Amp vs Amp

bigaudiofanatic

I am trying to figure out which way to go. I am looking at the adcom GFA-545 and the onkyo M series. I know either will be an upgrade from the elites built in amp. But which one would be better? I can pretty much afford either one and both will power what I have now and in the future as well.

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1229983#post1229983

http://cgi.ebay.com/ONKYO-M-501-m501-2-channel-150-Watt-Powered-Amplifier_W0QQitemZ110471322913QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item19b89a9d21


This would also be an option if I get my check soon.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ONKYO-INTEGRA-M-504-POWERAMP-EXCELLENT-CONDITION_W0QQitemZ220529006496QQcmdZViewItemQQptZSpeakers_Subwoofers?hash=item33588d97a0

concealer404

I'd hold out for the M504 between the two Oinkers if it were me, but either are pretty nice.

That M501 looks strange... almost looks like it's got a beveled wood top. My 5150 doesn't have that. But now i'm jealous, because it DOES have normal posts, instead of the stupid spring clips that i have. (The ONLY thing that i don't like about my amp.) That 501 looks like it's in pretty nice shape though.

bigaudiofanatic

Thanks, ya that 504 I heard could even power a set of ML's if they get into the hand of things I can buy. LOL it might even blow what I have now.

concealer404

bigaudiofanatic wrote: »

Thanks, ya that 504 I heard could even power a set of ML's if they get into the hand of things I can buy. LOL it might even blow what I have now.

Nah. Not if you're responsible. Remember, there's no such thing as too much power, just too much volume.

zingo

You may have more serviceability, should you ever need it, with the Adcom just because it is more common. On the contrary, the Onkyo is more rare, so collect-ability is higher. Hope these opposing points help.

bigaudiofanatic

Well come to think of it, tomorrow is Christmas and I doubt my check will get there by the time the auction ends. I do not like bidding unless I have money in hand or account. I think the 504 is out for me.

concealer404

bigaudiofanatic wrote: »

Well come to think of it, tomorrow is Christmas and I doubt my check will get there by the time the auction ends. I do not like bidding unless I have money in hand or account. I think the 504 is out for me.

Then wait for another one if you want one... there's usually one or two on there. I think there's actually two on there right now, for that matter. Give me a few minutes.

george daniel

Have you considered tubes?

bigaudiofanatic

I always wanted tubes to try out BUT for how I like listening to music and also movies. I do not think they would be the best. But one day i would like to try them.

concealer404

M504:
http://cgi.ebay.com/onkyo-m-504-amplifier-dual-mono-003THD-165-watts_W0QQitemZ110471735723QQcmdZViewItemQQptZVintage_Electronics_R2?hash=item19b8a0e9ab

M508:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ONKYO-M-508-GRAND-INTEGRA-AUDIOPHILE-POWER-AMPLIFIER_W0QQitemZ250551301762QQcmdZViewItemQQptZVintage_Electronics_R2?hash=item3a56057682

M508:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ONKYO-Grand-Integra-M-508-Power-Amplifier_W0QQitemZ120507090762QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item1c0ec8474a

bigaudiofanatic

Those 508's are out of my price range. The other 504 I might be looking at. Thanks for looking. So I take it people are saying go with the onkyo's?

concealer404

bigaudiofanatic wrote: »

Those 508's are out of my price range. The other 504 I might be looking at. Thanks for looking. So I take it people are saying go with the onkyo's?

So far i think Doro and i have been the only people to actually say one way or the other.

bigaudiofanatic

True, and also their are many other amps out there for around 250 or below.

erniejade

The 504 is a great sounding amp. I had a carver tfm35x and I liked the 504 better actualy. The carver was a great amp but, i thought the 504 was a bit warmer sounding on my rig.

bigaudiofanatic

Now how would the 504 and the adcom compare to say a soundcraftsmen pcr 800?

erniejade

I have not heard the soundcraftsmen pcr 800

A carver tfm 45 is a good amp also...

bigaudiofanatic

I am trying to keep my options to a minimal. I know there are tons or more options to choose from. But like to keep it between the 3 chosen.

bigaudiofanatic

I actually decided to hold off for a B&K reference 200.2 Thanks for the info and help.