Adcom history

[Frank Sol]

I've never opened my 5500 up... I will one day and when I do I will replace the caps

 

[typesix]

The only thing I don't like on my 535 is the turn on "pop".

 

[KentTeffeteller]

Delihaus,

Adcom is budget high end. Decent but not the best in build quality or longevity. Similar to NAD and Proton gear in that class. OK. Fine for average home use and less difficult to drive applications. Not equal to McIntosh, Bryston, Krell, Mark Levinson, etc but cheaper and still good. A tip, in the high power, professional grade built high power amplifier revolution, Crown began this with the DC 300 line which was made for many years with improvements. And the Crown in the DC 300A late models are still superb amps even now and tank reliable and repair friendly and supported.

 

[Frank Sol]

Adcom is budget high end. Decent but not the best in build quality or longevity. Similar to NAD and Proton gear in that class. OK. Fine for average home use and less difficult to drive applications.

Not to get into a 'my daddy can beat-up your daddy' thing But several Adcom amps were/are well regarded for driving difficult load speakers.

 

[SoCal Sam]

No speaker relay means no protection for your drivers. All amps will blow up so the question is do you want to lose your speakers as well. To me, a cheap $200 amp playing on good speakers that cost many times more makes me cringe.

 

[zebra03]

The only thing I don't like on my 535 is the turn on "pop".

My Adcom speaker selecter ( GFS - 3 ) took care of that .

 

[paulram]

My 555 , rectangular handles , got it in 1990 , is acting up so I stopped using it for fear of it damaging my speakers. It would crackle real loud upon shutdown...no time to trouble shoot.

 

[Pre-cd]

I just purchased a nice GFA-555 that I was told is the original Nelson Pass design and was made in the early 1980's or even late 1970's. The gentleman said it was a very rare amp.

 

[erictrumpet]

I am glad this old thread was revived because I have an Adcom GTP-450 preamp, and I am looking for a good Adcom power amp to pair with it. Looks like the 545 and 555 are the ones to check out. What are the main differences between these models and their respective "ii" versions (545ii and 555ii)? That is, what does the "ii" designation indicate?

Eric.