Adcom gfa-535

[DMW1]

ADCOM GFA-535
Is this a vintage solid state amp. I know it's a power amp, but how would it measure up to integrated amps like Pioneer's SA-8100, SA-8800 and other amps with similar power, for sound quality ... not so much raw power?

 

[Tedrick]

The GFA-535 was originally introduced in 1987, and superceded by the Mk II version in around 1991, so I guess it is sort of 'semi-vintage.'

In terms of sound, I have not heard the integrateds you mention, but I think the '535 is a very fine unit that performs WAY above its price-point. This little 60 wpc amp plays more like it's got 100 or even 120 watts on tap. It is a high-current design capable of driving some pretty difficult speakers. It is very smooth and neutral sounding up top, and has enough cahones to produce tight powerful bass with most speakers. The '535 is also well-built and very durable. I've owned one since about 1990, and it's seen nearly daily use with nary a hiccup.

 

[Fred Sanford]

I've got the 2535s, essentially two 535s in one chassis. I use them on the most revealing, best sounding system in my house. No complaints at all, good-sounding units that never give me a moment of trouble.

je

 

[Ohighway]

I've got a couple of 545 Adcom power amps. They are very nice indeed. I suspect the same to be true for the 535.

 

[clydeselsor]

The GFA-535 was originally introduced in 1987, and superceded by the Mk II version in around 1991, so I guess it is sort of 'semi-vintage.'

In terms of sound, I have not heard the integrateds you mention, but I think the '535 is a very fine unit that performs WAY above its price-point. This little 60 wpc amp plays more like it's got 100 or even 120 watts on tap. It is a high-current design capable of driving some pretty difficult speakers. It is very smooth and neutral sounding up top, and has enough cahones to produce tight powerful bass with most speakers. The '535 is also well-built and very durable. I've owned one since about 1990, and it's seen nearly daily use with nary a hiccup.

I have a 535mkII and would agree with all of the above!

 

[JoeESP9]

I use a GFA-545 to drive a pair of electrostatics. They are the rear speakers in my surround setup. It has always performed well. I have recommemded lots of Adcom gear to friends and neighbors. Those who have bought Adcom on my recommendation are quite happy with it. They usually don't ask if there is anything better.

 

[whyaskit]

I have owned a SA-9100 and the 535.

I really liked both amplifiers and can see why one would pick one over the other. My impressions are that they both were very musical amplifiers. I felt like the detail that the 535 can provide made it a little better fit for me and how I like my system to sound.

The Pioneer sounded how I thought a tube amp would sound, that was before I owned a tube amp. It made every speaker I hooked up to it sound like a warm fuzzy blanket. I really liked that, but I did start to notice less detail than what the Adcom (yes, I did a direct comparison) would provide.

The Adcom can sorta do some of the same trick, but It is more musical instead of being warm. It is the amp I use if there is a lower impedance speaker I have. Never had a problem with it, or the Pioneer for that matter. I loved both, but think the little Adcom is just a little better.

 

[PacificStereo]

We sold the heck out of that entire Adcom series back in the day at Digital Ear, and the 535 was a very sweet and capable amp. You should love it!

 

[iloveamps]

My 545 is one of my favorite amps. It's in my bedroom system, coupled to Boston CR9s.

My neighbor got me into them, he had (and still does) probably 10 Adcom amps, and numerous recievers/tuners, etc. I think he has at least one of each of the 535/545, and multiple 555s and 555IIs. He is a big fan. Now he has some massive Krell amps, but he still likes the Adcoms.

-Peter

 

[audiojones]

I'm not trying to de-rail this thread, but can anyone shed some light on the differences between the GFA-535 and the GFA-535II (other than the lack of the speaker selection switch)?

 

[Tedrick]

I'm not trying to de-rail this thread, but can anyone shed some light on the differences between the GFA-535 and the GFA-535II (other than the lack of the speaker selection switch)?

The original '535 had some funky twist-lock speaker wire connections that would only accept pins or bare wire. These were replaced on the '535II with standard 5-way binding posts. There were probably some minor internal tweaks, but the binding post upgrade was the most obvious change.

 

[whoaru99]

I've read in a number of places the some consider the 535 to be Adcom's best sounding amp.

 

[PeterFCassidy]

I replaced a fried Nikko Alpha II with the 535 and am stunned at the level of detail and authority in the bass the little guy (hey!) has. Running Gamma V on it this afternoon after really enjoying Paco De Lucia in flac format running through my Topping DAC. Adcom has really helped me appreciate my DAC, in fact, in ways that I couldn't on the Alpha II.

 

[Pio1980]

The original '535 had some funky twist-lock speaker wire connections that would only accept pins or bare wire. These were replaced on the '535II with standard 5-way binding posts. There were probably some minor internal tweaks, but the binding post upgrade was the most obvious change.

The GFA-5#5 are based on Nelson Pass design for Adcom, the Mk-2 are by Walt Morrey and address cost-cuting in the Mk-1 version. Slightly different circuit, better connectors, similarly robust otherwise.

 

[red 111]

I still use the mark 2 version of the 535 … I enjoy its sound…

 

[PeterFCassidy]

YES!

The Ultrabadness of the 535 is self evident!

Running the original version with an Apt Holman pre-amp. Very compelling performance.

Brighter than my Nikko Alpha II - but more greatly detailed in all ranges.