Adcom GFP 750 pre amp upgrade Big Sky Audio

Recently I upgraded/modded my aging Adcom GFP 750 through Big Sky Audio. Very pleased with the results, so sharing here for whoever might be interested. You probably already know the GFP 750 was well regarded in its price range when it was produced, but that was 20 years ago. I’ve had mine for 5 years.

My system had a bit of smear, which I attributed to the 750 after removing it from the system and just listening DAC to amp with no pre. In that set up, there was much better Left Right differentiation, and details such as vocal harmonies, rhythm guitars and background keyboards I felt were more defined. I was not interested though in using no pre amp, as that created other weaknesses. So, the options were either to get something newer or update/mod the 750.

Since I was satisfied with every other aspect of the 750 - soundstage good, punchy bass and drums, smooth tone aside from the smear I mentioned earlier, I decided upgrading was the way to go. After a bit of research and phone calls I settled on Big Sky Audio.

Couldn’t be happier with the results. The detail, the definition that I wanted is there now, sounding like the DAC direct to amp, and like other systems I listen to occasionally. Listening to Gaucho, an album laced with vocal harmonies and intricate keyboard layers going on behind the vocals, I felt the system had a smoother, clearer and even airier presentation as compared to the pre mod 750. Left Right differentiation is much better, and lead vocals and soloists seem to be in a more stable and defined center. Listening to classical music, the upgrades are even more apparent.

[For specifics on the mods, please go to Big Sky Audio’s website. I did the mods that are described there]

There were no downsides that I could hear. I don’t feel that anything was weakened in an effort to get more detail. The tone was always good to my ears, and that’s unchanged except smoother.

So, my decidedly mid-fi system is 5-10% better. Very happy with the improvement.

(The rest of the system is: Adcom GFA 565SE; MQA enabled ProJect S2 DAC; Tyler Acoustics floorstanding speakers; two Velodyne subs, left and right; Tributary cables and interconnects; mostly streaming these days, via Tidal.)