Adcom GTP-500 vs Rotel RSP-1068

ZLTFUL

So I have been using my Rotel RSP-1068 as my 2 channel pre/pro for a little while now.

I have an opportunity to pick up an Adcom GTP-500 for a pittance.

My conundrum is, which is going to be the better option for my 2 channel system?

I have always taken a minimalist mentality towards my 2 channel system so the Rotel was a break from the norm. The Rotel has a decent feature set but I just feel like there is too much to adjust to get a good neutral signal through to the amp.

The GTP also has a phono stage built in which would allow me to move my TT out of my HT system and into the 2 channel system.

I had a long discussion with my buddy who owns a local hi fi shop and he doesn't have a lot of experience with Adcom gear. But they carry Rotel. His opinion is that I won't find a better 2 channel pre/pro for under $300 than the Rotel. His suggestion was to skip the Adcom and invest in a standalone phono pre.

That gos against my minimalist attitude as well so I am not thoroughly confused as to which is going to be the best of the 2 options...

1. Sell the Rotel, buy the Adcom GTP-500
2. Skip the Adcom, keep the Rotel maybe pick up a Yaqin tube phono pre or a different inexpensive tube phono pre...

Help me Polkie Wan Kenobis...you're my only hope.

tonyb

Buy a Yaqin pre with a built in phono, that will up your SQ a few notches. Lots of SS pre's in that price range. Personally, given those choices, I'd keep the Rotel and get a seperate phono pre. Thats just me though.

ZLTFUL

Wow...thought there would be significantly more traffic on this topic. Hehe. Unless of course, everyone agrees with Tony's thoughts.

DaveHo

Had a GTP-500 as my first pre. Overall it was just OK, the phono section is not that great. I'd stick with the Rotel & get a phono pre. A Cambridge Audio 640P is what I use. A solid performer that won't break the bank. Can often be had used for around a Benjamin.

decal

The tuner/preamp combos nor the phono stages they come with, from Adcom are not that great IMHO. That doesn't mean you won't like them.

ZLTFUL

decal wrote: »

The tuner/preamp combos nor the phono stages they come with, from Adcom are not that great IMHO. That doesn't mean you won't like them.

Unfortunately, I won't be able to listen before buying...if I go that route.
But the Rotel is a known commodity making option 2 sound more feasible.
I really hate having "mad money" burning a hole in my pocket. LOL.

naturallight

Your looking at the wrong preamp. What you want is the Adcom GFP -565. That is the best Phono section Adcom built. Thats what you want, not the 500.

ZLTFUL

What I was looking at was shifting from a HT pre/pro to a 2 channel pre/pro because the GTP-500 was available for $75. But if you know of someplace that has a GFP-565 for $75, you let me know and I will jump on it. The average sold on the 'Bay looks to be $250-$275. Some as high as $350 with low end on "needs repair" being $150-$180.

naturallight

Well there is a reason for the 565 to be that price. If you have a good TT and you want a good phono pre amp...then you have to spend the money. Don't think your going to get a really good working pre for 75 bucks..i probably would not touch it with a 10 foot pole...Just saying.

gudnoyez

If you have mad money burning a hole in your pocket $75 is not that much to try the GTP-500 and keep the Rotel if your not happy with the adcoms phono section you can always resell it at that price. You could then follow tonyb's advice

ZLTFUL

Oh I know the 565 is a far better unit. The only reason I was considering the 500 was due to a fantastic local deal. Thinking it may have been a good entry into a dedicated 2 channel pre vs a 7.1 ht pre doing stereo duty.

In the end, I ended up with a NAD pre and a Yaqin tube phono pre for about half the average price of the 565. Plus I bought the 500 and immediately put it up on eBay.

Still kicking myself for dragging my feet on the Audio Research duo that was my buddy's shop and when I decided to go for it, it had been sold.

Syndil

Once owned a GTP-600 and did not like it. Not surprised you immediately put it on eBay. Did you listen to it at all?

tonyb

We've had a few Yaqin 10-l's and 10-t's float around the FM, at around the 300 bones asking price they are no brainers. I would imagine a tubed pre with phono is going to sound pretty darn good with Anthem amps.