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Bob Carver C-500 worth restoring and/or upgrading??

Hi...
I have a Carver C-500 that I am the original purchaser of back in the 80’s.
It has been stored well, but has not been used for 30 years. I have a need for a good amp with some power to drive some DynAudio Contour 20 4ohm-rated speakers.
Can anyone "with experience with C-500s" tell me if the amp is worth refurbishing/upgrading? Where I should get it done? ...and a guesstimate cost range? I am looking for good work, not a cheap price. I also respect skilled, knowledgeable technicians... The unit has nostalgic value to me, so if it can compete with today’s solid state amps from a performance standpoint, once refurbed...I want to do it up, RIGHT!
At the very least I will need the capacitors replaced.
Any takers??? (Bob Carver BASHERS need not respond, although I am open to knowledgeable criticism of the C-500 with specific evidence! 😎).
Thanks guys!

bobo1000
bobo1000 OP
25 posts
 
Hi Jason...thanks for the input. I am of the mind to have the amp checked out by a skilled tech. It’s well over 30 years old and every knowledgeable person I have talked to says that the capacitors should be replaced. I don’t mind the inconvenience or the expense. I would like to feel that the unit is reliably functioning and running at 100% capacity.
Audio Classics looks like a really cool, friendly shop and could be a nice day trip for me....hmmmmm.....😎
Do they do their repairs on-site?

Edit: I did a little research- Audio Classics seems to be a McIntosh specialty house, right?
jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 
Audio Classics has been in business since at least 1990. Around that time I bought a nice PS Audio PS IV preamp from them. I bought the restored SAE Mark XXX several years ago - including the nice wood case! They do good work!
jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 
Yes, they have been a McIntosh dealer/repair since the beginning. Richard Modaferri (designer of several Mac tuners) worked at Audio Classics.
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller
1,361 posts
 
I have had great results with both Deltronics (Chicagoland/2 locations) and Bristol Electronics (New Jersey).  
bobo1000 OP
25 posts
 
JB...Frank from Carver says Deltronics is the only authorized dealer by Carver... BUT I live in NJ!  Cant you tell me more about your experience with Bristol?
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