Preamp Adcom GFP 565 vs. Marantz 2252B

[LutherG1]

I have the Adcom GFA 5500 with the 565 preamp. I find preamp sounds really good only when run through tone control bypass. But I find when I run my TT which is Technics 1650 with V15 Type iv cart into preamp it wants slight bass boost. Also I find the tone controls on Adcom to not add satisfying bottom when used. So I ran 2252 as phono pre into 565 so I could use 2252 tone controls. Soundsmuch better to my ears. Speakers are ADS 1230. Although I am fine with CD through 565 I am next going to run the 2252 as the preamp into 5500. Most of what I readreads 565 should kick 2252 as preamp and phono stage but I am not hearing phono stage superiority. Maybe I must have tone controls on my preamp for my ears such as Yamaha C-80 or something. I am seriously thinking of selling and replacing 565 pre. Suggestions?

 

[KentTeffeteller]

I am not a fan of Adcom preamplifiers. Their power amplifiers were good budget models.

 

[LutherG1]

I have seen mixed perspectives on Adcom preamps. In some corners the 565 was well regarded includingvphono stage. It's not rockin' it for me. I am looking for suggestions in the $300 vicinity used that might be superior. I do not always use tone controls but like that option. Maybe Photo P-304, maybe Yamaha C-80, maybe a NAD 3020 as a preamp or maybe the Marantz receiver I have. Ideally the preamp would also have decent phono stage but I would get a separate phono stage if one would make a difference. I tried a Music Hall PA 2.1 through the 565. It did not wow me. I am really beginning to conclude that the Adcom preamp signature is what I do not like. The 5500 power amp stays. I need a clean, warm, beefy front end. I would greatly value suggestions.

 

[LutherG1]

I meant Onkyo P-304.

 

[Empireman]

Adcom GFP-555 II and GFP-565 are both very good preamps that have wonderful phono sections. I agree the Marantz Receivers, NAD 3020 and a lot of the Yamaha C- Series preamps are "warmer/colored" as compared to Adcom.

 

[bossmustang7]

Adcom GFP-555 II and GFP-565 are both very good preamps that have wonderful phono sections. I agree the Marantz Receivers, NAD 3020 and a lot of the Yamaha C- Series preamps are "warmer/colored" as compared to Adcom.

I disagree.The 565 was a dry , flat sounding pre .I found that in the other Adcom gear I briefly owned.Some Marantz receivers and intregated gear had wonderful phono stages.

 

[LutherG1]

OP here. I hooked up Marantz 2238B as the preamp. Sounds great with both the CD in aux and vinyl using Marantz phono stage. It's cool to have the 200 WPC of the Adcom 5500 yet sonic signature and tone flexibility of 2238. The ADS 1230 are singing. The Adcom preamp is out of rotation. The audio God's are good.