Suggestions Carver TFM-35 vs. Adcom GFA-555

audio_alan

heiney9 wrote: »

.... snip....

Granted if you have really poor speakers to being with (think along the line of current Bose offerings, or Cerwin Vega, etc....), better gear won't make that much difference.

H9

H9 said the "B" word! The horror! :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

audiocr381ve

heiney9 wrote: »

In my 30 years in this hobby both selling at retail and owning, flipping gear etc. I strongly disagree. Speakers are important but not that much more important than the other components in the chain.

Every time I moved up the chain with gear, especially source gear, I heard a marked improvement all using the same speakers. Sane is true for a lowly pair of Monitor 5B's. Using better gear, better tubes, better cables all made very audible improvements to the same speakers. I tried using "better" speakers with the mediocre gear (before I bought better stuff) and there was little improvement.

Granted if you have really poor speakers to being with (think along the line of current Bose offerings, or Cerwin Vega, etc....), better gear won't make that much difference.

H9

I respect that. I don't agree with it, but I respect it. I agree that the journey is the fun part. My argument is how much money needs to be wasted to figure out that the problem isn't the gear, it's discontentment. But again, I get it. I go through seasons of craziness myself. I was just hoping that the OP would keep enjoying his "fantastic system" and save himself a few bucks. I haven't found a set of speakers that are perfect yet. I know they're out there though. They might just be out of my price range :mad:

I'm interested to see what you end up getting, and please share your experience after the shock and awe wears off.

heiney9

Man, you keep using the word "waste", this is a hobby and to get the most from it you have to experiment. If you just want some music and don't really care, then yes, waste is probably a good description.

There is no way around spending money to experiment, just like any hobby. I like red wine, I spend a lot of money trying out different wines based on friends recommendations, what I read, etc. I like about 30% of them but I don't go around saying, "damn I wasted money on that bottle". It's my hobby and I enjoy making the next discovery. It's not a waste............if it is, then this hobby might not be for you.

H9

audiocr381ve

heiney9 wrote: »

Man, you keep using the word "waste", this is a hobby and to get the most from it you have to experiment. If you just want some music and don't really care, then yes, waste is probably a good description.

There is no way around spending money to experiment, just like any hobby. I like red wine, I spend a lot of money trying out different wines based on friends recommendations, what I read, etc. I like about 30% of them but I don't go around saying, "damn I wasted money on that bottle". It's my hobby and I enjoy making the next discovery. It's not a waste............if it is, then this hobby might not be for you.

H9

I bet those wines tasted different

EndersShadow

audiocr381ve wrote: »

I bet those wines tasted different

After 5 glasses they all taste the same :biggrin::eek:

audiocr381ve

EndersShadow wrote: »

After 5 glasses they all taste the same :biggrin::eek:

Hahaha :biggrin:

heiney9

audiocr381ve wrote: »

I bet those wines tasted different

yes, of course

EndersShadow wrote: »

After 5 glasses they all taste the same :biggrin::eek:

yes, of course

:biggrin:

audiocr381ve

heiney9 wrote: »

yes, of course



yes, of course

:biggrin:

:biggrin:

Glad we're still friends

George Grand

80% choice of speaker.
10% interaction of listening room with that speaker.
10% everything else.

I had an Adcom GFA-555 in my rig once. I couldn't get it out fast enough. A lot more grain in that top end than I was accustomed to. I was accustomed to Carver.

reeltrouble1

Is there any reason you are only considering Adcom as a replacement for the Carver?

RT1

leftwinger57

newb308, I'm no audiophile here but the sonic quality of my Adcom gfa555 I'd say is close to perfect as I would want it. There is no humm, distortion or any unwanted sounds that anyone would consider a distraction. The amp is built like a tank( a description many have made) w/ ease of installation.The amp itself was bought sight unseen at AUDIO CLASSICS for $300 even. Right now I run it w/ an Onkyyo P-301 and again scored this at a garage sale at a different location.My model is the rack mounted style which I refer it as the industrial model. Sorry I cannot be a better reviewer but I have nothing but praise for this amp.I gladly would do more buiness w/ them for any audio gear.If your intent is getting a powerful ss amp this is the one for you. I paid $300 even w/ shipping thrown in and their tech support was fantastic.The packing job was done w/ a professionalism I've not seen in a long time, and they would be the co. I'd go w/ if I was in the market for something else......LW

renowilliams

newbie308 wrote: »

