Just wanted to add to the thoughts of Adcom GFA-555 amps.
As stated, they are old, but they can be easily and affordably modernized. I did exactly this with my old Musical Concepts 555, (dual mono), and it is a world better.
I would think for the investment, the 'best' would be TWO 555's, bridged to drive each speaker.
I see 555's in perfect order for $400. For another $400 you have a nearly totally new amp that sounds incredible and reliable for another 2 decades.
https://hoppesbrain.com/product/adcom-gfa-555-mk2-input-board/
Would like to get more bass out of my B&W 801 series 2 speakers
Hello,
I've been forum diving about ways people improve their music listening experience. So many directions to choose from, I'm looking advice which will give the most bang for the buck given my situation.
Years ago I was visiting a friend who had these same exact speakers, and I went on a quest for my own pair. His setup had a *more rich sound*, but he is no longer with us for me to pick his brain. Don't know anything about how he was driving the speakers.
In general I think the current setup gives me good detailed sound, but probably a little thin in the bass. Might be because of my listening levels (low to moderate). I wouldn't call the mid/high frequencies warm, but they aren't harsh either... which was a concern with the class D amp. I'd characterize them as clean and detailed.
What I'd really like to do is bring out the low frequencies to join the party.
Environment:
massive, 32x40 with vaulted ceilings. Lots of windows.
Hardware:
B&W 801 S2
- on the original casters
- crossovers modified via the common Van Alstine mod
NAD C298 amplifier
- some decent biwire speaker cables
NAD C658 streaming DAC
- balanced xlr interconnects
Rotel CD player
What I listen to:
I listen to a wide assortment of music, this morning I went from classical to jazz... but usually I listen to rock/blues/reggae. You name it I listen to it.
Things I have considered:
- buy/build stands for the speakers.
- try out different amp(s)
there are a pair of GFA555 series 1 available locally (bi-amp?)
lots of folks recommend the Classe delta line
Any advice is welcome, thanks in advance!
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- 41 posts total
IMHO these are not great low level speakers. Some are but not these. Even at low levels the drivers seem to need high current to get decent sound out. The “stands” are basically 3/4” sealed wooden boxes the speakers sit on to raise them up and decouple from the floor. I’m traveling so can’t give you the size but they are a few inches less than the footprint of the speaker bottom. They have a “port” that opens in back allowing the sand to be filled then closed. There is no more bass in this configuration but what there is is tight and the tweeter and midrange better time aligned. Here’s a link to an old picture. |
@chessie Wrote:
Why not connect your JBL subwoofer up? Mike |
I owned those speakers for several years in the late 8os through the 90s and they need good solid power—I used a Class A British Fidelity amp that looked and gave off the temps of an oven. My room at the time had big row of French doors and windows behind the speakers so not ideal, but there was plenty of bass and the overall tone was warm, rich, and plummy. I loved them! I played my very first CDs on them, via a two box tube CD behemoth called the Cal Audio Labs Tempest II. That was one of the best sounding systems I ever owned, even with the French doors and big windows. I’d get a different amp for sure. That old Adcom might work but don’t spend too much on such old gear. |
- 41 posts total