Adcom VS B&K

tophatjohnny
tophatjohnny Posts: 4,182
edited September 2012 in Electronics
And just trying to get a feel on the differences in the two makes as to which one has a better build, sound and overall reputation. I am trying to compare the B&K 5125 to the Adcom 7605 and although neither have the power I want, I still may get one and check out what a 125 watt amp sounds like, so opinions from members here are important to me. Remember I have a space limitation on my cabinet (and that's not open to be replaced) so I have to have amps that are no deeper than 17.5". Looking for a Adcom 7500 is tough, but that's on my mind too. Am I amp nutty or what??:confused:
"if it's not fun, it's not worth it & remember folks, "It's All About The Music"!!
*****************************
Post edited by tophatjohnny on
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  • deronb1
    deronb1 Posts: 5,021
    edited September 2012
    tophatjohnny wrote: »
    And just trying to get a feel on the differences in the two makes as to which one has a better build, sound and overall reputation. I am trying to compare the B&K 5125 to the Adcom 7605 and although neither have the power I want, I still may get one and check out what a 125 watt amp sounds like, so opinions from members here are important to me. Remember I have a space limitation on my cabinet (and that's not open to be replaced) so I have to have amps that are no deeper than 17.5". Looking for a Adcom 7500 is tough, but that's on my mind too. Am I amp nutty or what??:confused:

    Both amps are good choices. The B&K may have a slightly warmer sound, but ultimately it comes down to what sounds good to you with your gear. Problem is, that most people can't afford (or aren't allowed...me) to have a bunch of pricey amps lying around to do comparisons. If you can get your ears on something, that is the best way to go. I have an Adcom running older Polks if you want to come over and get some idea of what the 7605 "may" sound like.
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  • Gadabout
    Gadabout Posts: 1,072
    edited September 2012
    I had a 2 ch Adcom on my Polks in the HT,and I much prefer the sound of the B&K. That Adcom moved to the bedroom rig, which is probably the least used rig in the house. The Adcom is now on a pair of LSi 7's. It sounds OK, but I also swapped out the B&K and put it on the LSi's and prefer the B&K sound there too. I just haven't got around to acquiring another B&K amp for the bedroom rig and selling off the Adcom.

    The sound *you're* looking for is going to be very subjective. I have a friend that prefers the sound of the Adcom over the B&K on the LSi's. If possible, I would suggest getting your ears on them and compare for yourself. That might not be possible, and you just might have to buy one and see if your happy with it. if not you can sell that off and try another.

    If I was going to give you adjectives for what each one sonds like:
    B&K = warm / comfortable
    Adcom = Sterile but some would say Precise

    Again, it's all subjective to what your preference is and also the synergy of all components. The Adcom in my rig, might sound very different in your rig. If you want to see what I'm running, just click the link below for my mid-fi setups in the showcase.

    I know that doesn't help much, but I had to throw in my .02,
    Scott
    Without music to decorate it, time is just a bunch of boring production deadlines or dates by which bills must be paid. ..... Frank Zappa
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,967
    edited September 2012
    The B&K is considered more musical, slightly warmer, and a better match for brighter speakers. Also, since space is an issue, look into something used from the ice amp makers like Wyred for Sound. Very small amps with big gonads.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,194
    edited September 2012
    All the way around B&K is a better choice. Adcom amps are very nice , affordable and IF you can't score a B&K , the Adcom is a very nice alternative choice.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • tophatjohnny
    tophatjohnny Posts: 4,182
    edited September 2012
    Thanks. and that helps. I think I may be looking into a stand that will house the amp I really want Ref 7250.
    "if it's not fun, it's not worth it & remember folks, "It's All About The Music"!!
    *****************************
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  • Dawgfish
    Dawgfish Posts: 2,554
    edited September 2012
    Both are quality amps. Having said that I've owned an Adcom GFA-545 and 555 in the past and still currently own a B&K ST-202+. I much prefer the sound of the B&K. Sound is a personal thing though so YMMV.
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  • agco
    agco Posts: 36
    edited September 2012
    Adcom 7605 is precise deatiled. When i first hooked mine up I was surprised in the difference of the clarity of music. With my rti speakers it also warmed them up a bit. Plenty of power for me better than off the reciever unless you want a big electric bill then theres no limit. Great in ht:idea:
    ht rm.:loneranger:
    arcam rblink
    tyler acoustics d4mx frt.
    csi a4 polk audio ctr.
    fxi 3 polk audio bck
    dsw 550 wi polk audio sub
    sony 3600 es
    adcom gfa 7605
    sony bdp s-270
    sony 40 lcd wide screen
    panamax m4300

    game:redface:
    32 in. samsung
    sony dhs810
    m10 polk audio
    Polk audio rti a1

    zone 2:eek:
    bose 601
    advent 6003
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  • MADGSF
    MADGSF Posts: 603
    edited September 2012
    Currently own a Ref 7250 I can tell you it will not fit in a 17.5" deep cabinet. I use a standoutdesign cabinet with the extension to get it all in there. Never heard any Adcom to compare but I love my B&K.
    AVR: Elite VSX-21TXH
    Amplifier: B&K 7250 Series ii
    Misc: Velodyne SMS-1
    Mains: RTi-10
    Center: CSi-5
    Rear: Boston DSi460
    Sub: SVS PC-Ultra
    TV: Panasonic TC-P58V10
    DVD: Panasonic DMP-BD60K
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  • tophatjohnny
    tophatjohnny Posts: 4,182
    edited September 2012
    MADGSF wrote: »
    Currently own a Ref 7250 I can tell you it will not fit in a 17.5" deep cabinet. I use a standoutdesign cabinet with the extension to get it all in there. Never heard any Adcom to compare but I love my B&K.

    Yeah, changing the cabinet is probably going to happen!!
    "if it's not fun, it's not worth it & remember folks, "It's All About The Music"!!
    *****************************
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