Dump Adcom Upgrade to PIOneer Elite??

K-daugh
K-daugh Posts: 467
edited April 2013 in Electronics
Hi all!!
I currently have an H/K Avr 254 with an Adcom GFA 7605. Now the amp is in 9/10 condition its probably been used for a total of six months since it was purchased, I am the second owner. There's one problem One of the five channels stopped working on me ...Now it will only work when I stand there and push down on the rca cable . Regardless the shop that's near me, that Adcom recommended said I'm looking at maybe $200 to fix it. I was thinking.... I bought it for $400 now I put $200 into it ...is it worth it ? Especially because I want to upgrade the H/K to something with HDMI 1.4a

So instead of fixing the amp and then upgrading the Avr ....I was thinking of just spending between $800 and a $1000 and getting a kick **** Avr . I'm leaning toward the Pioneer Elite Sc 35/37 . Then I could sell off the Adcom as is and sell the H/K ...To balance it off a little...
Does this make sense?? Or should I fix the Adcom for a couple hundred maybe upgrade the capacitors and wiring and some new binding posts ...Say drop $400 total on the amp .Then buy a refurbished H/K Avr 3600 for $400 Whichchoice will yield the best results? Either way I'm looking to spend between $800 and $1100 bucks maybe a little more maybe a little less.
Let's keep in mind I"m looking to upgrade to the Rti series of speakers down the line ...And also am upgrading my tv to a 55" smart led within the next year ..
Thanks guys any advice will help !!
Budget 5.1 H.T. Set Up
HK avr 247 - Adcom GFA-7605:mrgreen::mrgreen: - Belkin PF60 Power Conditioner - Cs2 center channel - Monitor 60's fronts - Monitor 30's rears
Mirage Bps 150i powered sub - 40"Samsung LCD ln40c530 - Sony Blu Ray Player BDP-S370 - Comcast digital hd box(motorola dcx3400)
Monoprice Premium Interconnects Monoprice Ultra Slim HDMI w/Redmere:mrgreen: -Knukonceptz Kord 10 Gauge Speaker Wire - Nakamichi Banana Plugs
Custom Jumpers
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  • jeremymarcinko
    jeremymarcinko Posts: 3,785
    edited March 2013
    I would suggest using the Adcom to power only the front three. Get it fixed down the road. Let the avr power the surrounds. This way you can get your "kick ****" Avr with HDMI, and still use the power amp. The Adcom will certainly do a better job than the reciever anyways.
    Oh, Listen here mister. We got no way of understandin' this world. But we got as much sense of this bird flyin in the sky. Now there is a lot that bird don't know, but it don't change the fact that the world is happening to him all the same. What I am tryin to say is, is that the course of your life, well its changing, and you don't even see it- Forest Bondurant
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  • DaveHo
    DaveHo Posts: 3,529
    edited March 2013
    Sounds like a bad solder joint. Should be far less than $200 to fix.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,569
    edited March 2013
    Get the SC-35/37, sell the rest, be happy.

    One other thing, get rid of the monoprice stuff while you're at it.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • K-daugh
    K-daugh Posts: 467
    edited March 2013
    F1nut wrote: »
    Get the SC-35/37, sell the rest, be happy.

