Adcom GFA 555 vs. B&K ST1400

[ProPerDoper]

If you had an opportunity to power a vintage set of Infinity Crescendo CS3008's with either of the above amps, which would you choose and why?

I own the Adcom and I also own a B&K ST140 used in another room.

I've got a line on a used ST1400 @ $100, and am thinking about switching out the 555 if that makes any sense after testing both in the application.

Thoughts?

 

[hatrack71]

Don't know anything about the Infinitys but I have owned both amps and prefer the warmth of the St-1400. I have very efficient speakers though.

 

[trhee]

I've always preferred the B&K line of amps and preamps from that era over the Adcom's.

 

[frommerstop]

I side with the B&K for it's smoother sound as well... particularly if you're comparing it to the original 555. It's not quite so cut & dried if you have a 555 mrk2, but I'd still prefer the B&K.

 

[ProPerDoper]

I side with the B&K for it's smoother sound as well... particularly if you're comparing it to the original 555. It's not quite so cut & dried if you have a 555 mrk2, but I'd still prefer the B&K.

I traded my CS 3009's and am now powering Paradigm Studio 80'S with a 555 II. While I agree the B&K is smooth, I also like the forward sound of the Adcom, and I can't quite bring myself to cut my power in half by switching to the B&K.

So...I've left the B&K in another room driving Paradigm Studio 60's, or 20's with a sub, whichever I feel in the mood for via a speaker selector switch.

 

[frommerstop]

Sounds like a good arrangement.
FWIW, the B&K ST1400 actually is a 125wpc amp (a jump up from the ST140's 70wpc rating), so not all that far from the 555s 200wpc rating, and I doubt you'd hear much difference in volume between the two.

 

[repeater]

I just recently picked up a 555 and put it up against my NAD 2200 I have. After several thousand A/B attempts I decided I liked the 2200 better. Just food for thought.

 

[jimfet]

I just recently picked up a 555 and put it up against my NAD 2200 I have. After several thousand A/B attempts I decided I liked the 2200 better. Just food for thought.

I put my Adcom 545 against my Nad 2100. I got rid of the Adcom. You can search the shoot out here.

 

[Tedrick]

The Crescendo's are not terribly difficult to drive, so the B&K should handle them with no problemo. I've used and enjoyed Adcom gear with my Infinity's for many years, but B&K has an excellent reputation for durability and great sound. $100 for an ST1400 sounds like a great deal, and if you find that you don't like it with the Infinity's, you can probably easily make your money back on it.

 

[audireofile]

Adcom 555 vs NAD 2200 vs B&K st1400

I had an NAD 2200 at the same time as an Audire Model 2. They both sounded great, but the Audire separated the instruments in space better. The Adcoms are quite dull sounding. I was quite disappointed with mine, except for the fact that I paid $50 on Craigslist. I have nothing but respect for B&K. I have a tuner they made that is a pain to operate (TS108), but sounds better than my KT-917 (Not by much), and Sansui 707/717 on my Audire Diffet 3 and Forte x2 with B&W 803. II. The Kenwood was $1000 in 1979. I recently sold it for $860. The B&K was only $300 much later, but it a real pain to find stations. I use a Kenwood 815 to find the station, then pre-set it on the B&K.
I would definitely go with the B&K.

 

[hjames]

I had Adcom GFA555s in the past and am using B&K ST202plus (200w/ch) on my front mains now -
I think warmer is a great way to define them - more musical. Go with B&Ks

 

[SoCal Sam]

I like transparent, forward sound. The 555 fits my preference but I wouldn't risk my speakers on a 20 plus year old amp that does not have a speaker relay. The 2200 was dull and un-involving. It sounding like a receiver. Can't tell you anything about B&K. IMO, I think you are limiting your horizon with just these three choices.