Preamp/Processors

HT: I'm reviewing the fifth-generation Sunfire designs, the TGP-5 and the TGA-5400. Are there any big changes in your designs?

Bob Carver: No, they're evolutionary; the basic audio circuitry was developed some time ago, but we've layered in some very important new features. The TGP-5 is a pretty big machine, and its back panel is so filled up with jacks, it looks a little intimidating.

HT: I've heard you've been working on tiny ribbon speakers for years. When will they be ready for prime time?

BC: The Cinema Ribbons? They're seven years in the making, but it looks like we'll have them out by the end of the year. They're very small, about the size of a Denny's napkin holder. Inside that tiny box, the air pressure is so high, it's like a hurricane in there. The little speakers can play really, really loud with low distortion, and their bass goes down to 70 hertz.

HT: I can't wait to hear them. I noticed that the Current Source speaker outputs on the Theater Grand amps deliver a tube-like sound.

BC: Right, the sound was modeled after my giant, red, custom-built tube amps. It was a lifelong dream to build these things, so I did.

HT: Last question: What's the next step in amplifier design?

BC: I can't say, because it will sound arrogant. I've listened to every amplifier under the sun, and I'm so happy with the way my amplifiers sound now.

HT: So, I gather you're done with them—for now, anyway.