Carver TFM-25 tune up

Jazzman53 · « **on:** 30 Oct 2010, 01:53 pm »

Just tuned up the Carver TFM-25 I got on Ebay last week. It's been burning in for a couple of hours now and it's sounding really sweet.

Delta Wave · « **Reply #1 on:** 30 Oct 2010, 03:56 pm »

Very nice, I still have three - 2x M200t & a M.5t and have always loved how they sound... perhaps I'll do the same.

Speedskater · « **Reply #2 on:** 30 Oct 2010, 04:07 pm »

I have been meaning to tune-up my two TFM-22 amps for some years now. What did you do? Replace all the electrolytic capacitors with new of about the same value?

Jazzman53 · « **Reply #3 on:** 30 Oct 2010, 08:34 pm »

Yes, replaced every electrolytic cap in the amp... not hard to do but a bit tedious. This was my 4th TFM-25 recap so I have it down pretty well now. The TFM-22 is identical except it has LED meters instead of wipers. I have a Digikey recapping parts list if you want it. I also did the TFM-25-2 Service Bulletin upgrade and I have a parts list for that too.

Jazzman53 · « **Reply #4 on:** 30 Oct 2010, 09:10 pm »

Quote from: Speedskater on 30 Oct 2010, 04:07 pm

I have been meaning to tune-up my two TFM-22 amps for some years now. What did you do? Replace all the electrolytic capacitors with new of about the same value?

Hi Speedskater,
The link below is a complete write-up with parts lists and photos to recap a TFM-25. You may need to join the CarverSite to view it. Members can also download Carver Owner Service Manuals there at no charge. I did confirm that the TFM-22 and TFM-25 were issued the same Service Bulletin; which is a reliability upgrade that involves changing out some resistors and transistors to prevent overheating and discoloration on certain areas of the main PC board.

All of the caps shown in my parts list will be common to both the TFM-22 and TFM-25 except possibly C401-402, C405-406, C409-410, C411-414, C415-416 and C451, which are on the meter drive board (different meters used).
http://thecarversite.com/yetanotherforum/default.aspx?g=posts&t=1683

have a great day!
Charlie

Speedskater · « **Reply #5 on:** 30 Oct 2010, 09:32 pm »

Thanks Charlie, I didn't even know about that forum.

Jazzman53 · « **Reply #6 on:** 31 Oct 2010, 12:00 pm »

Quote from: Speedskater on 30 Oct 2010, 09:32 pm

Thanks Charlie, I didn't even know about that forum.

It's a great site for Carver enthusiasts-- lots of great members and the the guy who runs it (RichP) used to work for Carver Corp doing warranty repairs-- very dedicated... he even walked me thru fixing an amp once.

PDR · « **Reply #7 on:** 31 Oct 2010, 01:51 pm »

It really is a great site.....there are a few of us that are members of both.

SteveFord · « **Reply #8 on:** 6 Nov 2010, 06:53 pm »

If you have Carver or Sunfire gear, that would be the place to go. There's always someone who is able to help you out if you have a problem.
The feel is similar to this site but a bit looser thanks to miscreants like Balok, PDR, Jazzman53 and Weitrhino.
I try to keep them under control but it's a losing battle...

herb73 · « **Reply #9 on:** 16 Nov 2010, 06:02 pm »

I am a newby here, just joined a few min ago..
I have 2 500T amps that I am about to send out to be upgraded..haven't used them in 15 years, but loved the way they USED to sound..
have the c-2 and the tuner as well..
what kind of speakers do u run with your carver amps?
I have an old set of VMPS towers.
Thanx for all the good reading

Jazzman53 · « **Reply #10 on:** 12 Dec 2010, 03:30 pm »

Quote from: herb73 on 16 Nov 2010, 06:02 pm

I am a newby here, just joined a few min ago..
I have 2 500T amps that I am about to send out to be upgraded..haven't used them in 15 years, but loved the way they USED to sound..
have the c-2 and the tuner as well..
what kind of speakers do u run with your carver amps?
I have an old set of VMPS towers.
Thanx for all the good reading

Hi Herb,
Sorry I didn't answer sooner but I must have missed your post. Most Carver enthusiasts would die for a pair of M500T's. Since you asked, I'm bi-amping a pair of homebuilt hybrid electrostats with a pair TFM-25's. Here's a link to my DIY Electrostatic Loudspeaker web page:
http://jazzman-esl-page.blogspot.com/

herb73 · « **Reply #11 on:** 15 Dec 2010, 06:24 pm »

Thanx jazzman for the info...
I recently picked up a pair of VMPS RM-40 speakers...was wondering how they will sound with the upgraded 500T's...
I prob. won't get them back for another few weeks, but can hardly wait...
Also have a AR SP-0 MK3....
I found anlther M500t for sale on the net...may buy that one, too!..
I have much vinyl, a few cd.s....
will be looking at downloading music off the internet soon...
have never done that before....
H

Indiansprings · « **Reply #12 on:** 23 Jan 2011, 12:17 am »

I could do this to my TFM-24 too couldn't I?