    One other thing, get rid of the monoprice stuff while you're at it.
    Yeah Ive been meanin to change my sig all my wires are totally different now
    Budget 5.1 H.T. Set Up
    HK avr 247 - Adcom GFA-7605:mrgreen::mrgreen: - Belkin PF60 Power Conditioner - Cs2 center channel - Monitor 60's fronts - Monitor 30's rears
    Mirage Bps 150i powered sub - 40"Samsung LCD ln40c530 - Sony Blu Ray Player BDP-S370 - Comcast digital hd box(motorola dcx3400)
    Monoprice Premium Interconnects Monoprice Ultra Slim HDMI w/Redmere:mrgreen: -Knukonceptz Kord 10 Gauge Speaker Wire - Nakamichi Banana Plugs
    Custom Jumpers
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  • K-daugh
    K-daugh Posts: 467
    edited March 2013
    Do you believe the SC 35 is an actual 140 watts per channel my Adcom is 125 watts per channel .Justwondering how the SC 35 would stand up to the Adcom as far as sound quality . The refurbished H/K
    3600 is only $400 dollars .There is a Pioneer Elite SC35 on ebay for $800 . I'm totally up in the air
    about which would sound better the H/K or the Pioneer. Ive never heard a Pioneer . I already love the sound of my H/K. But the Pioneer has the better features. I dunno tough decision!!
    Budget 5.1 H.T. Set Up
    HK avr 247 - Adcom GFA-7605:mrgreen::mrgreen: - Belkin PF60 Power Conditioner - Cs2 center channel - Monitor 60's fronts - Monitor 30's rears
    Mirage Bps 150i powered sub - 40"Samsung LCD ln40c530 - Sony Blu Ray Player BDP-S370 - Comcast digital hd box(motorola dcx3400)
    Monoprice Premium Interconnects Monoprice Ultra Slim HDMI w/Redmere:mrgreen: -Knukonceptz Kord 10 Gauge Speaker Wire - Nakamichi Banana Plugs
    Custom Jumpers
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,569
    edited March 2013
    The SC-35 or 37 actually put out 140wpc up to 5 channels driven, it drops slightly driving 7. I use an SC-37 to drive an all RTi A HT rig and it does a wonderful job. Just do it, you will thank me later.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • ken brydson
    ken brydson Posts: 8,762
    edited March 2013
    F1nut wrote: »
    The SC-35 or 37 actually put out 140wpc up to 5 channels driven, it drops slightly driving 7. I use an SC-37 to drive an all RTi A HT rig and it does a wonderful job. Just do it, you will thank me later.

    Agreed
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  • ZLTFUL
    ZLTFUL Posts: 5,650
    edited March 2013
    Thirded. Those SC amp sections are some of the most robust available in an AVR.
    "Some people find it easier to be conceited rather than correct."

    "Unwad those panties and have a good time man. We're all here to help each other, no matter how it might appear." DSkip
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,194
    edited March 2013
    F1nut wrote: »
    The SC-35 or 37 actually put out 140wpc up to 5 channels driven, it drops slightly driving 7. I use an SC-37 to drive an all RTi A HT rig and it does a wonderful job. Just do it, you will thank me later.
    Agreed +2
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • lanchile
    lanchile Posts: 560
    edited March 2013
    Do not sell the Adcom, it is an easy fix. it looks like it is just broken soldering joins. :wink:
    Make it simple...Make it better!
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  • jeremymarcinko
    jeremymarcinko Posts: 3,785
    edited March 2013
    Im not sure about the adcom but that sc35/37 uses a class D amplifier a good one but still class D. If the adcom is a class A/B amp I would expect it sound better. Just sayin.
    Oh, Listen here mister. We got no way of understandin' this world. But we got as much sense of this bird flyin in the sky. Now there is a lot that bird don't know, but it don't change the fact that the world is happening to him all the same. What I am tryin to say is, is that the course of your life, well its changing, and you don't even see it- Forest Bondurant
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited March 2013
    Best buy has the Pioneer SC-65 on sale for $999 this week.
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,967
    edited March 2013
    jeremymarcinko wrote: »
    Im not sure about the adcom but that sc35/37 uses a class D amplifier a good one but still class D. If the adcom is a class A/B amp I would expect it sound better. Just sayin.


    Most would Jeremy, but as we continue to get ears on different designs, some old beliefs can get thrown out the window.

    Congrats Phil, those puppie look killer and the price is well inside the ballpark too.
    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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  • lanchile
    lanchile Posts: 560
    edited March 2013
    The Adcom is a well build amp and it is a class A/B.
    Make it simple...Make it better!
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,569
    edited March 2013
    They also tend to sound grainy.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • K-daugh
    K-daugh Posts: 467
    edited March 2013
    grainy is bad ?
    or good? Also would some capacitor caps and wiring and better binding posts make a sonic improvement
    Budget 5.1 H.T. Set Up
    HK avr 247 - Adcom GFA-7605:mrgreen::mrgreen: - Belkin PF60 Power Conditioner - Cs2 center channel - Monitor 60's fronts - Monitor 30's rears
    Mirage Bps 150i powered sub - 40"Samsung LCD ln40c530 - Sony Blu Ray Player BDP-S370 - Comcast digital hd box(motorola dcx3400)
    Monoprice Premium Interconnects Monoprice Ultra Slim HDMI w/Redmere:mrgreen: -Knukonceptz Kord 10 Gauge Speaker Wire - Nakamichi Banana Plugs
    Custom Jumpers
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,254
    edited March 2013
    F1nut wrote: »
    The SC-35 or 37 actually put out 140wpc up to 5 channels driven, it drops slightly driving 7. I use an SC-37 to drive an all RTi A HT rig and it does a wonderful job. Just do it, you will thank me later.

