Carver TFM-15/15cb Restore

My TFM-25 amplifier dates from 1991.  I vividly recall how well it made my tower speakers (Definitive BP2000) sing.  Jaws dropped when friends and relatives heard a good recording played through it.

When I resurrected my 2 channel system a few years ago, the old girl showed age.  She sounded less clear than my Integra 5 channel receiver.  I grappled with replacing her until I joined a Facebook interest group dedicated to vintage audio.  Much talk centered on re-capping old amps.  The only question was where.  No local shops advertised the service, and I really hesitated to ship my baby to an unknown, distant shop.

A fellow interest group member recommended Nelion Audio for Carver amplifier restoration.  I checked out the web page and was heartened by Bob Carver's endorsement and the expansive social media presence.  I emailed Greg, and he outlined a step-by-step process to restore my amp within a week.  I took a chance, bought good shipping insurance, and followed Greg's sensible packing instructions.

In about a week, my amp came back. It looked as it always had, and Nelion did not itemize what they had done.  It would take a listening session to tell how much improvement they made.  I took my hardest to reproduce disks and spent a few hours.

What the restoration gave me was:

1. Clarity.  Singers and instruments sounded as if they were real and were in front of me.

2. Smoothness. The hardest-edged midrange-heavy recordings got their composure back.  Female voices regained their delicacy.

3. Slam.  The TFM-25 grips my speakers like nothing else. Each instrument in a group is distinct and localized.  Bass is authoritative and tight. Close-miked drums sound like drums again. Cranking the volume is a pleasure.

In short, Nelion's restoration gave my TFM-25 a new life.  It is far and away the best amplifier I own, and I stopped shopping for a replacement. Greg and crew earned my trust every step with outstanding service. I am really pleased with the value they gave.

I have no connection with Nelion.  I am a physician in North Carolina who cares that good service be recognized.  Thank you, everyone.

Otwell Timmons

Servicing my amp made it positively sing! I could not possibly be happier with the results of their work. I'm currently using this 15cb to power a pair of KEF 104/2s; best amp I've ever had for these speakers. I hope to get another, have it fixed up, run them bridged, and rock the house (& neighbors) even more! Greg and Jenny kept me up to date, did everything they said they'd do, and even fixed something I thought was impossible. Here's to many years of enjoyment.