Repair m4.0t or buy a Sunfire?

Watts are way over rated.
Sure, you need enough to pull your speakers, but ---

My speakers are 6 foot from my ears.
What I need is excellent sound at a lower volume --
I got that ---

Most tube amps are lower watt power, but many claim they are excellent at lower volume.

I've had several M-4.0ts & TFM-42/45s and I know they're supposed to be the same but they sound different to me. For one, the m-4.0t gets a little muddy at full throttle and it seems like the "highs" are tuned down a bit. I do like the sound of the m-4.0t at lower volumes as it seems to have a "deeper" soundstage and a tad more "realism" over the TFM-45. When I spoke with Mr. Carver about the M-4.0t, I got the impression that there's a resistor on the output stage that may not be there on the TFM-45 to give it the "tube like" sound, kind of like the "current source" on the Sunfires. I don't know for sure but I can tell you, from personal experience, they sound different to me.

To me, a nice amplifier needs to sound good at low volumes AND keep it together for the occasional block party! I don't think I could be happy with the best sounding amplifier in the world if it couldn't stand on its own two feet when turned up. I don't crank it up as often as I use to but when it's on, it's on like Donkey Kong!

buy a sunfire. then sell 4.0

Thanks to everyone here for your thoughtful responses! I probably did not word my first post that clearly, but yes, I have tried many different set ups to isolate the problem as the m4.0t amp.

I appreciate all the comments and suggestions. I spoke with Rolland this afternoon to get an idea of what the refurb would involve and cost and I think that even though it is not cheap, it is still quite a bit less than even a used Sunfire. If I had the luxury of auditioning the sunfire vs a fully functional m4.0t that would be the ideal situation for me to make a decision. (Or if I just had tons of extra money to try them out and then sell the one I liked the least)

I am leaning towards refurbishing the m4.0t and will let you know how that goes! I use it with C-1 and DQ10s. I am interested in Carver Amazings, too.

Thanks again for all the help.

Thanks to everyone here for your thoughtful responses! I probably did not word my first post that clearly, but yes, I have tried many different set ups to isolate the problem as the m4.0t amp.

I appreciate all the comments and suggestions. I spoke with Rolland this afternoon to get an idea of what the refurb would involve and cost and I think that even though it is not cheap, it is still quite a bit less than even a used Sunfire. If I had the luxury of auditioning the sunfire vs a fully functional m4.0t that would be the ideal situation for me to make a decision. (Or if I just had tons of extra money to try them out and then sell the one I liked the least)

I am leaning towards refurbishing the m4.0t and will let you know how that goes! I use it with C-1 and DQ10s. I am interested in Carver Amazings, too.

Thanks again for all the help.

again, been there, done that. sunfire spanks the pants off of my tfm55's. in every sonic way. had i known, i would have gotten one sooner. if you plan to run some amazings in the future, another resaon to get one. they are so much more detailed, and with no signs of stress at high, and i mean high volumes. so much more transparent as well. bad ass i say. if a 300x2 costs around 550-750 shipped, then your used amp would probably sell for around 175-275 on ebay plus the refurbs run 300 from rolland, plus shipping both ways to rolland is around 80-90. i would guess you could say that that 750 -380=370 then 370-175= 195 or so, which means that the 300x2 would only cost around 100-200 more in the end versus a refurb. 4.0 and i would dare say, unless you just wanted a more rare 600x2 or a lightstar, the 300x2 would be your last amp purchase you would make, because i would say the amp is second to none. especailly for the money they go for now as compared to new.

Just when I thought I knew what I was going to do.....

Seriously, I am not sure now will have to think about it a bit more. I wonder if there is a Sunfire in North Carolina I can audition before making this move?

Thanks again for all the advice and opinions.

I see in another thread, that you are looking at a pair of Amazings.

That being the case I too would lean towards a Sunfire.

Driving tough loads is much better handled by Sunfire.

Good luck.

If you've got the cash, I'd go with Sunfire as well but you do have to be careful when buying one. The earliest versions of the 300x2 are pushing 16 to 17 years old now and could very easily require servicing as well. To service a Sunfire amplifier you're talking even bigger bucks, closer to $500 by the time you add tax and shipping.

Just when I thought I knew what I was going to do.....

Seriously, I am not sure now will have to think about it a bit more. I wonder if there is a Sunfire in North Carolina I can audition before making this move?

Thanks again for all the advice and opinions.

manning sc. and bring an appetite, because dinner is also second to none.

use it with C-1 and DQ10s

If this is your purpose, then rebuild it and be happy. It will more than handle the 200watt/channel DQ10's. If Amazings...buy the Sunfire.

I see in another thread, that you are looking at a pair of Amazings.

That being the case I too would lean towards a Sunfire.

Driving tough loads is much better handled by Sunfire.

Good luck.

frankieD said all there is to be said! Sunfire, Good Luck...

Thanks everyone, lots of good suggestions and I wonder what is for dinner in Manning, SC?

I'd get the Sunfire and keep the M-4.0t to get refurbished at a later date.

That's something I could live with. I personally hate to part with anything, and, at least with Carver (vs. Sunfire) equipment, you can get schematics and, if you know a little about electronics and can solder, fix problems. Even if you don't know squat but can solder, you can replace parts that wear out (like electrolytic caps) if you use care.