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Post by slovell on Sept 19, 2018 12:51:19 GMT -5
I just replaced my Adcom 5500 and 7000 with an XPA-3 for the fronts, XPA-200 for the surrounds, and a UPA-200 for the back surrounds. All three are Gen 1's. Wow, big difference! Much more sparkle, detail, and presence from the front three channels especially. It's like a veil has been lifted from my speakers and the turbo kicked in. I'm impressed. Regards, Sam  |
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Post by Loop 7 on Sept 19, 2018 13:51:56 GMT -5
When were the 5500 and 7000 manufactured?
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Post by slovell on Sept 19, 2018 14:56:28 GMT -5
I bought them both used 15 years ago. Even when I bought them the 5500's top end was never as good as the XPA-3. The 5500 has always sounded a little bit gritty in the highs, must be the Mosfets. The XPA-3 sounds a lot stronger than the 5500 even with a very similar power rating. The 5500's midrange might be a bit smoother but the overall sound of the XPA-3 is much better, IMHO.
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Post by stads77 on Sept 19, 2018 15:16:34 GMT -5
The gain on the Emotiva amps is also significantly higher I believe, which can lead to feeling they are better, though sometimes they are just louder. Not saying this is the case, but just saying. I had an Adcom 555 and 7500 and thought they sounded wonderful with music, but they were more laid back then the Emotiva, which I prefer for music, but for movies the Emotiva’s are great with the high gain and slightly forward treble. IMHO
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Post by AudioHTIT on Sept 19, 2018 15:27:44 GMT -5
I’m pretty sure the 555 is a Pass design, isn’t the 5500 as well?
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Post by Loop 7 on Sept 19, 2018 15:33:25 GMT -5
I cut my teeth on Adcom while in college (mid 1990's) and worshipped their gear).
The last Adcom amp I owned was a GFA-6000 which had incredible build quality but I thought it sounded clinical. I slightly regret selling it.
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Post by Cogito on Sept 19, 2018 16:12:44 GMT -5
I sold my 24 y/o GFA-555 II (Now 27 y/o and still working flawlessly) and bought my current XPA-2 Gen. 2 just because I had a major case of "upgradeitus". No difference in sound at all as far as I could discern. BOTH are very well built products. Let's see if my Emotiva amp lasts as long.
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Post by 405x5 on Sept 19, 2018 19:11:15 GMT -5
The Adcom GFP555II was my last stereo preamplifier before going all in one hi fi home theater/ music.
It did a nice job, but there is one thing I’ll never miss that all my preamps did sooner or later.
A noisy, scratchy potentiometer. (Volume).
21st century volume control on both the XMC1 and my former Sunfire TG II kissed that problem goodbye,
Bill
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Post by leonski on Sept 19, 2018 20:54:27 GMT -5
SS gear keeps improving. Even the Adcom GFA-555, a Nelson Pass design, was 'upgraded' a few years later to the mkII version Review first published in 1985: www.stereophile.com/solidpoweramps/678/index.htmlI wonder how this amp would compare to a modern amp, even one of about the same cost, inflation adjusted, of course. |
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Post by tchaik on Sept 19, 2018 21:02:44 GMT -5
SS gear keeps improving. Even the Adcom GFA-555, a Nelson Pass design, was 'upgraded' a few years later to the mkII version Review first published in 1985: www.stereophile.com/solidpoweramps/678/index.htmlI wonder how this amp would compare to a modern amp, even one of about the same cost, inflation adjusted, of course. I remember owning this one. went up to Chicago with my son in the early 2000's. good amp. tchaik...... |
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Post by leonski on Sept 19, 2018 22:44:13 GMT -5
The original Pass desinged 'triple 5' will be around for a LONG time to come. It might even enter classic / modder status like the Dynaco Stereo 70, which can be had in any condition from original to nearly unrecognizably modified.
One early SS design which apparently HAS entered 'stereo heaven' is the Phase Linear 400, for which many mods / kits / fixes are availaable to improve sound and fix its unfortunate tendency to go ballistic and catch fire.
This one is the work of Bob Carver.
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Post by slovell on Sept 19, 2018 23:34:06 GMT -5
I've got a Dynaco ST-70 clone that I use in my two channel setup, sounds sweet. I've enjoyed my Adcoms over the years and they've served me well but the Emotivas do sound better. I suppose the Adcoms could be tired and in need of a good going through but the 5500's top end never sounded as clean as the XPA-3. I'm undecided as to what I'm going to do with the 5500 and the 7000, whether to sell them or keep them. They're like old friends and I'm sentimental about things.
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Post by 405x5 on Sept 20, 2018 7:10:02 GMT -5
The original Pass desinged 'triple 5' will be around for a LONG time to come. It might even enter classic / modder status like the Dynaco Stereo 70, which can be had in any condition from original to nearly unrecognizably modified. One early SS design which apparently HAS entered 'stereo heaven' is the Phase Linear 400, for which many mods / kits / fixes are availaable to improve sound and fix its unfortunate tendency to go ballistic and catch fire. This one is the work of Bob Carver. I ran the Phase 400 in my early system for close to 11 years before it popped. I recall once when we had a party back then, a friend of a friend came in and saw my rig and complemented me on having a WORKING phase Linear system. By then, the thing had been running, probably 8 years and the rumors had not yet reached me. Bill |
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Post by ÈlTwo on Sept 20, 2018 8:55:50 GMT -5
Are you trying to get me to replace my GFA7700?
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Post by slovell on Sept 20, 2018 14:02:21 GMT -5
Just saying.  |
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