Yamaha M-80 vs. Adcom GFA 555 mkII

Polkie2009

Noticed a few of the Yamaha M-80's up for sale on fleabay and wondered how they compare with the 2 channel amps of comparable wattage like the Adcom,Carver,Rotel, Sunfire,Parasound etc..

McLoki

I had a Yamaha M-85 and it was a beast. I really liked it and think it will do quite well for you. I do now have an adcom (although not a GFA 555) and it is nice as well.

My auditory memory does not span back well enough to compare both amps - but I was certainly not dissapointed with my yamaha (and it ran my SDA's just fine) nor am I upset with my adcom (my adcom currently runs a pair of Monitor 10's).

Based on that - if you got either, I do not think you would be dissapointed.

Michael

Polkie2009

Hi McLoki,thanks for the info,looks like the M-80 on fleabay is up over $400.00 and the auction isn't even over with.

leroyjr1

Polkie2009 wrote: »

Hi McLoki,thanks for the info,looks like the M-80 on fleabay is up over $400.00 and the auction isn't even over with.

You can get a 555II for about $350 all day.

dkg999

I would go with the Adcom. The older Yamaha amps can be really frustrating to get fixed, and IMHO aren't built as well as the Adcom amps.

nguyendot

I love yamaha amps. I tried to get a m-65 today. I have run a m-45 for years and the class a operation is very smooth. I also run m-35s and a mx-1000u.

The adcom is a much better deal, however in price/performance. I will be buying a 555 as soon as i source the funds!

lakesailor

I like both and they each have different pros/cons. I have awlays been a fan of Yamaha but the GFA 555 Mark II is a real classic and in my view; is one of the best all time amps for the $$$ that you will find. Used they are an absolute bargain and as has been mentioned can be easily repaired.

Polkie2009

I guess I'll pass on the used Yamaha M-80 amp search.Back in their day,I'm sure the M80's held their own against the other big boys amps out there. Looks like in the long run when buying used amps, I'm better off buying an amp that is easier to fix and parts are cheaper and plentiful.

nguyendot

Yup. I still buy yamaha amps, they're awesome. I've had a m-35 crap out on me and now i have to find someone to service it.

Polkie2009

There's a used M-80 on fleabay that was repaired at Pyramid Audio in Austin Tx.Have heard there aren't many shops anymore that repair these older Yamahas but I could be wrong.

heiney9

Used to sell these two models side by side. Did a nice comparo one day whne it was slow in the showroom used an Adcom 535 (baby Adcom) and a pair of very power hungry A/D/S floor standers as well as a pair of the original Mirage M1's.

The Yammy puked it's 300wpc guts up before the Adcom gave in at 60wpc. I've never been a huge fan of Yammy amps. Way too sterile and benign sounding for me. The "Natural Sound" was always BS, IMO. Yamaha amps of that era make nice boat anchors however.

YMMV

H9

heiney9

Polkie2009 wrote: »

I guess I'll pass on the used Yamaha M-80 amp search.Back in their day,I'm sure the M80's held their own against the other big boys amps out there. Looks like in the long run when buying used amps, I'm better off buying an amp that is easier to fix and parts are cheaper and plentiful.

And that sound a lot better. Yamaha is one choice above Kenwood Basic amps of the same era for me.............and that's not saying much.

Of that era,

Nakamichi, Adcom, Luxman in that order.


H9

Polkie2009

Great info on the comparison between the amps heiney9! I remember when that Nakamichi equipment was kicking ****. Did the old HK Citation amps even come close to the top 3 you mentioned?