    Agreed +1000
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  • K-daugh
    K-daugh Posts: 467
    edited March 2013
    Also either way I need to upgrade my avr at some point ...As far as the order of upgrades maybe I should fix the Adcom ....buy the new tv then worry about an avr upgrade ...Until I buy a new tv and blu ray player I really dont need to worry about HDMI 1.4a...
    But Im worried about losing my opportunity to purchase a Pioneer SC 35/37 now that they are phasing out ICE amps ..Also don't
    want to miss out on purchasing the h/k avr 3600 because it also seems that h/k is phasing out there decent avr's...if that was the road i
    may go down ...I have to say though that Pioneer is a really sexy piece of equipment ....I could really push the issue and keep the Adcom and buy the Pioneer but then I would be struggling to decide in what way too hook everything up trying to utilize both!!! These problems I have ..are just mind boggling ..lol !!!:cheesygrin::mrgreen:
    Budget 5.1 H.T. Set Up
    HK avr 247 - Adcom GFA-7605:mrgreen::mrgreen: - Belkin PF60 Power Conditioner - Cs2 center channel - Monitor 60's fronts - Monitor 30's rears
    Mirage Bps 150i powered sub - 40"Samsung LCD ln40c530 - Sony Blu Ray Player BDP-S370 - Comcast digital hd box(motorola dcx3400)
    Monoprice Premium Interconnects Monoprice Ultra Slim HDMI w/Redmere:mrgreen: -Knukonceptz Kord 10 Gauge Speaker Wire - Nakamichi Banana Plugs
    Custom Jumpers
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,254
    edited March 2013
    leroyjr1 wrote: »
    Best buy has the Pioneer SC-65 on sale for $999 this week.


    This is just as good of choice!!
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  • K-daugh
    K-daugh Posts: 467
    edited March 2013
    They don't have the coveted ICE amp sections though
    Budget 5.1 H.T. Set Up
    HK avr 247 - Adcom GFA-7605:mrgreen::mrgreen: - Belkin PF60 Power Conditioner - Cs2 center channel - Monitor 60's fronts - Monitor 30's rears
    Mirage Bps 150i powered sub - 40"Samsung LCD ln40c530 - Sony Blu Ray Player BDP-S370 - Comcast digital hd box(motorola dcx3400)
    Monoprice Premium Interconnects Monoprice Ultra Slim HDMI w/Redmere:mrgreen: -Knukonceptz Kord 10 Gauge Speaker Wire - Nakamichi Banana Plugs
    Custom Jumpers
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,254
    edited March 2013
    So what. Not like they are the be all end all in receivers..

    The SC-65 is a fine **** receiver..
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  • lanchile
    lanchile Posts: 560
    edited March 2013
    My opinion...To me all digital amps SUCKS!!! I like analog discrete amps class A or A/B. if the design is good..They will sound good and will last at least 20 years without problems! I know most people like things like Digital signal processors, 7.1, THX sound etc. To me an old Marantz 2238B will sound better than those digital amps using ic chips, call me old-timer, but I know what I say!

    PS: I have build a few amps from Nelson Pass class A and a few well known like Krell.
    Make it simple...Make it better!
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  • Conradicles
    Conradicles Posts: 6,082
    edited March 2013
    Sell that gear and get a Pioneer.
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited March 2013
    K-daugh wrote: »
    They don't have the coveted ICE amp sections though

    I'd bet you couldn't tell the difference. IMO my sc-57 sounded very similar if not a little better. Plus you're adding a external amp so the built in ice amps won't get used.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,569
    edited March 2013
    lanchile wrote: »
    My opinion...To me all digital amps SUCKS!!! I like analog discrete amps class A or A/B. if the design is good..They will sound good and will last at least 20 years without problems! I know most people like things like Digital signal processors, 7.1, THX sound etc. To me an old Marantz 2238B will sound better than those digital amps using ic chips, call me old-timer, but I know what I say!

    PS: I have build a few amps from Nelson Pass class A and a few well known like Krell.

    We're talking HT use here, not 2 channel music. Don't get me wrong here, my 2 channel rigs are miles better for music, but the Pioneer does surprising well with music videos.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,194
    edited March 2013
    lanchile wrote: »
    My opinion...To me all digital amps SUCKS!!! I like analog discrete amps class A or A/B. if the design is good..They will sound good and will last at least 20 years without problems! I know most people like things like Digital signal processors, 7.1, THX sound etc. To me an old Marantz 2238B will sound better than those digital amps using ic chips, call me old-timer, but I know what I say!

    PS: I have build a few amps from Nelson Pass class A and a few well known like Krell.
    I would agree with you many years ago. Today Class D or Digital designed switching amps are more and more organic sounding then ever before. They are warm and clean , fast and clear , strong and effortless. You should listen to the Peachtree stuff , I really dig them and think they build fantastic sounding amps. We also have Bel Canto which is another one that is beautiful to listen to.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • SugarmillMan
    SugarmillMan Posts: 175
    edited March 2013
    Doesn't Adcom also have a trade in program for used Adcom equipment?
    You may wish to explore that option to get the best bang for your buck from that amplifier. I don't think the traded equipment has to be fully functioning to get a deal of some kind. It's certainly worth a phone call to them.
    Fronts:B&W 804 Diamonds, Center: B&W HTM2 Diamond, Surrounds: PolkAudio LSi F/X (4)
    Subwoofer: HSU VTK3-MK3
    Electronics: Onkyo TX-NR 3010 receiver, Parasound Halo A31 amp, NAD T975 amp
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  • K-daugh
    K-daugh Posts: 467
    edited March 2013
    SugarmillMan wrote: »
    Doesn't Adcom also have a trade in program for used Adcom equipment?
    You may wish to explore that option to get the best bang for your buck from that amplifier. I don't think the traded equipment has to be fully functioning to get a deal of some kind. It's certainly worth a phone call to them.
    I thought of that as well jumping up to the 7705 or 7707 but I think I may be way over budget and then Im still stuck with what to do for a pre/pro or avr ..Im not really satisfied with the h/k 254 its just not enough for me anymore..
    Budget 5.1 H.T. Set Up
    HK avr 247 - Adcom GFA-7605:mrgreen::mrgreen: - Belkin PF60 Power Conditioner - Cs2 center channel - Monitor 60's fronts - Monitor 30's rears
    Mirage Bps 150i powered sub - 40"Samsung LCD ln40c530 - Sony Blu Ray Player BDP-S370 - Comcast digital hd box(motorola dcx3400)
    Monoprice Premium Interconnects Monoprice Ultra Slim HDMI w/Redmere:mrgreen: -Knukonceptz Kord 10 Gauge Speaker Wire - Nakamichi Banana Plugs
    Custom Jumpers
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  • PolkieMan
    PolkieMan Posts: 2,446
    edited March 2013
    Bestbuy :neutral: just the sales tax is $82.50 in Houston, + $23 higher

    http://www.rythercamera.com/catalog/product_info.php?csv=gg&products_id=47982


    leroyjr1 wrote: »
    Best buy has the Pioneer SC-65 on sale for $999 this week.
    POLK SDA 2.3 TLS BOUGHT NEW IN 1990, Gimpod/Sonic Caps/Mills RDO-198
    POLK CSI-A6 POLK MONITOR 70'S ONKYO TX NR-808 SONY CDP-333ES
    PIONEER PL-510A SONY BDP S5100
    POLK SDA 1C BOUGHT USED 2011,Gimpod/Sonic Caps/Mills RDO-194
    ONKYO HT RC-360 SONY BDP S590 TECHNICS SL BD-1
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  • Monster Jam
    Monster Jam Posts: 919
    edited March 2013
    $75 bucks to fix. Flat rate at this factory authorized Adcom repair center. Keep it and fix it.
    Do you hear that buzzing noise? :confused:
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