Adcom GFA 555 Pre amp connection issue?

atmalloy

Hello Polk Folks...

I have had an Adcom system since new in the early 1990s [GFA 555, GFP 555 and GFT 555 along with a Niles 4 Speaker Selector,Meridian 508 CD and Monitor Audio speakers]. I have moved over 15 times since 2000 and have brought them along the way but never set the system up.

I finally bought a house in Colorado and although its new and "wired for sound" I have a small office that I am FINANALY setting aforementioned system up. I have purchased new Monster Cable speaker cable, Monster bannana clips all around, a new Monster SS4 speaker selector as well as new Monster M1000I Stereo Cables for connection between GFA 555 and GFP 555.

THE PROBLEM: Somewhere along the way the old Monster Stereo/Audio Connection cables came off with the "female RCA input cover" on the GFA 555...(see attached pics)

So does anyone know; i)...How to replace?...ii) What else to do?...iii) Do I have to do anything?

Desperate to crank this baby up ASAP.

atmalloy

Thanks...Will do. If that doesnt work Im pretty mechanical (at least with Ducati's and such). Cant I just order some "input collars" (-) and replace myself?

HTguru1982

I had this happen with my old Adcom GFA 545. If you still have the collar, you can slip it back in place. If not, you can replace the connectors. http://www.parts-express.com/chassis-mount-rca-jack-pair--091-1120

atmalloy

Thank you Squire...

I will order them in any case...Well looks like nothing works for now. I now wonder if its my Adcom GFP - 555? The power seems to work as my GFT - 555 is plugged into the GFP - 555 and it is powered up when I turn on the system. But one thing I notice is that the GFP - 555 "red power indicator LED doesn't go on when powered up. [I also tried the "head phone" jack and got no sound??

Frustrated.

Glen B

I would not play around with that GFA-555 powered up before replacing the damaged RCA input jack. The hum from having the center pin connected to a full open input without the grounding provided by the RCA collar, could be loud enough to damage the speaker on that channel.

leftwinger57

Think we are talking about the same thing here. While I do not have an Adcom pre I did have a problem w/ my Onkyo P-301 pre when I used Monster Cable I/Cs. I evidently pulled one of them out the wrong way and almost dislodged the femal jack. I opened it up and there was no clearcut way of that I knew of how to resolder or replace it. I gave it to a friend who somehow redid the jack for meand it held ever since. I did call MC to complain that if there was a certain way to remove their cables it wasn't on the box. After about 6/7 months I got in themail an upgraded pair for free. Since then I learned it's called the grip'o death. BTW most of the pix did not help, some were sideways others showed the front and the rear shots I did not see the direct problem.

atmalloy

Thanks fhe report and advice...Here is a closeup of the problem...Notice the 2 main inputs (verticle center)...The top

has a female gold RCA cover and the bottom

does not.

pitdogg2

slide it back on open top and bend tabs 90* if it has tabs. Monster grip of death now you know all about it. Bending the tabs over after insertion will keep it from happening again. You could also replace if this don't help.

atmalloy

As you suggested...I have now received the pair of "chassis mount rca jacks" from Parts Express and will start replacing the old inputs on my Adcom GFA 555...My druthers would be to have some directions (video or written). Any thoughts or ideas here?

F1nut

You'll just have to open it up to see what it is you'll need to remove to get at the board with the RCA jacks. However, you might want to put that on hold......

But one thing I notice is that the GFP - 555 "red power indicator LED doesn't go on when powered up.

Check the fuse(s). If they are good, your amp needs professional service, so you might as well have the tech replace the RCA jacks.

The power seems to work as my GFT - 555 is plugged into the GFP - 555 and it is powered up when I turn on the system.

Never plug an amp into a pre amp. Those outlets are not designed to handle the load from an amp.

Free advice, take it or leave it. Get rid of that crappy Monster cable stuff. The speaker cables will turn green, you've already found out how bad the RCA connections are and worst of all, it doesn't sound good.

Why are you using a speaker selector?

atmalloy

F1nut: You'll just have to open it up to see what it is you'll need to remove to get at the board with the RCA jacks.
ATM: Opened all up and RCA input jacks are actually all in one unit soldered to the board...I also checked all other connections in Amp and they are ok as well.

F1nut: Check the fuse(s).
ATM: They are all good.

F1nut: Why are you using a speaker selector?
ATM: I am only setting it up the way it was originally set up...Although your point is well taken. I guess with only 1 set of "Monitor Audio" speakers I don't need a speaker selector?

F1nut: Never plug an amp into a pre amp. Those outlets are not designed to handle the load from an amp.
ATM: The GFA 555 is plugged directly into a "Power Wedge 116"
ATM: Im now wondering whether the GFP 555 is not working correctly (although the power works).

F1nut

Sorry, I'm not up on those model ID's. Obviously, I thought you had the amp powered off the pre amp. I realize now that it is your tuner.

DracoAmericanus

the RCA terminal block will probably need professional service. Sadly we are on opposite sides of the country otherwise i would offer to service it. It will need to be desoldered and replaced, if you still have the ground sleeve that tore off with the connector, it can some times be reattached and soldered back to ground
I use older adcom my self, a GTP-500 is sitting right next to me for a 2 channel system.
I second the other poster and get rid of the Monster cable. I have lost count on the times i have seen that "stuff" damage equipment

Phatattack

HeAd to monoprice, cheap and excellent quality for the win!

tonyb

Phatattack wrote: »

HeAd to monoprice, cheap and excellent quality for the win!

LOL.....cheap, yeah.....excellent quality ? UH...NO. Excellent sound ? Another no. May as well go to Walmart, same stuff.