Adcom GFA 535 II

Chad--

This is a pretty good sounding amplifier in the right system. Paired with speakers it can manage, it sounds pretty smooth, detailed, offers reasonably good grip. Doesn't go as low as the bigger amps (like you needed me to tell you that!), not as "clear" sounding as others.

Best,

Bob

I have the 535 mk I. Not sure what the differences are between it and the newer version. The 535 is a forward, aggressive sounding amp. Its best mated with warm, laid back, rolled of sounding speakers. I found it to work well with a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 7.2 speakers I had. Some people have reported using it to drive Vandersteen speakers. Its rated at 60W/channel and is know for driving difficult loads. Its a good amp to use in biamp configuration to drive highs/mids. Hope this helps.

It is by far NOT the best amp at its typical selling price($125-175)Here are 2 amps that are WAAAAY better sounding. The B&K ST140 ($175-225) and the Adcom GFA 5200 ($150-200). These both use mosfet outputs and are smoother, sweeter and just plain more musical than the 535. In fact these 2 amps are better than quite a few much more expensive units.

The 535 II differed from the original 535 as follows:

II did not have speaker a/b capability
II added real speaker binding posts; prior model had cheesy spring things
II had upgraded electronics

For 150 to 200 bux used I'd much rather have a PS Audio 2C or 2c+; great amps. Or an Apt Holman amp; that was pretty good, too, and they go for around the same money.