SD/A-490t vs SD/A-390t
The SD/A-390t's signal-to-noise is 95 dB against the SD/A-490t's 100 dB, its thd 0.150% against 0.500%, its output voltage 1.6V RMS against 2.2V RMS, and its weight 6.8 kg (15 lbs) against 4.08 kg (9 lbs).
AI-generated product photo — not official manufacturer imagery.
DigitalCD PlayersDiscontinued
Estimated price (community-sourced)
$700
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
About the SD/A-490t
The Carver SD/A-490t is a high-end vacuum tube reference CD player from 1991, utilizing two 6DJ8 vacuum tubes in the final output stage to achieve very low static and transient distortion while providing extremely high dynamic headroom. It employs a Bitstream Conversion Linear Single Bit D/A Converter (1-bit MASH), triple-beam laser scanning, full remote control with volume control, random play, variable-length fade, Edit/Time Fade for CD-to-tape copies, and Soft EQ (Digital Time Lens circuit) to preserve sonic depth and reduce excessive brightness. The tubes operate at less than 25% capacity, ensuring longevity without replacement. Digital outputs include coaxial and optical. It is no longer manufactured and available used on secondary markets.
Specifications
Analog Output
Analog signal output specifications
- THD
- 0.500%
- SNR
- 100 dB
- Output Voltage
- 2.2V RMS
- Output Impedance
- 750Ω
- Max Output Voltage
- 2.7V RMS
Connectivity
Input and output connections
- Bluetooth
- No
- Wi-Fi
- No
- Ethernet
- No
- Digital Inputs
- Coaxial, Optical
- Analog Outputs
- Line output, Headphone output
Physical Dimensions
Size, weight, and appearance
- Dimensions
- 432 × 121 × 406 mm (W × H × D)
- Weight
- 4.08 kg (9 lbs)
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions