Amp/Preamp upgrade advice

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dromunds
dromunds
in Electronics
A buddy of mine has Adcom GFA-555 amp (he has two, one was refreshed) and matching preamp. He runs a lot of vinyl and has a decent TT and phono preamp. He also has a decent CD player, IIRC it’s a Pioneer Elite, and he has some vintage Essence speakers and also some Definitives. He wants to upgrade his amp/preamp (not opposed to an integrated) and has a budget of $3K. Not interested in tubes. Any suggestion's for him? He said he’d sell the Adcoms. What are they worth? Thanks in advance.
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  • dromunds
    dromunds
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    I should add that he’s thinking of dipping his toes into streaming.
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  • Clipdat
    Clipdat
    edited January 2024
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    Maybe one of those new-ish Cambridge Audio EVO all in ones?

    https://www.crutchfield.com/p_779EVO150/Cambridge-Audio-Evo-150.html
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  • dromunds
    dromunds
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    Thanks. Do you think the SQ would be noticeably better than the Adcom? I’m sure he’d appreciate the move into the 21st century. 😎
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  • Clipdat
    Clipdat
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    I'm not sure as I don't have experience with either, but he could always return it within the 60 day window if he doesn't like the sound quality.
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  • motorstereo
    motorstereo
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    An 11.68 lb 150 wpc integrated would have me looking elsewhere and I really like my CA streamer.
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn
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    https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649822914-simaudio-moon-340i-w-all-options-dsd-dac-phono-stage-and-balanced-inputs/
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2800 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon MiND2 Shunyata Triton/Typhon Rotel RP9400 Turntable

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson

    How many flies need to be buzzing a dead horse before you guys stop beating it?
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  • SIHAB
    SIHAB
    edited January 2024
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    he could always try this:
    https://adcom.com/product/adcom-audiophile-bundle/

    I have not heard it so not much help here...
    Then go for a CD player/streamer.

    or
    https://www.amazon.com/WiiM-Pro-Chromecast-Multiroom-Compatible/dp/B0BJDY6D1W/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2W4ROIDG52YCY&keywords=music+streamer&qid=1706132008&sprefix=music+streamer,aps,106&sr=8-3&th=1

    or something in the C-note area to see if he likes it.
    Speakers: Polk Lsim, ATC SCM19 v2, NHT SuperzeroSpeaker Cables: DH Labs, Transparent, Wireworld, Canare, Monster: Beer budget, Bose ears
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  • Clipdat
    Clipdat
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    It's Class-D you curmudgeon.
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  • dromunds
    dromunds
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    Thanks, fellas.
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  • invalid
    invalid
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    What is wrong with the refurbished adcom he has? Maybe just add a better preamp in front of it.
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  • dromunds
    dromunds
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    That actually what I suggested to him. Any suggestions?
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  • jdjohn
    jdjohn
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    I cast my vote for a Benchmark DAC3/HGC Preamp. I started with one of these to use for both DAC and preamp duties, and it served me quite well. Eventually, I moved to a Benchmark HPA4 for preamp duty, BUT kept the DAC3/HGC as my standalone DAC. The 'H' in both cases refers to headphone capabilities, but if that's not needed, there are other models to choose from.

    I have used both of the above with several different power amps, and have never had a problem with impedance matching. These units are not 'sexy' looking at all, but IME they perform quite well.

    P.S. Your friend's Pioneer CD player could have the digital-out sent to the DAC section, and compare to the CDP's DAC. Lots of ways to incorporate streaming into the DAC as well.
    "This may not matter to you, but it does to me for various reasons, many of them illogical or irrational, but the vinyl hobby is not really logical or rational..." - member on Vinyl Engine
    "Sometimes I do what I want to do. The rest of the time, I do what I have to." - Cicero, in Gladiator
    Regarding collectibles: "It's not who gets it. It's who gets stuck with it." - Jimmy Fallon
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  • dromunds
    dromunds
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    Thanks much!
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  • F1nut
    F1nut
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    Marantz Model 30
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • dromunds
    dromunds
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    Thank you kindly!
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  • gyosa
    gyosa
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    This would be my next amp ..
    Tons and tons of clean power …
    If you don’t like the looks , it comes in a more “upscale” enclosure as well …

    https://audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/apollon-ncx500st-stereo-amplifier-review.47701/

