How do Adcom power amps sound?

I have had an Adcom GFA-555 since about 1991.? Sometime around 2000, I bought a used GFA-5503 (3 channel MOSFET) and compared it to the 555. The 555 sounds pretty bad in comparison! The mosfet design is much better! I would not recommend the GFA-555 unless you were going to use it bridged mono for a subwoofer amplifier. It would be a bargain for that at about $325. However, I WOULD recommend the GFA-5500 (2 channel MOSFET), for the used price of about $450, as a bargain. Of course, if you are willing to spend more, the 5802 would be even better. But then for that much money, there are probably alot of other good choices. (BTW, there is one up for auction right now.)

It is funny how the GFA-555 got such rave reviews when it was on the market and it actually isn't that great! I'm pretty sure it was a Stereophile Class B recommended component. Of course, I still have mine on my rear speakers. It won't die! It is well built and dependable!!

I have a 5400 w/ Stan Warren mods. I also owned a 555II and 545II. Go for the current models. The older series amps can sound bright/hard.

I own an Adcom 5300 and in comparison to my Plinius SA100 MKIII it was surprisingly not too bad with a fairly nice tonal balance and good power. Going back to the Plinius I went AHHHH!! and noticed it was way more refined and controlled but the moral is the Adcom held it's own for a $200 amp that is for sure, (driving Maggie 1.6s too).

I owned a 555 Mk II many moons ago....didn't realize how fatiguing it was until I bought a McCormack DNA .5...that was the start of my audio addiction...that friggin' McCormack!

Larry

Thanks for the input everyone , but i think i may just save up for awhile untill i can afford something like the Bryston 3bst. I want to get as much as an improvement as possible.