.

     

    Comes with a 3-year parts and labor warranty.

     

    Specs:

    Power into 8 ohms:
    Stock: 251 watts  
    MKII: 395 watts 

    Clipping into 8 ohms:
    Stock: 270 watts
    MKII: 410 watts

    Dynamic into 8 ohms:
    Stock: 380
    MKII: 520 watts

     

    Signal Path Upgrade:

    High grade polypropylene capacitors are installed in critical areas to maintain proper signal conditions while under heavy loads or heat stress. While the amplifier is extremely resistant to trouble caused by noisy or heat stress conditions, this upgrade will take it a step further to increase the amp's performance in demanding circumstances.

     

    LED options:

    Warm White:

    image.thumb.png.757ffef3dd5d34295ea0a1609b663d4e.png

    Blue:

    image.png.4eecbe7064670994034c400ee4e56ee5.png

    Amber:

    image.thumb.png.681db4f1f0c278878aec1c8b72340c44.png

     

    Cool White:

    image.thumb.png.d38d07c10b056ae95b3936483db3d775.png

    Green:

    image.thumb.png.c50fc6c901a84eaeddb6459447f6f929.png

     

    All new power output transistors for high linearity and power handling:

    image.png

     

    Binding Posts (gold shown) and optional IEC socket

    image.png

     

    Although the Dim Switch will still dim the LEDs, The LED driver can be trimmed to your brightness preferences (Driver model 002 shown):

    image.png

     

     

    Base Restore Cost: $390 + shipping

    mkII upgrade add: $175 (includes Gold speaker binding posts and LEDs of your choice)

     

    Extras:

    IEC socket: $75

    Signal Path upgrade: $65

    Gold RCA jacks: $50

    M500 power switch (added to back of unit): $50

    12V input on/off trigger: $50

    Install 't' Mod on M-500 model: $20

    • Like 2

    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments

    I have two M500t amps, and had both restored by someone I found on eBay.  I had major/minor problems with both, so I sent them to Greg to look at.  Greg opened them and sent me photos of what he found, and it's clear that someone who does not know electronics can be taken advantage of, as I was to some degree. 

    So, bite the bullet and get your amp done right, by Greg, the first time.  You'll save yourself a lot of time and money.  Looking at the attached "before and after" photo, even to my inexperienced eye I can clearly see the difference between the "'eBay build" and Greg's workmanship. 

    The amps sound fantastic, and I look forward to many years of enjoyment with them. 

    BEFORE AND AFTER.JPG

    • Like 1
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    On 12/17/2022 at 10:25 PM, Guest Bob E said:

    Are you still doing these upgrades? Also can you calibrate meters mine seem to be off one reads more than the other?

    Hello,

     

    Yes of course we are still doing these mods. We always calibrate the meters when serviced.

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