Jazzman53 · « **Reply #13 on:** 23 Jan 2011, 03:38 am »

Yes, of course. I think your TFM-24 is very similar to the TFM-25. If so, the parts to replace all of the electrolytic caps runs about $55

Frosti · « **Reply #14 on:** 30 Mar 2012, 09:26 pm »

I can't register to the other site, could you send me the parts list? I have the tfm-24 and the right channel has started fuzzing so i would love to get tuning it up soon!

Subhunter · « **Reply #15 on:** 1 Apr 2012, 08:55 pm »

Very nice, I wish I had one.

Mikemaxcel · « **Reply #16 on:** 18 Oct 2012, 08:42 am »

Quote from: Jazzman53 on 30 Oct 2010, 09:10 pm

Hi Speedskater,
The link below is a complete write-up with parts lists and photos to recap a TFM-25. You may need to join the CarverSite to view it. Members can also download Carver Owner Service Manuals there at no charge. I did confirm that the TFM-22 and TFM-25 were issued the same Service Bulletin; which is a reliability upgrade that involves changing out some resistors and transistors to prevent overheating and discoloration on certain areas of the main PC board.

All of the caps shown in my parts list will be common to both the TFM-22 and TFM-25 except possibly C401-402, C405-406, C409-410, C411-414, C415-416 and C451, which are on the meter drive board (different meters used).
http://thecarversite.com/yetanotherforum/default.aspx?g=posts&t=1683

have a great day!
Charlie

Would you mind share the details of components changed found in `service bulletin update`?
As I am just about to have the TFM25 next week.

SteveFord · « **Reply #17 on:** 18 Oct 2012, 10:40 pm »

TFM-25 RECAP PARTS LIST:

Carver # Qty Desc. Manufacturer # Digikey # Spacing TFM-25 Component Price

76R3TW221M-RT 2 220µF 6.3v UPW0J221MED 493-1699-ND 2.5 C109-C110 $0.36 $0.72

NS-50TW 4R7M 5 4.7µF 50v EEU-EB1H4R7S P13465-ND 2 C205-C206, C409-C410 $0.11 $0.55

NS100TW 1R0M 4 1µF 100v UPW2A010MDD 493-1962-ND 2 C211-C214 $0.33 $1.32

NS-25TW 470M 8 47µF 25v EEU-EB1E470 P12123-ND 2 C307-C308, C415-C416 $0.16 $1.28

NS-25TW 220M 1 22µF 25v UPW1E220MDD 493-1811-ND 2 C309 $0.32 $0.32

NS-25TW 330M 1 33µF 25v UPW1E330MDD 493-1814-ND 2 C310 $0.32 $0.32

NS-50TW R47M 1 .47µF 50v UPW1HR47MDD 493-1885-ND 2 C311 $0.34 $0.34

NS-16TW 220M 4 22µF 16v UPW1C220MDD 493-1769-ND 2 C401-C402, C405-C406 $0.34 $1.36

NS-16TW 101M 4 100µf 16v UTT1C101MDD 493-3271-ND C411-C414 $0.47 $1.88

NS-25TW 100M 1 10µF 25v UPW1E100MDD 493-1809-ND 2 C451 $0.34 $0.34

BC00103NN60GH 2 10000µF 100v ECE-T2AP103EA P10038-ND 22.5 C501-C502 $11.96 $23.92

BC63332N240HC 2 3300µF 63v ECO-S1JA332BA P7481-ND 10 C503-C504 $4.79 $9.58

BC35682M240HC 2 6800µF 35 v ECO-S1VA682BA P6660-ND 10 C505-C506 $4.11 $8.22

NS-35TW 471M-KF 1 470µF 35v UHE1V471MPD 493-1582-ND 5 C509 $0.66 $0.66

NS-50TW1R0M 1 1µF 50v UPW1H010MDD 493-1886-ND 2 C510 $0.30 $0.30

Total $51.11

TFM-25-2 SERVICE BULLETIN PARTS LIST 1 of 2 - RESISTORS:

Carver # Qty Description Digikey # TFM-25 Comp. Price Total

REPLACED 2 (buy 5) 62Ω, 1/2 W Carbon 62H-ND R209-R212 $0.058 $0.29

REPLACED 2 1.5KΩ, 1/4W Carbon CF1/41.5KJRCT-ND R229-R230 $0.08 $0.16

REPLACED 2 22Ω, 1/2W Carbon CF1/222JRCT-ND R243-R244 $0.14 $0.28

REPLACED 2 (buy 5) 27Ω, 1/2W Carbon 27H-ND R245-R246 $0.058 $0.29

Note: Verify R235-R238 are 27Ω, 1/2 watt resistors-- if not, add these to order. Total $1.02

TFM-25-2 SERVICE BULLETIN BULLETIN PARTS LIST 2 of 2 - TRANSISTORS:

Carver Number Qty Description B&D Enterprises # TFM-25 Component Cost Total

2SA1370-E,F 4 Sanyo 2SA1370 Q201-Q202, Q209-Q210 $0.53 $1.06

2SC3467-E,F 4 Sanyo 2SC3467 Q203-Q204, Q207-Q208 $0.39 $0.78

*Total $1.84

* Minimum Order amount is $15

Jazzman53 · « **Reply #18 on:** 19 Oct 2012, 12:46 am »