    Bk
    PS Audio S300 , WiiM Ultra , Yamaha wxc-50 , Salk SuperCharged Songtowers , Kimber Kable 4TC, Sony 48” - BEDROOM

    B&K EX-442 ( it will go in my casket when I die ... ) , PS Audio 4.6 preamp ( old school , but it still jams on ... ) , Eversolo DMP-A6 , Boston Acoustic voyager 7’s - POOL

    Parasound A21, Eversolo DMP-A8 , Kimber Kable 4vs , Ascend Acoustics ELX Ribbon Towers , Sony XBR-A8F 65” OLED - DEN , MAIN system

    Onkyo TX-nr609 , Polk atrium 7 , Boston acoustic sound ware (4) , Boston acoustic sub , B&W center , Sony 65” TV - PATIO
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  • SIHAB
    SIHAB
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    As @F1nut pointed out, a Marantz stack would be sweet.
    I'd have gone that way if they existed before I bought my
    Yamaha. (I still like the Yamaha and use it in the second system)

    Good luck Don's friend
    Speakers: Polk Lsim, ATC SCM19 v2, NHT SuperzeroSpeaker Cables: DH Labs, Transparent, Wireworld, Canare, Monster: Beer budget, Bose ears
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  • Clipdat
    Clipdat
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    F1nut wrote: »
    Marantz Model 30

    It's just kindof a shame that at $3k MSRP, you aren't getting PM-14S1 quality here.
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  • dromunds
    dromunds
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    Thanks, y’all
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  • GlennDog
    GlennDog
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    hey Don
    if your bud is willing to reconsider the tubular scene . . . just two 12AU7s . .. cuz, never say never, right?

    I've got a sexy custom red chassis Backert Rhumba that may fit into the new rig

    https://backertlabs.com/comments-on-the-new-preamp-by-terry-london/

    https://backertlabs.com/rhumba-1-3-tube-preamplifier/

    AC Regenerator PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
    Source Lumin U1 Mini into Lampizator Baltic 4 DAC
    Pre Cary SLP-05
    Power Rogue M180 Dark monos
    Mains Salk HT2-TL
    Rythmik F12
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  • SIHAB
    SIHAB
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    https://www.safeandsoundhq.com/products/marantz-model-30-integrated-amplifier-open-box

    and/or

    https://www.safeandsoundhq.com/products/marantz-sacd-30n-networked-sacd-cd-player-with-heos-built-in-open-box

    Missed the budget by "" much :#

    Speakers: Polk Lsim, ATC SCM19 v2, NHT SuperzeroSpeaker Cables: DH Labs, Transparent, Wireworld, Canare, Monster: Beer budget, Bose ears
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn
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    gyosa wrote: »
    This would be my next amp ..
    Tons and tons of clean power …
    If you don’t like the looks , it comes in a more “upscale” enclosure as well …

    https://audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/apollon-ncx500st-stereo-amplifier-review.47701/

    Bk

    I will buy nothing that ASSR recommends.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2800 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon MiND2 Shunyata Triton/Typhon Rotel RP9400 Turntable

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson

    How many flies need to be buzzing a dead horse before you guys stop beating it?
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  • GlennDog
    GlennDog
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    SIHAB wrote: »
    Missed the budget by "" much :#


    I picture Get Smart and Don's shoe phone . . . Do NOT forget Chaos! very relevant ...

