Size of sound stage and bass quality

Thin, very metalic midrange and top end. Mediocre sound stage

I get a strong impression that a majority of the people on this site have very little experience with other brands. True this speaker does have a descent image with a big sound and overall good bass, but it's actual sound quality leaves much to be desired. It is has a very metallic sound to the mid and highs. The detail in the sound stage and bass was rather poor compared to all other speakers listed. In the design of this speaker I feel too much money was wasted on quantity (three cheap 12"?) apposed to quality. Yes they play loud with descent tonal balance and good bass but look somewhere else if you looking for a more accurate, musical speaker.

Similar Products Used:

Castle, Pmc, Martin Logan, AE, Energy and Mirage

If you can call this a weakness. I came home the other night and was horrified. I think I might have lost a ribbon tweeter. Possibly my 2 year old daughter stuck her finger in it. I spoke with Dave Sauter (carveraudio.com) he gave me some trouble shooting suggestions. I am going to remove tweeter and inspect it. If it turns out to need repair he can repair the tweeters for $300.00, a bargain considering the idea of replacing a speaker of the quality of these. Dave Sauter was very helpful in his suggestions and very open to help out, I would really recommend talking to him with any problems!!

I run a Hafler XL-600 amp (305 w/ch). I am presently looking to pickup another used XL-600 to bridge them after nearly 12 years. I have ideas of how much more incredible that would sound. Everyone who heres these speakers is amazed. Comments are always, "they sound like artist is right in front of us." Friends always comment on the wonderful design and overall appearance of the speakers as well. I always tell them they are "Visual and Sonic works of Art."

Similar Products Used:

Bose, Cerwin Vega, Infinity, Pioneer

Like their successor, the ALIII (+), the AL Silvers have a wonderful, open sound that is quite unlike that produced by box enclosures. I never grow tired of listening to them. They do require significant power, but their low price helps to offset the cost (for example) of a second amp.
Although not in production for several years, these are still well worth buying, assuming that you can find a pair in good condition. (On that point, see www.carveraudio.com for information on servicing.)

Very versetile, clear, clean sound.

No surprise here, they need power. My ribbons needed replacement at about 8 years old. Carver told me that was better than average for the early year models (they said the ribbons would "relax.") The sound starts to get fuzzy. The platinum has been terrific for 9 yrs.

I purchased mine new, when they were first introduced. I knew I wanted them the first time I heard them in a showroom. The spacial quality was unlike anything else. I had the room so I went for it. Mine are very early production, S/N 202; and have had the ribbons upgraded to platinum. They are so versitile...right now I have the ribbons out of the frame as mains working with a powered sub-woofer. I used Carvers M-500 amp for a long time and now use McIntosh 2205 and am happy.

Incredible sound for the money. The ribbons make my other speakers sound muddy. The bass will knock stuff off the walls.

Power hungry. I like amps, too, so maybe that's a strength!

I bought my AL Silvers at a fire sale in Germany while I was in the Army. The drive was one hour each way and I had to make a trip for each speaker, but it was worth it. Mated with a Carver amp, 'The Receiver', and CD player, I have enjoyed the best sounding stereo for the last 11 years without any problems. I actually tried to sell them for 1100 dollars 5 years ago and I'm glad there were no takers.

I also have a pair of Cerwin Vegas that are great but still do not match the AL's in all spectrums. Driven with the other Carver equipment, spatial quality is premium and you can actually close your eyes and place different instruments around the room.

The only bad thing is that the ribbon drivers are accessible to little fingers - I haven't had any incidences with that, but had some close calls.

Highly recommended, if you can find them.

Dynamic Sound and Clear believable soundstage. Clarity of pure sound

BIG, somewhat room position sensitve,

I bought these many years ago used. Loved them from the second they were turned on. (turned me on too). Had to store them as space became a problem when giant TV and stereo cabinets were introduced to my living space.

Recently brought them out of storage area to demo them for re-sale. Demo went so well I decided against selling them. CAN'T FIND THIS QUALITY OF SOUND FOR 10 TIMES THE PRICE TODAY.

They know live in my bedroom vying for space with my cat and dresser. Oh well one must make some allowaances for the best speakers money can buy.