Carvin DCM series vs. HD series, thoughts for use with Axe FX into cab?

[Trainwreck1446]

I just received a decent amount of Carvin gift cards from the girlfriend/family. And I think I want to get an amp to run into a 4x12 Vin 30 cab. So I am looking on their site, and I see the two series of power amps. DCM and HD. I know the DCM are overall superior, but from what I can see its from a Pro Audio application stand point. What about from a Guitar Modeling application? Does the DCM serve any purpose or value beyond what the HD series would bring to the table?

[MotherSea]

Most of (but not all, make sure to check) the DCM series is class A/B.

All of the HD series is class D.

There have been numerous discussion as to whether or not this actually makes a difference. To my ears, A/B does work better in a guitar application. I have the DCM1540L as well as the Matrix 800, and in my opinion the two are very similar, except the DCM has more headroom. For the price, it's a great power amp (although, nowadays you can get a used 800 for about the same). I am currently trying out the Matrix 1000 and 1600. So far, they are not obviously better than the former two, but I have to do some more comparisons.

[axel]

Most of (but not all, make sure to check) the DCM series is class A/B.

Yes, be sure and check. On the main power amp page, it states that the DCM2000L is class "A/B", but if you read the description it states that it is class "D". I think I e-mailed them about this to see which was correct, and they said it was class "D". The DCM1540L, on the other hand, is class "A/B".

[Trainwreck1446]

I see... Well, I will be ordering one by the end of the week. But I am just not sure if the class difference is worth $100 for a guitar rig. Any more opinions out there?!

[axel]

I see... Well, I will be ordering one by the end of the week. But I am just not sure if the class difference is worth $100 for a guitar rig. Any more opinions out there?!

In one of Cliff's posts, he had stated that class A/B was preferred over class D, but I don't remember if he stated why (search may help you).

[t0aj15]

I see... Well, I will be ordering one by the end of the week. But I am just not sure if the class difference is worth $100 for a guitar rig. Any more opinions out there?!

Do yourself a HUGE favor..............buy the Carvin DCM1540L and be done with it.

[tgorycki]

Do yourself a HUGE favor..............buy the Carvin DCM1540L and be done with it.

I've been looking at the DCM1540L (and some other options) too. From what everyone on the forum says, it seems like a great amp for $400! There are 3 DCM models that are class A/B; the rest are class D. Plus, since Carvin sells direct, they have a 10-day no hassle money back guarantee.

[Roadrunner]

I just started using the DCM200L (after hurting my back carrying a Mesa 2:90), overall impression is very good.
You can read my thoughts about it here

[MotherSea]

I see... Well, I will be ordering one by the end of the week. But I am just not sure if the class difference is worth $100 for a guitar rig. Any more opinions out there?!

Even the DCM is much cheaper than the next 1500 watt class A/B amp (not to mention made in USA with excellent customer support).

Just go for it, you won't regret it. I love the Matrix series as well but honestly the major differences between the Carvin 1540 and the Matrix 1600 (approx. same wattage) can be tuned out through some careful Axe-Fx-ing. The latter does feel more warm initially, but they become very close with some tweaking. In fact, to me the Carvin seems to have MORE headroom even though it is rated slightly lower. Both amps have ridiculous power for a guitar rig. At one point I did a blind test in a studio by recording several tracks on the 1540 vs the Matrix 800 (through an Emperor 6x12 cab) and the Carvin won!

[Trainwreck1446]

I have spoken with 2 different people at Carvin that have told me the exact same thing when I asked them these questions about these amps for use with the Axe FX 2. They both told me to get the HD1500 model, over the DCM1540L. They swore up and down that the technology and tone behind it was identical, and that A/B to D was the only difference, that was negligible. They could have easily had me purchased the more expensive model, but convinced me to choose the less expensive model. Any thoughts anyone?

[tgorycki]

I have spoken with 2 different people at Carvin that have told me the exact same thing when I asked them these questions about these amps for use with the Axe FX 2. They both told me to get the HD1500 model, over the DCM1540L. They swore up and down that the technology and tone behind it was identical, and that A/B to D was the only difference, that was negligible. They could have easily had me purchased the more expensive model, but convinced me to choose the less expensive model. Any thoughts anyone?

Just looking at the specs, the HD1500 has less stereo output power than the DCM1540. Also, the HD1500 weighs 9 lbs. versus the DCM1540 at 14 lbs.

[Trainwreck1446]

Well... I ordered the HD1500, but got a call 2 hours later as they were processing my order saying that one of my gift cards had $100 more on it than I originally had thought. This was a surprise to those that gave me the gift cards as well, haha. So I told them to get me the DCM1540L instead. Why not. An additional Carvin rep told me that the HD1500 and the DCM1540L would be tonally identical for a guitar modeler application. But I figure more couldn't hurt. So that should be here in the next few days, along with my new custom ordered Port City 4x12 OS Wave!

[MotherSea]

If they are tonally identical in a guitar modeler situation, I wonder in what situation(s) they would differ.

[AdmiralB]

I've got a DCM2004L, Class D. It was part of a package I picked up on CL with the TRX coax monitors.

It's a decent amp; sounds good, very flexible. I wouldn't let preconceived notions about operating class worry you; it sounds as good as my QSC PLX.

OTOH, I wouldn't drop it off my roof (in fact, I woudn't drop it off a coffee table). It's not what I'd call "robust". But if it's going to be handled fairly gently it should be fine.

[Trainwreck1446]

They differ in a kick drum, and low frequency bass application, I was told.

[AdmiralB]

They differ in a kick drum, and low frequency bass application, I was told.

It's the other way 'round. IF there's a difference, it's at the higher frequencies. It's why you see a lot of Class D bass amps; it's fairly easy and inexpensive to get lots of power if you don't have to be super-clean up at the high end. Class D can do full-range clean, but it costs more.

[Trainwreck1446]

Ah, I must have mixed it up.

[Trainwreck1446]

Just an update... I have had the DCM1540L for a week ish now. And it sounds amazing! I am still waiting.on my Port City OS Wave cab to be built. So I will post audio clips then. But so far so good. Great choice. ESPECIALLY for the price. But a solid choice either way.

[MotherSea]

Yes, the DCM is great for the price. The newer Matrix amps have a slightly more natural feel, but the 1540 is as good if not better than the GT800FX. Based on what I've heard online, the HD series is inferior. It's interesting that Carvin tried to downsell you.

[Hattrick17]

I am looking at Matrix, Atomic, and RCF as amplifier/cab solutions, and wanted to know if Carvin would be a serious contender? Any other reviews on Carvin with the AFII?