    AC Regenerator PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
    Source Lumin U1 Mini into Lampizator Baltic 4 DAC
    Pre Cary SLP-05
    Power Rogue M180 Dark monos
    Mains Salk HT2-TL
    Rythmik F12
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  • dromunds
    dromunds
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    Thanks. Will pass on. Not sure if he wants to get into tubes at all but will pass it all on.
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  • engie490
    engie490
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    Adcom 555 amp - $350 if in good shape
    Adcom 555 pre - $200 if in good shape

    This is an excellent piece:

    https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisb7fe0-spread-spectrum-technologies-thoebe-ii-excellent-preamp-9-10-w-phono-solid-state?refsource=hifishark


    KEF Xq5s / Velodyne DD12 / Apollon Purifi 1ET6525SA / SST Thoebe II / Bluesound Node 130 / Oppo BDP-105D / Technics SP-15 w/SAEC WE-308SX & Ortofon AS-309 arms / Audio-Technica ART-1 & Dynavector XX2 Mk II carts
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  • gyosa
    gyosa
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    nooshinjohn wrote: »
    gyosa wrote: »
    This would be my next amp ..
    Tons and tons of clean power …
    If you don’t like the looks , it comes in a more “upscale” enclosure as well …

    https://audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/apollon-ncx500st-stereo-amplifier-review.47701/

    Bk

    I will buy nothing that ASSR recommends.


    Why ?

    Bk
    PS Audio S300 , WiiM Ultra , Yamaha wxc-50 , Salk SuperCharged Songtowers , Kimber Kable 4TC, Sony 48” - BEDROOM

    B&K EX-442 ( it will go in my casket when I die ... ) , PS Audio 4.6 preamp ( old school , but it still jams on ... ) , Eversolo DMP-A6 , Boston Acoustic voyager 7’s - POOL

    Parasound A21, Eversolo DMP-A8 , Kimber Kable 4vs , Ascend Acoustics ELX Ribbon Towers , Sony XBR-A8F 65” OLED - DEN , MAIN system

    Onkyo TX-nr609 , Polk atrium 7 , Boston acoustic sound ware (4) , Boston acoustic sub , B&W center , Sony 65” TV - PATIO
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn
    edited January 2024
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    Because I don't take advice from anyone that has an agenda to push. I make my own decisions. When a site can trash products made by the biggest names (Levinson, Pass, Carver, Krell and many others) as well as attempt to trash established and well-respected publications and reviewers, I question the motives of the site.

    My experience over decades in this hobby are worth more to me than taking the advice of a bunch of herd-following hacks.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2800 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon MiND2 Shunyata Triton/Typhon Rotel RP9400 Turntable

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson

    How many flies need to be buzzing a dead horse before you guys stop beating it?
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  • Upstatemax
    Upstatemax
    edited January 2024
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    I've spent a good amount of time with one of these:

    https://www.crutchfield.com/p_440A15922B/Rotel-RA-1592-MKII-Black.html?tp=34948

    It's a great and very flexible integrated.
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  • Clipdat
    Clipdat
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    Very nice. Looks similar inside to my Michi X3. Probably some trickle-down effect going on.
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  • rooftop59
    rooftop59
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    I love my arcam sa-30 integrated with built in streamer. The streamer sounds great and it very easy to use. I don’t use the amp - my musical fidelity powers the speakers in HT bypass mode…

    I also drooled over the NAD M32. I would have tried it except I really wanted the Dirac live that the arcam has, and the M33 (which also has Dirac) is much more expensive…
    Living Room 2.2: Usher BE-718 "tiny dancers"; Dual DIY Dayton audio RSS210HF-4 Subs with Dayton SPA-250 amps; Arcam SA30; Musical Fidelity A308; Sony UBP-x1000es
    Game Room 5.1.4:     Denon AVR-X4200w; Sony UBP-x700; Definitive Technology Power Monitor 900 mains, CLR-3000 center, StudioMonitor 350 surrounds, ProMonitor 800 atmos x4; Sub - Monoprice Monolith 15in THX Ultra
    Bedroom 2.1     Harmon Kardon HK3490; Bluesounds Node N130; Polk RT25i; ACI Titan Subwoofer
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