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REVIEW: Carver AL-III Speakers

74.227.36.139


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Model: AL-III
Category: Speakers
Suggested Retail Price: $1500
Description: 2 ways, Ribbon 48
Manufacturer URL: Not Available

Review by ux4 on December 06, 2007 at 08:17:46
IP Address: 74.227.36.139
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for the AL-III


While perusing the speaker reviews, I noticed that the AL-III's had no comments. I will make a few.

I have owned these for 15 years. Never a problem. Over the course of those years, when compulsion has driven me to buy something new, no other speaker has won me over.

The Carver Amps that I tried (TMF-35 & 55 I believe) would NOT sufficiently drive the speakers. The Odyssey is more than adequate, as was the Mac.

The audio quality reproduced by these speakers is astounding, limited only by the quality of the recording. Standing six feet tall - 48'' ribbon atop a down firing 10'' woofer - the speakers emanate, articulate, and image in fullness and fidelity that is unequaled in my experience. Bass is such that no sub is necessary - even for home theater.

I recall that after some years (10+ ?), a few owners experienced ribbon separation resulting in unavoidable audio degradation. I have not suffered this problem because, in part I believe, of carefully controlled air conditioning throughout the life of the speakers.

Should you run across a pair, try 'em! BUT, be sure to inspect the ribbons carefully. A sign of separation is a slight to pronounced "buzzing" in mid to high ranges, so I am told. Googling may locate a source for ribbon replacements.


Product Weakness: Not a weakness, just a fact that shabby amps will not adequately drive fine speakers.
Product Strengths: the speakers emanate, articulate, and image in fullness and fidelity that is unequaled in my experience.


Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Odyssey Stratos/Carver/Mac
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Odyssey Tempest/HK AVR345/Carver
Sources (CDP/Turntable): CDP/TAPE/DVD/T-table/HDTV
Speakers: Carver AL-III
Cables/Interconnects: better than basic
Music Used (Genre/Selections): ALL, 'cept nasty rap
Room Size (LxWxH): 30 x 30 x vaulted
Room Comments/Treatments: carpet/drapes
Time Period/Length of Audition: 15 years
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): cheap ones
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: Carver AL-III Speakers - ux4 08:17:46 12/6/07 ( 1)