Welcome to the jungle.

Are you sure about the video game outputs?
Have you tried anything else with the amps?

It's difficult to say what the problem might be without knowing more.

I did a search on the Kenwood and the hits were mostly repair manual links. Not a good sign. It's probably a good idea to get something newer.

There is always a bunch of Carver stuff on eBay. What do you mean by "cheap"?

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Thanks,

The video game outputs work fine if I just hook them up directly to my tv. I also tried the audio RCA from a working dvd player.

Good so the DVD works on the TV but not on the amp?

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True, something newer probably be better. Do I have options in the $200 or less range?

Not really. Those speakers would be better served at the 400+ range.

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As for looking for a Carver receiver/amp; would that increase my chances of compatibility? Having never setup speakers before I'm just not sure where I'm going wrong.

Would any additional information help?

Humm... I don't think you have a compatibility problem. Exactly how are you connecting the speakers to the amp?

Despite their age it would be unusual for two amps to have the same problem. It would be equally odd to have both amps have similar problems with both headphones and speaker outputs. It's not impossible for these two amps to have problems, particularly if you simply plugged in the amplifier and hit it with 120 VAC, but it's unlikely they would both have similar problems. Old amplifiers brought from storage tend to have quite loud hums and not weak noises. It would be more common to have operator error involved here.

If you can, I would suggest you remove the Carver speakers from the equation since they are an unusual load for any amplifier. Use something other than the Carver's to determine whether the amps work.

Have you checked the tape monitor function to ensure it is set to "source" position? Are you sure you made clean, proper connections from the amp to the speakers? When you say the amps were "just hanging around" does that mean they have been in storage for quite some time? It's possible you blew the fuse in both amplifiers by making the connections to the Carver speakers. If you are not extremely familiar with the inside of an amplfiier, ask someone to check the fuses - and remember there are leathal voltages inside an amplifier even when it is not plugged into the AC outlet. Don't stick your hand into any amplifier unless you know exactly where not to stick your hand and never have both hands touching the amplifier when the cover has been removed. If you get brave and try this yourself, you'll have to change a fuse with one hand in your pocket.

I know this is going to sound silly, but are you sure you have good fuses well set in all the gear?

Edit...I see you covered that. I missed your line but a fuse problem also sounds likely to me.

Excellent post Jan.

I'll just add one little thing. If the amps have a speaker selector make sure that is set properly.

I'd say there's a very good chance that neither of these amps have enough umph to even wake up the Amazings, much less make them sing. The Lafayette is maybe 10 wpc, and the Kenwood is 34 wpc, and neither of these integrateds are suited for a speaker like the Carver Amazing, which is WELL known for being a giant power hog.

If properly set up and powered, the Amazings can be, well, pretty amazing . But, you need an amp with some real cajones that is happy driving a 4 ohm load. Most receivers are not up to this task, so you are looking at needing some good quality separates if you plan to stay with the Carver speakers.

The other advice you've gotten here is very sound: check fuses (amp and speaker), check the tape monitor selector, check the speaker selector switch. Also, make sure you are not plugging your game console into the phono inputs (if the amps have one). And get some more efficient, easier-to-drive speakers until you can get your hands on a good front end to use with those Carvers.

Good luck.

I've been trying to think about how to help, but don't have any genius ideas right now.

What you need is a hands on audiophile system check.

Where do you live?

Find any cheap speaker driver...Radio Shack or even gut out the speaker from an old radio, toy, or any other sound making device requiring any amplification. Connect the wire to that speaker to see if you get any sound. This would at least let you know if you are getting any output from the amp/receiver. You could probably do the same by connecting the speaker wire directly to one of the woofers on the Carver (you don't even need to disconnect it).
Good luck