Carver Vs. Adcom

I have owned both of these amps, and preferred the sound quality of the Adcom. However, if I were to advise you, I'd suggest you try to find a used Adcom 5500, as the 555 is a much older design from the late 1980's.

Stay away from the Carver amps. The Adcom is significantly better. The 5500 is the way to go.

I have a adcom GFA 5802 300 Watt Power Amp. a GPF 750 Pre Amp. Running a pair of SAlk HT3 Veracity's and they are a match made for each other.

i also owned both amp's in question,carver amp's are a total mess & are by far the worst ive ever owned.

Have heard many Carver and Adcoms, and curently use a GFA6000 in my HT system. Sounds very good, and has not missed a day's service. Consider this a strong vote for Adcom, of the two.

There are other good mid-priced amps worth considering.
For under $ 500, I occasionally see some interesting gear on the Gon. Like, say Hafler, or Parasound, for example.
Occasionally even a Bryston or Threshold rears its head at a good price. Sadly, you can kiss off any chance of a used Rowland or Sim Audio Moon in that range, but you never know...