Adcom GFA555 (early version) w/5Jr+ vs. Nak PA5 (early version, Pass license) wCRS+

elitt

I don't know what to make of this, so I'm putting it out to you guys for your thoughts. I've learned a lot as a lurker and really appreciate this forum.

At home: CD, Sonos and vintage b/o turntable into an NAD7225PE running as a pre into a pristine Nak PA5 - paired with CRS+ never modded. Large, odd shaped room but nothing that detracts too much from ideal CRS placement. Neither the Nak nor the CRS+'s appear to have ever been touched.

In office: iphone directly into GFA555 -an early version with brushed stainless face and handles - paired with 5jr+. Neither appear to have ever been modded. The office is approx. 10' x 18'. The speakers are centered along the short wall, almost ideally placed. I face them. Behind me is a wall of glass.

Here's the rub...as far as I can tell the Adcom/5jr+ combo. sounds as good if not better than the home set-up.

While I'm not dissapointed at all, I'm wondering what's up. Next step is to swap the amps. and power up the CRS+ properly. Regardless, I'd appreciate some thoughts and insights on what's going on from anyone who has the time to educate this amateur.

Thank you, for this and everything else I've learned here.

Polkaguy58

There's a lot of variables involved when it comes to comparing two totally different systems.
In my main listening room, I have a pair of monitor 5's and some 5 Jr's, hooked up to a Yamaha Natural Sound 150 watt per channel receiver and a top notch Marantz CD player.
That room is acousticaly treated and quite echo free.
The funny thing is that I find myself listening equally as much to my kitchen set up, which is a pair of KEF C15's (5" two way) speakers and a home made subwoofer, powered by a Harman Kardon 330C 15 watt per channel receiver.
The latter stereo cost me a total of 250 dollars, compared to the 1200 dollar main rig.
The Yamaha is very accurate and in your face and the Harmon Kardon, warm and 70's sounding.
They both do the job for me.
Seeing that I'm a child of the 60's, I like hearing my Dino-Rock on a system like I heard those songs on when they were new. (the Harmon).
Thomas Dolby on the other hand sounds best on the Yamaha.

boston1450

Adcom pair well with SDA's. I have the 555 & 565pre & they use to power SDA2b's very nicely. So i can understand why the 5jr+'s are enjoying the power. I think your CRS+'s should sound great. Please report back on what you think......Not sure what you have for tweeters but the 194's are well worth the $$$. Lets also keep in mind that the 20+y/o Xovers are getting tired & well worth the money to refresh

EndersShadow

What EQ do you have the iPhone set to? And the 5JRs are a little more forgiving than the CRS for lower quality music....

nooshinjohn

As a huge Pass fan, I can give a thumbs up for the PA 7, but can honestly say I was not hugely impressed with the PA5. I would lean 555 here, unless you can find the PA 7. Get that one and take care of it and it might serve you for a very long time.

elitt

I went radio silent on this thread without saying thank you for the knowledge. I think Endershadow nailed it. Now that I've tried various sources, I get it. The 555 is more impressive than I thought it would be. I've never owned one before and it's muscle is showing. I've listened at ear splitting levels without distortion and the thing just won't even warm up. It's practically cold to the touch.

Gunther16

Cannot go wrong with Adcom amps, just stay away from the peripherals. Had an all Adcom system at one time, all that remains is the 2 Adcom 555II's