Adcom GFA-5503 for 550+shipping?

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bopicasso
bopicasso Posts: 878
edited April 2008 in Electronics
Is this a good deal? Im looking for a good amp to power my rti8s and csi3.
550 + shipping. He was asking 595 + shipping and I got him down to 550.
Im trying to get him lower as we speak.
The condition is excellent. Its on audiogon. Also is the adcom a good match with my speakers.
RTI 8s and CSI 3

Also would the onkyo 805 be a good prepro, or can I find a cheaper one?
Living Room setup: Pioneer Elite VSX-21TXH, Krell KAV 300i, PS Audio DL III DAC, Tyler Acoustics Taylo 7u, Dynaudio Audience 120C+, SVS 25/31PCI, B-P-T Clean Power Center, Ps3, Panny 50" S1 Plasma, Tekline speaker cables, Audio Art interconnects, and Pangea power cables.
Post edited by bopicasso on
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  • BeRad
    BeRad Posts: 745
    edited April 2008
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    I asked a similar question when looking for an amp for my rti8's. I was told that I should look more towards a nice warm amp like a B&K or Parasound as the Adcom paired with the rti8's and a brighter pre-amp (yamaha in my case) would probably be far to bright.

    I ended getting the B&K ref. 4420 for 550 shipped (it's 1500 new) 225w x 2. Use that to power the mains and then a 5 channel down the road for the rest.

    I can't speak from personal experience, but this was the advice I got from a few different people. I am sure someone who has been in the game much longer than I will chime in shortly.
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  • BaggedLancer
    BaggedLancer Posts: 6,371
    edited April 2008
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    BeRad wrote: »
    I asked a similar question when looking for an amp for my rti8's. I was told that I should look more towards a nice warm amp like a B&K or Parasound as the Adcom paired with the rti8's and a brighter pre-amp (yamaha in my case) would probably be far to bright.

    I ended getting the B&K ref. 4420 for 550 shipped (it's 1500 new) 225w x 2. Use that to power the mains and then a 5 channel down the road for the rest.

    I can't speak from personal experience, but this was the advice I got from a few different people. I am sure someone who has been in the game much longer than I will chime in shortly.

    The question to ask is are you happy with taking the advice and going for the B&K? How does it sound?
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  • bopicasso
    bopicasso Posts: 878
    edited April 2008
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    What I like about the Adcom is its a 200x3 amp. So it will run my front end and my onk 805 can run the rears when I get them.
    Im still undecided.
    Living Room setup: Pioneer Elite VSX-21TXH, Krell KAV 300i, PS Audio DL III DAC, Tyler Acoustics Taylo 7u, Dynaudio Audience 120C+, SVS 25/31PCI, B-P-T Clean Power Center, Ps3, Panny 50" S1 Plasma, Tekline speaker cables, Audio Art interconnects, and Pangea power cables.
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  • engtaz
    engtaz Posts: 7,675
    edited April 2008
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    Audio is in the ear of the beholder. Listen to it yourself. I have not found Adcom's bight.

    engtaz
    engtaz

    I love how music can brighten up a bad day.
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  • daboyz
    daboyz Posts: 5,207
    edited April 2008
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    engtaz wrote: »
    Audio is in the ear of the beholder. Listen to it yourself. I have not found Adcom's bight.

    engtaz

    +1,my 8's sound great with a 7400 running 'em.
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited April 2008
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    Not bright. The reason I think Adcom's get the rep of being to bright is most of the pre's by Adcom are too bright.
    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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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited April 2008
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    I use a 5503 to power our RTi12's and CSi5...never had any issues...I use our AVR to power the side /rear surrounds.

    Use some decent i/c's and speaker cable and you wont have any brightness issues.

    $550. seems like a fair price,but shipping could be steep...these things are a beast at close to 60 lbs.
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  • polrbehr
    polrbehr Posts: 2,866
    edited April 2008
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    Adcom 555 driving RTi10s here... amazing sound, not at all harsh, IMO.

