Adcom 5500 worse than Adcom 545??

FutureAudio
FutureAudio Posts: 53
edited February 2010 in Electronics
I bought few adcoms amps from a guy locally for my polk HT system:

1x5500
1x5300
1x5200

1x545

Adcom 5500 sounds kinda harsh and not enjoyable at all while Adcom 545 sounds full and better than any of the other amps.

I'm using HK receiver as preamp. Is there something wrong with the system eg. do I need to get a better preamp like xiang sheng tube preamp or something?

What do you guys think?
I could use ANY suggestions or help.

Thanks in advance.

Ps. I'm using these to power 2xLsi15 ( PB10-NSD subwoofer directly through HK receiver )
Main: 2xLsi15
Center: Csi40
Surrounds: 2xLsi7
Back centers: 1xcsi30
Subwoofer: SVS PB10-NSD

Asus STX sound card -> Harman Kardon AVR325 -> Adcom Amps
Post edited by FutureAudio on
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Comments

  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,249
    edited February 2010
    I have always prefered the original Adcom series and especially the 545. I had a 545 for close to 20 years.

    It could also be the fact you are using an AVR for a pre-amp. The 5xxx series are Mosfet amps and while I prefer the older bi-polar design; the 5xxx series still sounds great. Meaning it's just my preference and there are very small differences between the two.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • FutureAudio
    FutureAudio Posts: 53
    edited February 2010
    Any suggestions for preamp?
    What would be the best amp $500 - $700 for lsi15 if adcom 5500 doesnt do a good job? :\
    Main: 2xLsi15
    Center: Csi40
    Surrounds: 2xLsi7
    Back centers: 1xcsi30
    Subwoofer: SVS PB10-NSD

    Asus STX sound card -> Harman Kardon AVR325 -> Adcom Amps
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited February 2010
    I like the 545 also. I had a 5400 that didn't sound as good. A bit harsh and overly analytical.
    Ben
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • FutureAudio
    FutureAudio Posts: 53
    edited February 2010
    Dang...I paid abt $350 for 5500 and $125 for 545 ..wish I knew this before :\
    Main: 2xLsi15
    Center: Csi40
    Surrounds: 2xLsi7
    Back centers: 1xcsi30
    Subwoofer: SVS PB10-NSD

    Asus STX sound card -> Harman Kardon AVR325 -> Adcom Amps
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  • concealer404
    concealer404 Posts: 7,440
    edited February 2010
    Tell us what you think about the 5200... i wasn't really a fan of that one, either.
    I don't read the newsssspaperssss because dey aaaallllllllll...... have ugly print.

    Living Room: B&K Reference 5 S2 / Parasound HCA-1000A / Emotiva XDA-2 / Pioneer BDP-51FD / Paradigm 11se MKiii

    Desk: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / ISK HD9999

    Office: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / Dynaco SCA-80Q / Paradigm Legend V.3

    HT: Denon AVR-X3400H / Sony UBP-X700 / RT16 / CS350LS / RT7 / SVS PB1000
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