Quote from: SteveFord on 18 Oct 2012, 10:40 pm

TFM-25 RECAP PARTS LIST:

Carver # Qty Desc. Manufacturer # Digikey # Spacing TFM-25 Component Price

76R3TW221M-RT 2 220µF 6.3v UPW0J221MED 493-1699-ND 2.5 C109-C110 $0.36 $0.72

NS-50TW 4R7M 5 4.7µF 50v EEU-EB1H4R7S P13465-ND 2 C205-C206, C409-C410 $0.11 $0.55

NS100TW 1R0M 4 1µF 100v UPW2A010MDD 493-1962-ND 2 C211-C214 $0.33 $1.32

NS-25TW 470M 8 47µF 25v EEU-EB1E470 P12123-ND 2 C307-C308, C415-C416 $0.16 $1.28

NS-25TW 220M 1 22µF 25v UPW1E220MDD 493-1811-ND 2 C309 $0.32 $0.32

NS-25TW 330M 1 33µF 25v UPW1E330MDD 493-1814-ND 2 C310 $0.32 $0.32

NS-50TW R47M 1 .47µF 50v UPW1HR47MDD 493-1885-ND 2 C311 $0.34 $0.34

NS-16TW 220M 4 22µF 16v UPW1C220MDD 493-1769-ND 2 C401-C402, C405-C406 $0.34 $1.36

NS-16TW 101M 4 100µf 16v UTT1C101MDD 493-3271-ND C411-C414 $0.47 $1.88

NS-25TW 100M 1 10µF 25v UPW1E100MDD 493-1809-ND 2 C451 $0.34 $0.34

BC00103NN60GH 2 10000µF 100v ECE-T2AP103EA P10038-ND 22.5 C501-C502 $11.96 $23.92

BC63332N240HC 2 3300µF 63v ECO-S1JA332BA P7481-ND 10 C503-C504 $4.79 $9.58

BC35682M240HC 2 6800µF 35 v ECO-S1VA682BA P6660-ND 10 C505-C506 $4.11 $8.22

NS-35TW 471M-KF 1 470µF 35v UHE1V471MPD 493-1582-ND 5 C509 $0.66 $0.66

NS-50TW1R0M 1 1µF 50v UPW1H010MDD 493-1886-ND 2 C510 $0.30 $0.30

Total $51.11

TFM-25-2 SERVICE BULLETIN PARTS LIST 1 of 2 - RESISTORS:

Carver # Qty Description Digikey # TFM-25 Comp. Price Total

REPLACED 2 (buy 5) 62Ω, 1/2 W Carbon 62H-ND R209-R212 $0.058 $0.29

REPLACED 2 1.5KΩ, 1/4W Carbon CF1/41.5KJRCT-ND R229-R230 $0.08 $0.16

REPLACED 2 22Ω, 1/2W Carbon CF1/222JRCT-ND R243-R244 $0.14 $0.28

REPLACED 2 (buy 5) 27Ω, 1/2W Carbon 27H-ND R245-R246 $0.058 $0.29

Note: Verify R235-R238 are 27Ω, 1/2 watt resistors-- if not, add these to order. Total $1.02

TFM-25-2 SERVICE BULLETIN BULLETIN PARTS LIST 2 of 2 - TRANSISTORS:

Carver Number Qty Description B&D Enterprises # TFM-25 Component Cost Total

2SA1370-E,F 4 Sanyo 2SA1370 Q201-Q202, Q209-Q210 $0.53 $1.06

2SC3467-E,F 4 Sanyo 2SC3467 Q203-Q204, Q207-Q208 $0.39 $0.78

*Total $1.84

* Minimum Order amount is $15

Thanks for posting that Steve,

If I'm not mistaken that's probably the cap/hotlist that BillD and I posted when I refurb'd my 25's. I should point out that the TMF25-2 Service Bulletin actually calls out 1/4 watt flame proof resistors for the 62 Ohm R209-R212, 22 Ohm R243-R245, and 27 Ohm R245-R246. However, I was unable to find any 1/4 watt flame proofs anywhere so I substituted 1/2 watt non-flame proof resistors in my parts list. They work fine of course, but to the extent that these resistors could also serve as fuses; blowing open to protect other parts downstream in the event of a damaging current spike, I would go with 1/4 watt flame-proofs if you can find them.

Also, for those two big 10,000uF power supply caps, the stock height caps were not available at the time so I used the Digikey #P10038-ND caps, as shown in the cap list above. These caps are quite a bit taller than the stock caps but do fit with 3/16" clearance to the amp cover (not a problem... just don't stack any bricks on top of the amp). The preferred stock size caps are Digikey #P10040-ND.

Jazz

Mikemaxcel · « **Reply #19 on:** 19 Oct 2012, 08:45 pm »

The detailed information really help.
Thank you.

Hopefully I might get a pair of these in bridged-mode to drive my ATC SCM20Pro in the near future.