2. amps-preamps
  3. 162346-154634

Adcom gfa 555 or 5400

Hi, new here and new to the stereo hi-fi world. I'm looking to get my first separate amp to run my two front speakers off my Denon 4400 a/v receiver. So did some research and heard good things about Adcom, and their prices seem pretty affordable for a beginner. I have a chance to buy either a 555 or a 5400 both for about $300. My speakers are Monitor Audio silver 8's. The 555 has been with the seller for ten years and he says its running great, while the 5400 is being sold by an audio technician and he claims that he's just serviced it and that its also running great. I'm not looking for booming bass....just a nice warm clear sound from my two front speakers. Can anyone point out the cons/pros between these two older Adcoms, I know that the 555 has more power, but I'm more interested in the musical aspects of either amp. Cheers and thanks!
vinnyjr70
bkeske's avatar
bkeske
5,597 posts
 
If you want ‘warm’, I would look for something other than Adcom. I had an old Adcom 545. Yes, it was good, but not what I was looking for. I sold it and bought an old B&K (in your price range) and was much happier.

But, what you might really want to consider as well is a separate preamp with an HT pass through. AV receiver will not provide a good stereo experience. Been there, done that. After I got a separate amp (current Belles) and a preamp with HT pass through, it made a tremendous difference in sound quality for 2 channel listening.
vinnyjr70 OP
6 posts
 
Any suggestions for a decent preamp with ht pass though? Something used or older would be fine, I'd like to stay around $300 or under
bkeske's avatar
bkeske
5,597 posts
 
Parasound Zpre3 punches way above its weight IMO. You can find them for about $350 if you search around.
vinnyjr70 OP
6 posts
 
This is starting to look like a never ending road, lol. Thanks guys. 
213runnin
914 posts
 
Vinnyjr,

That amp you found looks like a solid choice, and I’ve heard that the Zpre is good bang for buck.  As long as it has the bypass.
 Good luck with your search.
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