2. amps-preamps
  3. 133318-107375

Recommended Preamp for pairing an Adcom 555II Amp and Theil CS 3.5 speakers

My Bryston 0.5B preamp was inadvertently put down over the holidays by an incident now known as 'The Sippy Cup Mystery'.  Regardless of the cause, I need a new preamp for my system.  I am driving a pair of Thiel CS 3.5  (with the electronic bass equalizer) speakers with an Adcom GFA-555II amp.  The majority of the eclectic music (classical, 80s, folk, funk) being played on the system is streamed from iTunes through my Audioengine B1 DAC.  I have read a number of posts with various recommendations for the GFA-555II or the Thiel CS 3.5s but not for their paring.  Short of winning the lottery this week, cost is a factor. Any suggestions or directions would be very much appreciated.
iowanna33
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
iowanna33
  Recommended Preamp for pairing an Adcom 555II Amp and Theil CS 3.5 speakers


Your lucky you don't have the 3.6 as they are a pig to drive to get the best out of, these 3.5's are a different beast and quite easy for your Adcom 555 mkII

https://www.stereophile.com/images/archivesart/189CS35FIG1.jpg

Stereophile's John Atkinson:.
" Jim Thiel has used some form of conjugate load system in his crossover designs to give such flat curves with frequency. (This is where elements are added to the crossover to compensate for phase and impedance changes to result in a simple resistive load.) I would suggest, therefore, the Thiel CS3.5 should be easy to drive, even given its 4-ohm rating."


Cheers George
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
I have had the older 555 paired with the 750 preamp for many years in my vinyl only system. I recently bought a full-tube preamp for another system and used it with the 555 for a few days and it really rounded out the rough edges, especially when played at higher volumes. There's another thread where someone is asking for tube preamp recommendations and should give you some good ideas. Lots of options out there, new or used.
mesch
3,501 posts
 
I would search out a tube pre. As mentioned above, being mindful of gain and output impedance.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Thanks John, and I am sure the OP appreciates your research. I always said you almost know as much as me... :-0

That is the highest compliment I've ever heard!! Thank you Jerry!
You've known for years that my life's dream is to aspire to your level!!

Cheers,
John
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 
I have used the GFA 555 with the GFP 565 and while the pair is very good sounding (and the 565 has a great phono section if your into vinyl). But, I will say that when I installed the Modwright SWL 9.0 SE ($1000 used) it really showed me how beautiful sounding the Adcom 555 can be. A tubed pre amp is what I highly recommend. Manley labs shrimp?? possibly. Doge 8 Clarity, Dehavilland Ultraverve III, these are all tube based and around your price range and are very special indeed. Also, all of these will have very low output impedance to drive the Adcom no problem.


Matt M
More to discover