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Adcom GFA-545 vs Hafler HD-200

N

Natal

New Member
I'm running an Adcom GFA-545 with a GF TubeDAC-09 which I really like -- clean clear highs and mid-range although the bass I would say is in balance but not particularly deep. It's in mint condition and I paid $300 for it a few months ago. I probably overpaid but I really wanted it.

Today I was in a local consignment store and spied a Hafler DH-200 for $130. It had a few scratches and dust on the speaker terminals. But I was not able to test it with anything there. But assuming it's in operating condition would it be a comparable sounding amp to my Adcom amp -- better or worse? I've heard others talk of mods for the Hafler but I'm not into this and just would want to use it off-the-shelf as is.

Those who know both amps I'd be interested in your comments.

Natal
 
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545 is a bi-polar transistor model. Not a FET. Hafler is a MOSFET amplifier. ie Hitachi Lateral MOSFET's..I like MOSFET's..
 
The Hafler, IMHO, would be an upgrade to your Adcom. Mosfets are goodness. Plus there is a lot of info out there to play and tweek those old Haflers far beyond what David Hafler gave us. The price is not out of line for a good running amp, IMO.
 
Natal said:
I'm running an Adcom GFA-545 with a GF TubeDAC-09 which I really like -- clean clear highs and mid-range although the bass I would say is in balance but not particularly deep. It's in mint condition and I paid $300 for it a few months ago. I probably overpaid but I really wanted it.

Today I was in a local consignment store and spied a Hafler DH-200 for $130. It had a few scratches and dust on the speaker terminals. But I was not able to test it with anything there. But assuming it's in operating condition would it be a comparable sounding amp to my Adcom amp -- better or worse? I've heard others talk of mods for the Hafler but I'm not into this and just would want to use it off-the-shelf as is.

Those who know both amps I'd be interested in your comments.

Natal
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I have an Adcom GFA 545 as well, and I am extremely happy with it. It has been a phenomenal amp for me. What you are asking is a subjective question, which one sounds better. Only you can really decide that in the comfort of your listening room. Personally, I would keep the Adcom. :D :music:
 
Second for the GFA 545 .. in one of my systems (and to both my ears) it sounds 'more detailed and smooth' than the MKII version: those qualities and also 'sweeter' than the Hafler IIRC. Still have the Adcom, didn't keep the Hafler. The 545 sounds good with AUdissey A3+2's ... no shortage of tight and extended bass if it's there on the source of course :music:

Mosfets are goodness
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No better and no worse than Bipolars if the circuitry is right IMHO.
 
I have a couple Adcoms as well, including the 545, and agree about it being a bit bass thin--at least in my set up--I have a passive pre. I would think that the Hafler, at least those that I've heard, would have a slightly 'warmer' sound with a bit more bass, maybe...but some would call that a more 'colored' sound! So you should really listen to it and decide what you like best. Mosfets alone, do not necessarily equal better sound, different sound, yes.

cnh2
 
cnh2: Mosfets alone, do not necessarily equal better sound, different sound, yes.
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Could you post some links to this difference - I'd be very interested in reading them. Thanks.
 
Both amps offer a lot for the money and probably not too different in sound. Biggest issue is the age of the Hafler, which may have some parts that are past their prime.

I use a pair of Hafler's in my system.
 
One plus about the Hafler amp, is that there are tweaks/upgrades that can improve its already good performance.
Look on-line and you should be able to find them, either here on AK or one of the other audio-related forums.

Steve
 
Have Adcom/Kenwood currently and have had Haflers 220's bridged in the past. Trying to borrow/barter with various friends to see which amp to settle with for my current front mains. Kenwood M1 and DCM TF 600's running for stereo and main fronts. Will be trying the Hafler 200 that a friend of mine has as soon as he sees how his B&K setup sounds with his LaScala's. He wants "tubes" and I'll take some of his solid state stuff. Liked my Hafler's with Ohm Walsh's.
 
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cnh2 said:
I would think that the Hafler, at least those that I've heard, would have a slightly 'warmer' sound with a bit more bass, maybe...but some would call that a more 'colored' sound!
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Who's to say which would be the 'colored' one? :banana: Just funnin' ya.... :D

But to the OP, you really should listen to it if you can, as the human hearing experience really is a personalized thing. If you enjoy the Hafler sound, you can improve upon it quite a bit. A fairly vast amount of tweaks have been documented for the Hafler, and you can do much with it, if you enjoy that sound and DIY mods. I'm one of those. Haflers galore in casa gaspipe. :D

Just sayin'
 
Do not have any experience with Adcom but know there rep. I did have a P225 for a short period and liked it but it didn't hold up against my Amber 70. Nice amp though!
 
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