    Worth every cent.
    So, are you willing to put forth a little effort or are you happy sitting in your skeptical poo pile?


    http://audiomilitia.proboards.com/
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  • Meeks32
    Meeks32 Posts: 330
    edited April 2008
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    You should give it a shot. I was looking on ebay at that same amp 3 years ago & they were selling for the same price so if you decide to sell it in a year or so you should'nt have a problem getting everything back that you paid for it.
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,630
    edited April 2008
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    bopicasso wrote: »
    Is this a good deal? Im looking for a good amp to power my rti8s and csi3.
    550 + shipping. He was asking 595 + shipping and I got him down to 550.
    Im trying to get him lower as we speak.
    The condition is excellent. Its on audiogon. Also is the adcom a good match with my speakers.
    RTI 8s and CSI 3

    Also would the onkyo 805 be a good prepro, or can I find a cheaper one?

    Yes and yes. It is a beast and shipping for everything is expensive. I don't know the distance between you two, but offer him $600 shipped. You will be a very happy camper if you get the deal done.

    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 | Holo Audio Cyan 2 Dac | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul!
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  • bopicasso
    bopicasso Posts: 878
    edited April 2008
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    He said he can ship if for 25 dollars with his fedex discount. So it would be 575.
    Living Room setup: Pioneer Elite VSX-21TXH, Krell KAV 300i, PS Audio DL III DAC, Tyler Acoustics Taylo 7u, Dynaudio Audience 120C+, SVS 25/31PCI, B-P-T Clean Power Center, Ps3, Panny 50" S1 Plasma, Tekline speaker cables, Audio Art interconnects, and Pangea power cables.
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  • NotaSuv
    NotaSuv Posts: 3,871
    edited April 2008
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    bopicasso wrote: »
    He said he can ship if for 25 dollars with his fedex discount. So it would be 575.

    a no brainer...go for it..great price too
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  • GEBBY44
    GEBBY44 Posts: 939
    edited April 2008
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    I tested a GFA-5500 for a while and found it too bright. I actually would suggest going against the Adcom for that price. While it's still a killer amp, for my RTi8's and CS350 I recently picked up an Acurus A200x3. It's a solid 200W x 3 (hence the name) and is easily the most neutral budget amp I've ever heard. It sounds great with the speakers and you can pick them up for around $500. I picked it up on eBay for $485 shipped. The only problem is finding one. They sell immediately on A-gon and don't pop up on eBay too often. As others said, I've heard B&K's work well too. For the money, I would highly recommend the Acurus with the RTi8's. You could even get an A200 as they are more common and worry about the center with another amp.
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  • engtaz
    engtaz Posts: 7,675
    edited April 2008
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    Ben and H9 are the Adcom people on this forum. I would take your own ears 1st then their opinions as the next best thing. I have not heard Adcoms be bright but to each his/her own ears make the differences in likes and dislikes.

    Good luck,
    engtaz
    engtaz

    I love how music can brighten up a bad day.
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  • bopicasso
    bopicasso Posts: 878
    edited April 2008
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    What about the carver m1.5t????
    Theres one for sale for $315 in the for sale forum...
    Living Room setup: Pioneer Elite VSX-21TXH, Krell KAV 300i, PS Audio DL III DAC, Tyler Acoustics Taylo 7u, Dynaudio Audience 120C+, SVS 25/31PCI, B-P-T Clean Power Center, Ps3, Panny 50" S1 Plasma, Tekline speaker cables, Audio Art interconnects, and Pangea power cables.
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  • bopicasso
    bopicasso Posts: 878
    edited April 2008
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    Ok here we go... I have another option. Carver m1.5t for around 300, or a Acurus 200x3 for 450 plus shipping.
    Living Room setup: Pioneer Elite VSX-21TXH, Krell KAV 300i, PS Audio DL III DAC, Tyler Acoustics Taylo 7u, Dynaudio Audience 120C+, SVS 25/31PCI, B-P-T Clean Power Center, Ps3, Panny 50" S1 Plasma, Tekline speaker cables, Audio Art interconnects, and Pangea power cables.
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  • engtaz
    engtaz Posts: 7,675
    edited April 2008
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    where are you getting a 1.5T for 300? Are you trying to run Front RT & LT and Center?

