What to replace an Adcom amp with?
Hey, for anybody looking to get a 3 channel amp after the fact, I’ll suggest something from Outlaw Audio. The Outlaw Model 2220 is a small form factor 200 wpc mono block. About 3 inches high and they can be stacked. Get 3 for under 1k and you’re set. 5 yr warranty. https://outlawaudio.com/shop/index.php?id_product=45&rewrite=model-2220&controller=product |
McCormack, Bryston, Classe and Odyssey are not good matches for him because he is coming from Adcom and does NOT want a high resolution amp for his bright sounding KEF speakers. Conrad Johnson and Rogue are good choices, but only 2 channel. He's looking for a 3-5 channel amp. I would look at a 3-channel Parasound A31 because they are voiced just slightly on the warm side of neutral. There's a used one for sale on audiogon for $2395. You can get a brand new 5-channel Parasound A52+ for $2995 if you want to replace both Adcom amps. The A52+ pushes 180 watts per channel, but does not have quite as much power per channel as the A31. You may not need it. If you want to really keep the cost down, maybe a 5-channel Marantz MM7055 for $1200 or MM8077 for $2400. Both of these are available on ebay for much less They are voiced warm with rolled off highs, but very nice. Sunfire is a mixed bag. I know a lot of people liked them. I had the 5-channel back in the day and ended up selling it. It was a powerhouse, but it just did not sound as engaging (maybe a little boring or sterile in some ways). Anyways, that's my own personal opinion. You can always go for the Adcom GFA-5705 beast, but I don't know how good the current Adcom models are. |
I’d look into McCormack, Conrad Johnson, Classe, Bryston. Start another thread asking which models people suggest and prefer. Possibly stick to what you are doing and get a great 2 channel amp for your right and left speakers. Great idea there 👍 I liked the Classe CA-200 that I had quite a bit. The Bryston 4b st was another solid, ballsy amp. McCormack and Conrad Johnson are 2 that I’ve wanted to try for awhile now... Odyssey might be another one worth looking into! |
A sunfire, or McCormack would be a huge improvement! Ebay has a load of Sunfire amps!, most are good. if not hit the only sunfire official refurb mna. www.flannerysvintageaudio.co, themverynbest! sent,in my sunfire,600:Sig, said no black or brown on anything, so the amp was pristine! Drove to www.soundsclassic.com. In Rockford. new screws, bolted transformer flawless, and put a 1.5 inch rubber pad on top of transformer just under top cover! Was a b stock unit, now it’s an A stocky unit!!! Flannery replaces all important caps, led light, and anything which is important! I swear by him, he is the only sunfire official supporter! My sunfirem600 is good for another 15 years! Great amp! Questions.....? call bill! he is a genius |
I used Adcoms, for a long time. 5500, 5800, 565s and 7500, been 12-15 years ago. Great amps, sound great still They are OLD.. they will need to be repaired. 3 of the 7 I had needed work, over time. The 55xx run hot, they all run warm to HOT. Class Ds run cooler and there are some great prices too. 5 channels for under 3k should be able to do. VTV is one. Regards |
