Battle of the midclass amps

[Slim-Shaddy]

Kenwood model "Basic M2" vs Carver model "TFM 35x"

I have both in my possession, but I need to get rid of one or the other. They are both worth about the same, put out similar power, and are both in beautiful shape. I guess I just want to know which of the two is the better amp. It may or may not be important to note that the winner will be powering a pair of JBL Control 29AV-1 outdoor speakers.
So which would you keep and why?

[ataudio]

I've never heard either one.  But since you have them both your best bet is to put each one into your
primary system and report back.  I've played with way too many mid range amps over my 30 audio
history.   All in all, aside from a few standouts, most amps at that price range will probably sound the
same.  I know some will argue that but again, at that price point most will sound very similar.
Listen to each for a couple of days or even have a friend swap them out...blind test.  Glaring, obvious
sound characteristics may quickly reveal themselves or it could be much harder to tell one from the other.
I guess I would probably lean towards the Carver because its THX certified.  At least it has the power/reserves available if needed.  Completed ebay sales have very few Carvers but quite a few Kenwood M2s.  A couple of  midrange standouts I've heard include Odyssey Stratos, Jolida 302, A couple of Hafler PA amps too (yup, not all PA amps are junk.  I have a couple of other recomendations from this arena but too many audiophiles poopoo PA amps).  Good luck and let us know.  Based on specs/history/my own personal (unfounded) opinion: +1 for the Carver.

[ataudio]

Forgot two other midrange amps that stood out: The NAD 3020 and  a small PS Audio power amp..cant remember the model number.  It was a really cool looking cube type thingy...sounded really good.
Ah...memory lane. 

[Slim-Shaddy]

Here's the thing about trying them out... Since they are playing on outdoor speakers, it'll be impossible to hear a difference. I assume that if I hooked either to my main system I wouldn't hear much of a difference there either. I'm  just curious which amp the forum members would recommend hanging onto.

[Reverend]

I'm a little biased so I won't answer.   

[mbskeam]

LOL....

I have a pair of m2a kenwoods.
these seam to have a bit better bass control than a carver amp.

but what happens when the kenwoods poop out?
can we even gets some of the parts to repair.
 on the carver side you can get these fixed.

man this would be a hard choice for me also.....

[Slim-Shaddy]

LOL....

I have a pair of m2a kenwoods.
these seam to have a bit better bass control than a carver amp.

but what happens when the kenwoods poop out?
can we even gets some of the parts to repair.
 on the carver side you can get these fixed.

man this would be a hard choice for me also.....

I feel the same way. I like the kenwood... but when it breaks I don't want to go broke fixing it. Tom has the knowhow, parts, and connections to get the carver fixed at a reasonable price...
I think the TFM stays.

[bmwr75]

Which amp weighs more?  Good chance that is the better built one.

[Slim-Shaddy]

They both weight about the same. I like the looks of the Kenwood more, but it's really a toss up between the two. Having the Carver guru nearby was the deciding factor.

[schwarcw]

The Carver will break, the Kenwood might not.