A-220

Looking into getting an A-220 or a TFM-15. Can someone shed some light on these two besides power of course.
For the purists out there I get it...., but do any of you have experience with both amps?
cheers
peter

I have had both and liked each one. In my opinion they sound just as good as the bigger versions up to their rated power output. The TFM-15's have the "daisy-chaining" ability but only the "CB" version is bridgeable. I thought the A-220 had better bass response, especially when running bridged to a sub. In general the "TFM" amps have a bit more "flavor" if you will then the "A" series which tend to be more on the neutral side. Of course the "A" series amps are newer and would most likely last longer before needing service. Both units are great budget amps, I guess it would all depend on what you planned on using it for as to which one I'd recommend.

The amp is intended to power two Polk Audio LSi7s http://www.polkaudio.com/products/lsi7#specs.
They run at 4 ohms and are rated for up to 150w and have an efficiency of 88dB.

welcome. don't allow the specs on the speakers to throw you into one amp or another. i would say the sunfire is were it's at unless you have tube money. although the sunfire is 3 times what a tfm 15 is, the amps are not even close when we speak of sonics. it really depends on your listening habits and program material as to how much is to much, but generally speaking, in the tfm line, the tfm55 is very nice. i have a 15, 35's, 55 , 300x2, 600x2 , 400x7 and seven 20wx2 carverfest amps with a lightstar at the top of the pecking order. the 300x2 is one sweet and juicy like these nutz. amp. you could spent much more for much less, yet bob made it so good that it will drive just about anything to their potentail. if light listening is your plan, he(bob) has some great amps on ebay that will not disappoint your ears. i swear.

and then i looked at your speakers after i ran my mouth. the tubes would blow your mind on those bookshelfs.

i have seven 20wx2 carverfest amps

It all sounds great and i'd love to move up as you mentioned..... yet I am but another victim of Champagne ears and a beer wallet.
For now I need to start small which is why I'm looking at the modest 15 and 220.
I feel like such a novice on this site. my time will come.....my time will come.

Perhaps I need to make a trip down to Manning, SC and relieve you of some of that heavy Carver load. poor poor soul.

The amp is intended to power two Polk Audio LSi7s http://www.polkaudio.com/products/lsi7#specs.
They run at 4 ohms and are rated for up to 150w and have an efficiency of 88dB.

While those specs are the manufactures most folks that have measured their actual response note they are more technically a 6 ohm load.

Given that fact I still personally would recommend the A-220 over the TFM-15. However a low wattage tube amp would also rock your face off with those speakers.

I am running Polk RTA 11TL's off a 20 wpc tube amp and havent even turned the dial halfway before my entire house is shaking...

I am but another victim of Champagne ears and a beer wallet.

One of the best bang for your buck amps in my opinion is the Carver A-400x. No fancy meters but they can usually be had for less then the A-220 and are almost double the power.

That's a good point. I definitely don't need the fancy meters. I looked into the A-400. What about the cube amps like the M-400. Any good?
I might be getting an A-220 for $150 this weekend. Not to bad for that amp.

The "Cube" amps are the most under rated of all Bob's babies.

Especially the 400t. I have 2 and they are great amps. I used them bridged (500wpc) to drive my amazing silvers and they worked great.

They get overlooked due to their unconventional style but they excellent performing amps.

I'm not using mine now because of my Sunfire 5400 but I won't part with them either. You get attached.

I might be getting an A-220 for $150 this weekend. Not to bad for that amp.

That's a great price if its in nice shape. I'd say pick it up and give it a whirl, if you like the sound but end up needing more power at least you'll know what to expect with the "A" series amps. At that price you would be able to flip it and at minimum break even. Chances are it will be all you need unless you're trying to rock the whole block.

That's a great price if its in nice shape. I'd say pick it up and give it a whirl, if you like the sound but end up needing more power at least you'll know what to expect with the "A" series amps. At that price you would be able to flip it and at minimum break even. Chances are it will be all you need unless you're trying to rock the whole block.

Thanks so much for all the insight. It's been great to tap into the wealth of knowledge you guys have with the vintage Carver gear.
Hopefully the deal will go though this weekend. I boxed up my LSi7s temporarily until I can get power to them as they were clipping the amp in my HR-875. (only rated for 8 ohms)
I ordered some new cables from Blue Jean cables (nice thick 12ga) so I should be all set for the A-220 test run with the LSi7s.

Right on, sounds like you'll have yourself a nice little system. Keep us updated and post some pictures when you get everything together.

It all sounds great and i'd love to move up as you mentioned..... yet I am but another victim of Champagne ears and a beer wallet.
For now I need to start small which is why I'm looking at the modest 15 and 220.
I feel like such a novice on this site. my time will come.....my time will come.

Perhaps I need to make a trip down to Manning, SC and relieve you of some of that heavy Carver load. poor poor soul.

even though it is four hours to manning, it is slightly more than an hour to bryson city. that's were i really hope to see you.....and if your willing, exit 115, I95 anytime......

even though it is four hours to manning, it is slightly more than an hour to bryson city. that's were i really hope to see you.....and if your willing, exit 115, I95 anytime......

You need not worry about a visit to manning.
I'm looking forward to Bryson City. I'll be way out of my league, but it should prove to be fun and what better way to learn more about Carver gear than from you guys in person!