    engtaz
    engtaz

    I love how music can brighten up a bad day.
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  • bopicasso
    bopicasso Posts: 878
    edited April 2008
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    bump lol
    Living Room setup: Pioneer Elite VSX-21TXH, Krell KAV 300i, PS Audio DL III DAC, Tyler Acoustics Taylo 7u, Dynaudio Audience 120C+, SVS 25/31PCI, B-P-T Clean Power Center, Ps3, Panny 50" S1 Plasma, Tekline speaker cables, Audio Art interconnects, and Pangea power cables.
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  • bopicasso
    bopicasso Posts: 878
    edited April 2008
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    Im pretty satisfied with my onk 805 running the csi3. My issue was when I listen to music in 2.1 channel, I want the best clarity I can with my rti8s. Thats why I would prefer saving the money and finding a nice 2 channel.. But Gebby recommended the Acurus 200x3 and I found one for 450. I do want a amp that is good for ht also..
    Living Room setup: Pioneer Elite VSX-21TXH, Krell KAV 300i, PS Audio DL III DAC, Tyler Acoustics Taylo 7u, Dynaudio Audience 120C+, SVS 25/31PCI, B-P-T Clean Power Center, Ps3, Panny 50" S1 Plasma, Tekline speaker cables, Audio Art interconnects, and Pangea power cables.
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  • engtaz
    engtaz Posts: 7,675
    edited April 2008
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    I have not had any Acurus amps so I can not give a opinion about them.

    engtaz
    engtaz

    I love how music can brighten up a bad day.
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  • bopicasso
    bopicasso Posts: 878
    edited April 2008
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    Im up in the air, Im thinking the carver will do just fine for what I need and it will save me money..
    Living Room setup: Pioneer Elite VSX-21TXH, Krell KAV 300i, PS Audio DL III DAC, Tyler Acoustics Taylo 7u, Dynaudio Audience 120C+, SVS 25/31PCI, B-P-T Clean Power Center, Ps3, Panny 50" S1 Plasma, Tekline speaker cables, Audio Art interconnects, and Pangea power cables.
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited April 2008
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    Hey,give the Carver a whirl...if you don't like the end result,you can always re-sell it and move on to somethimg else.
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,630
    edited April 2008
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    GEBBY44 wrote: »
    I tested a GFA-5500 for a while and found it too bright. I actually would suggest going against the Adcom for that price. While it's still a killer amp, for my RTi8's and CS350 I recently picked up an Acurus A200x3. It's a solid 200W x 3 (hence the name) and is easily the most neutral budget amp I've ever heard. It sounds great with the speakers and you can pick them up for around $500. I picked it up on eBay for $485 shipped. The only problem is finding one. They sell immediately on A-gon and don't pop up on eBay too often. As others said, I've heard B&K's work well too. For the money, I would highly recommend the Acurus with the RTi8's. You could even get an A200 as they are more common and worry about the center with another amp.

    Nothing wrong with Acurus........a very nice product. The Adcom 5500 you speak of is a Mosfet based amp and really shouldn't have any bright characteristics. Mostly you hear people complain about the original Bi-polar transistor models. I personally have never found any Adcom bright or harsh.

    You have obviously based your opinion on actual listening experience rather than hearsay:). RTi's are a bright to very bright speaker depending on other gear and room placement. Many time people who use RTi's also use a very inexpensive source which will be one of the weak links in the chain.

    To the OP, all 3 amps mentioned here; Acurus; Adcom and Carver are all solid performers and you can't go wrong with either of the three. Look at seller; condition; and pricing to make the best choice if you don't have a personal brand choice.

    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 | Holo Audio Cyan 2 Dac | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul!
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