Dynamic Headroom,Aesthetics,Sound

None

I have been very pleased with the A-500x. I like the way this amp looks. The addition of the meters is a nice feature and adds to the overall attractiveness of the unit.
I have never owned anything with the magnitude of power as the A-500x. The power is incredible! The amp is so smooth and accurate,yet only gets "warm".
It has a very nice suond. Detailed and defined in the highs and very tight and controlled on the lows.
I recently took the unit to my cousins. He is doing some testing to see what a difference it would make over his Yamaha intergrated amp(120 WPC). After hooking up his Klipsch KLF-30's,the moment of truth was upon us. The look on his face was was absolute astonishment. He could not belive the authoritative bass comming from his 30's. He liked the sound/power so much he is seriously contemplating getting his own A-500x and selling the Yamaha (It's brand new). I compared this amp to my friends Adcom GFA-555 amp. I compared the Adcom at home mixing it within my system for a fair comparison. I found that the Adcom sounded a little muffled compared the Carver. I liked the cleaner sound and higher power output of the Carver.
I got mine for peanuts($350.00). The amp retailed for around $1000.00 new. I looked at the regular competiors in this price range,Adcom,B&K,NAD,Parasound,and Rotel. I prefered the Carver over these after a lot of trips to the audio stores.
I can only say that it is worth every cent I paid. Even at the retail price its an excellent value. I feel you would have to pay a considerable amount more to match the performance of the Carver A-500x.
I have my system in its own room that measures 20'D x 16' W with an 8'6" ceiling. Only 1 chair and table besides the system occupy the space. My system is comprised of the following componets.
Carver A-500x Amp
Carver CT-24 Pre-Amp
Carver MV-5 CD Changer
Klipsch ChorusII Speakers
Monster Z1 Speaker Cables
AR Pro Series Interconnects

Muscular amp, extremely clean power, neat front panel meters

None

I've used my A-500X for nearly three years now, and it is probably the best single audio purchase I have ever made. It provides more than enough ultra-clean power to drive nearly any speaker load and barely gets warm doing it. If you can pick one up used in good condition, do it.

Similar Products Used:

Sony TA-N55ES

I must say that I've been impressed with my purchase here (not so with my CT-26 Pre/pro). I like the meters- it makes the system LOOK sharp and I can't argue with 500W into my 4 Ohm Snell E.5's. I have plenty of detail and I've yet to break 175 Watts without hurting myself (read: plenty of power on tap). It does seem to be a little edgy on the highs and a little lacking in the bass situation (I auditioned my Snells on a bad*ss MAC Amp, though). I think I can say that there's probably not a better deal than this peice at $500. For $1000 MSRP, you could probably do better, but it's a steal for $500. Too bad the company's defunct now.