i still have an integra a-890 (having cycled thru other integra integrateds)--they're good value but don't sound as good as the pass design adcom separates--i'd look for an adcom gfa-500 series amp like the 555 (or cheaper 535)
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Thanks Dr. Loomis. I was thinking either GFA 545 or Rotel 980bx for power amps. They are both well reviewed but it seems like there are a lot of techs out there that still support Adcom. Hard to make these calls without hearing the gear first... |
i had the (first generation) 545, which i didn't like as much as the 535 or 555, for whatever reason--if your speakers aren't too demanding you can get a 535 for $125 or so. i've also owned various rotel (and currently using an rb-971 in my office)--my sense is that you'll get better synergy with all adcom, but like you say it's hard to tell without hearing
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It’s interesting that there is such a wide array of opinions on the Adcom gear. I’m currently driving B&W 684’s—so not sure if the 535 is up to task. I’m sure the 555 is great but that’s a big price jump from the 535 or 545.
Then there is always the option to dump the Adcom pre and go for the Rotel/B&W synergy... |
I believe I woulf sell the preamp and purchase a used integrated of more recent vintage? |
I hit post too fast. What would your budget be if you sold preamp? |
the b&w 684 are rated at 87db, which makes them relatively hard to drive--the 60w 535 might (or might not) be enough amp (b&w recommends 25-150w, which isn't terribly helpful). i've found adcom to be conservative in its power ratings, but if you're concerned you can try the higher adcom, rotel or something like parasound hca, which is excellent value.
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Mesch,
Thinking I would want to max out at $800-1000 if I ditched the Adcom.
Dr Loomis,
I've also heard good things about the Parasound and Rotel gear. Perhaps snatching an Adcom could be the short term solution while saving for the right integrated. Do you remember what you didn't like about the 545? I've only ever heard the 565 mono blocks. |
The Onkyo A-10 was a great integrated amp. Used to be called "the poor man’s Accuphase" back in the day. I have had two (still have one) and they both amazed me with their neutral, clean, and powerful sound plus a fine phono section to boot.
Dave
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84, my recollection is that the original 545 was a bit bright and build quality was uncharacteristically unimpressive (the 555ii, otoh, was built like a tank). i do understand that the 545 mkii was an upgrade, though i haven't heard it, so by all means solicit other opinions. i will say that in the same price range, i like the parasound hca the best (i used one for a long time with an adcom 750 pre, but i've never heard it with b&w. any of the foregoing would be easy enough to resell, so it'd be worth experimenting. good luck
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Good suggestion jogiboy. I might go up a level to the Stratos. |
Thanks all for your time and knowledge! I'll post the purchase/results once the trigger is pulled. |
Ended up with a B&K Reference 125.2. The Adcom, Rotel and Parasound were tempting; but I wanted something a little newer that wouldn't immediately be a candidate for re-capping. Found the B&K for $325, which was in the same ballpark as the other options.
After giving the B&K a spin I have to say that I am very satisfied with this amp. Hard to find much info on their stuff but it is well built with power to spare!
Thanks again to everyone who contributed!!! |
2nd,
GFA-555 to mate w/ the 565 pre-amp.
Happy Listening!
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I've owned a few 535s over the years and they all worked swimmingly, especially the 2nd version with normal binding posts. Later I was deciding which one to keep having bought a used 5300 (85 watts per side into 8 ohms) which is often ignored as a "lessor" Adcom. I compared the 5300 to my last 535 MKII and found that the 5300 sounded better. It lives in my rack for deck speaker use (a pair of KEF Q10s get put in the windows blowing out onto the deck, with my small REL 108 in the window also…al fresco hot tub boogie) and is great…cost about 100 bucks (in mint condition) a couple of years ago. |
