Amp Suggestion

vonnie123
vonnie123 Posts: 326
edited January 2008 in Electronics
I am looking to replace an ill (right channel inop, fuse OK) Adcom GFA-555 that is 20 years old. It has been a great amp, but I am afraid her time is up. I am having trouble selecting a new unit. I have considered picking up a GFA 5500, which would be a near match, or a seven channel amp at 125 WPC (either Adcom or Outlaw). My rough budget is a about $1000 give or take. I am using a Yammie HTR 5790 as a surround amp and preamp with 8 ohm speakers.

Does anyone have any suggestions on other amps in this price range or input on the Adcom versus Outlaw issue for the 7 channel amp. The system will be used primarily for audio music listening, CD, DVD-A, and SACD. Also, any ideas on what Adcom may provide on trade if anyone has had experience in that area. Thanks.
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  • jayman_1975
    jayman_1975 Posts: 672
    edited January 2008
    Hi...i just pulled the trigger an a used Anthem MCA-5.(170*5 @8olms). $850 shipped to me. I have read nothing but great reviews about this amp. It should show up in a couple days and i'll get back to you on the improvements it made. Mind you, I'm using an Arcam avr300 already so this amp is gonna have to do well to better the Arcam.
    Onkyo TX NR 5008 modified by The Upgrade Company
    Oppo BDP 93 modified by The Upgrade Company
    Arcam CD37
    Monitor Audio Gold GS 60
    Revolver Audio Music 5 towers.(surround)
    Vandersteen V2W
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  • Ethancf
    Ethancf Posts: 458
    edited January 2008
    If you can find a Parasound 2205 A / AT, they can be had for a grand or less on the web. I've had one for 7 years and it's the cat's ****.
    THE SYSTEM
    Polk Audio LSi25 Mains
    Polk LSiF/X Surrounds
    Polk Audio LSiC Center
    Definitive Technology PowerField 1800 Subwoofer
    Parasound Classic 7100 Pre/Pro
    Parasound 2205A Amplifier
    Pioneer Elite BDP-05FD Blu-ray Player
    Monster HTS 2600
    Microsoft XBox 360
    Samsung PN64D550 64" Plasma
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  • jayman_1975
    jayman_1975 Posts: 672
    edited January 2008
    My Anthem mca-5 showed up yesterday and I hooked it all up(with cheapy cables mind you, ordered some good ones today). Right off the bat i could tell that this thing definitely has more slam than my Arcam does.

    I popped in a movie and immediately noticed an improvement on center channel dialogue. Voices were clearer and more pronounced.

    The biggest improvement i noticed was in dynamics. Wooaa. This thing is definitely faster and larger than the Arcam. In high dyanamic scenes i nearly jumped out of my skin a couple times.

    I am only using it to power the fronts and center at the moment and the Arcam is handling the 2 surrounds. But I think because of the lesser load on the Arcam...it is better able to power just those two speakers. I will hook up all 5 channels when my new set of IC's show up.

    I would definitely keep your eyes out for one. $850 shipped to me was money very well spent!
    Onkyo TX NR 5008 modified by The Upgrade Company
    Oppo BDP 93 modified by The Upgrade Company
    Arcam CD37
    Monitor Audio Gold GS 60
    Revolver Audio Music 5 towers.(surround)
    Vandersteen V2W
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited January 2008
    you maybe able to get into a Sunfire also. A few good deals on Outlaws over at Audiogon as well.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
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