good power amp. recommendation needed. Adcom GFA 555?

pglbook

I am new to the world of power amps but have learned that I am probably better off purchashing a nice used
200+ watt power amp to drive my power hungry Dahlquist DQ 10 speakers (and soon to purchase Polk SDA 2s) rather than going the vintage receiver route.

I need help choosing a power amp as I know nothing about them. Someone recommended Adcom as a good brand. I have been looking around different sites and the Adcom GFA 555 seems like it might fit my wants and my
budget ($350-$450 range). Is this a good amp?

Are there other recommended 200+ watt power amps that I might be able to get used for under $450?

Also, besides a power amp, would I need anything else to hook up a CD player and speakers?

I have always used vintage receivers and am just learning about the world of separates - power amps, pre amps (I am still not sure what pre amps do and if I would need one or not), tuners, etc, and apologize for the ignorant question but I'd greatly appreciate any and all feedback.

Thanks.

bthogan

The Adcom GFA-555 will probably have the power to run those speakers. For that money, though, you could get a used amp that has as much power, but somewhat better sound quality...like the Parasound HCA-1500A.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121049089402?_trksid=p5197.c0.m619

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Parasound-HCA-1500A-Refurbished-/130831365876?_trksid=p5197.m1992&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D14%26meid%3D4720853495840157388%26pid%3D100015%26prg%3D1006%26rk%3D2%26sd%3D121049089402%26

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/multi-ch-parasound-hca-1500a-2-channel-power-amplifier-2013-01-04-amplifiers-53132-franklin-wi

I had an Adcom GFA-545 powering low-impedance LSi9s, and I swapped it out for the Parasound. I'm really struck by the superior sound quality of the Parasound vs. the Adcom. Admittedly, my Adcom was the model just below the 555, with a little less power, but I get the impression that the only difference between the 545 and the 555 is power, not sound quality. As noted, though, the 555 will at least have enough power for those speakers. You can usually find one for ~$300.

You'll also need a preamp to hook up your cd player to. Then preamp out to amp. I would heartily recommend the Adcom GFP-565 preamp. Should be able to get it for ~$300. Great little preamp.

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-adcom-gfp-565-preamplifier-2012-12-26-preamplifiers-03038-derry-nh

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Adcom-GFP-565-Amplifier-/221173067986?pt=US_Home_Audio_Amplifiers_Preamps&hash=item337ef130d2

specd_out

I am a Carver guy so I will throw that name into the mix. The M1.0t can easily power the speakers you mentioned. Its way under rated and has benched over 300 wpc with out clipping. TFM35 would also work for you. They are gonna be around the $250- $350 range. Also to remember these vintage amps will need to be restored. So figure another 250-350 in repair cost and some point in the near future.

sda2mike

i have a 555..great amp..never any issues..more power than my ears need...you can find a nice one under your budget

Msabot1

Check out Onkyo's M504 , out of production, 165 RMS Channel,well built and clean,and very well priced!

Irrenhaus

Hi

I have a Adcom 585 running my RTi12s and love it only pay $450.00 and has been already service with new caps, also have a Parasound 2125 running my Linn's and was used before on the RTis and also love the sound of it. the 2125 is only 125w at 8ohm and 200w at 4ohm but in mono puts out 400w either at 8 or 4ohms.

Cheers

pglbook

Thanks again for all the feedback. I just got my SA 2B tl speakers home after driving to PA (3 hours from me each way) today to get them. I will hook them up tonight to my vintage Yamaha CR 2020 receiver (105 watts) but I know I'll want a pwer amp to do the SDAs and my Dahlquist DQ 10s justice! Thanks again. I am on my way - going depper and deeper into that rabbit hole!

sda2mike

pglbook wrote: »

I am on my way - going depper and deeper into that rabbit hole!

ya...you're screwed:)