My current 2 channel system consists of:
Techniques sl1200 mk2 turntable
AT440MLa cartridge
Cardas tone arm wire upgrade
Adcom GTA-500 II pre amp
Carver TFM-35
10 awg Parts express speaker wire (including interconnect)
Polk SDA-1a signature speakers

I have an oppertunity to trade in my Carver amp, and add some cash, to pick up an Adcom GFA-555. This my be a dumb question, but is this worth doing? I'm relatively new to the quest for better sound, and I don't want to make an uninformed decision that costs more and does not offer noticable improvement for the dollar. What do you think? I suppose that an Adcom amp would work better with the Adcom pre since they are from the same manufacturer. Does anyone here have experience with this?

I think what you need to do is exercise a little patients in your quest. If memory serves me, you just bought that Carver. I'm in the process of trying to determine what amp I want to run in my system. Currently I have an older Rotel hooked up and my Carver is in for a complete refurb. when I get it back (next weeK) the carver will be put to work. Once it is in place, it will be there for at least a couple of months before I decide whether to make another amp purchase. I understand the whole Ocd thing but I think it more important to make your mind up about the sound first, as you might find that you like the Carver sound.
As suggested by someone else here, if you want to get something, get a good pre. I just bought an Anthem and as far as electronics goes, it was my best purchase to date.


Tim

erniejade

heiney9 wrote: »

Man, you keep using the word "waste", this is a hobby and to get the most from it you have to experiment. If you just want some music and don't really care, then yes, waste is probably a good description.

There is no way around spending money to experiment, just like any hobby. I like red wine, I spend a lot of money trying out different wines based on friends recommendations, what I read, etc. I like about 30% of them but I don't go around saying, "damn I wasted money on that bottle". It's my hobby and I enjoy making the next discovery. It's not a waste............if it is, then this hobby might not be for you.

H9

I just have to say H9 that is a great statement and agree 10000000000%

soundfreak1

I've listened to both at same time, found the adcom too bright and the. Carver too. Vague for my taste, picked a parasound hca 1200 over both similar money and the 1200 smoked both ( not even close) imho. Its a mater of preferences. If u can ( as mentioned) do a side by side if at all poss. But realize each will sound totally diff. With diff. Pre's and speakers! I went thru nearly 8 pre's. Before I found what I was looking errr listening for, and we won't even get into the speaker search!!!!! LOL aint it fun! Its kinda like picking the best sunset, just wait till tomorrow!!!

newbie308

I'm keeping the Carver TFM-35! I decided to buy a Dynaco PAS-3 off of Ebay, and with the help of my neighbor (a retired old time TV and radio tech with tube testing equipment) I'm going to rebuild the preamp. I have already sourced the upgrades, and I'm going to CNC machine a new faceplate for the Dynaco and have it anodized black to match the Carver! This will be a great summer project! I'm looking forward to the tube experience!

polklore

I would pick the Adcom 555 and replace the amps little capacitors with Elna Silmics to make them sound smoother and warmer. Friends and I have done these to our 555's.

Unknown

This content has been removed.

audiocr381ve

djwest78 wrote: »

For sure all in your head. Letting it "warm up" in order to make the sound "warmer"...

Comes off as some rather simple psychology IMHO.

Pulling up a nearly 3 year old thread to get a debate going is pathetic.

ZLTFUL

This dude's whole MO is pathetic.

tonyb

audiocr381ve wrote: »

Pulling up a nearly 3 year old thread to get a debate going is pathetic.

Indeed....but what can ya say about those who don't know....except that they don't know ?

It's common for most tube gear to have to warm up to sound their best. That also applies to a lot of SS amps too that may be biased more heavily to the class A side.

audiocr381ve

tonyb wrote: »

Indeed....but what can ya say about those who don't know....except that they don't know ?

It's common for most tube gear to have to warm up to sound their best. That also applies to a lot of SS amps too that may be biased more heavily to the class A side.

+100

F1nut

djwest78 wrote: »

I come off as rather simple.

Fixed it for you.

deafbykhorns

I agree with Joe above, that speaker is already somewhat revealing and be brighter than the Carver