2. amps-preamps
  3. 1259045549

Amp newbie? Adcom GFA-555 vs Mcintosh 2505

Hi I'm definitely a newbie, and already know my initial choices in starting my first adult sound system will make experienced folks around here cringe...but I'm wondering if I might still garnish a bit of insight to help reduce additional "bad" choices or steepen the learning curve just a bit.

From the beginning; I went and auditioned speakers at Best Buy, and of course fell in love with Martin Logans...and decided to order a pair of Magnepan MMGs (not a bad start right?). Did some research and bought a HK3490, maybe not the wisest choice...kind of wish I had started with separates...but it should be able to handle the MMGs...I know I amjumping the gun a little because I have not even heard this combo due to some shipping issues with Magnepan...but my question is this...I'm thinking I can use the HK3490 as my preamp and add a separate amp?

And the real question how do you compare amps...I am looking at a few intro. affordability choices like the Adcom GFA-555 rated at 200w/channel vs. the Mcintosh 2505 rated at 50w/channel...but I'm under the belief it's not just the watts, but the amps that are driving them...otherwise my HK3490 at 120w/channel should have the juice to power the maggies...so how do I know which will deliver a better sound for the buck...and more importantly...how many watts do I really need?
windhorze
jult52
155 posts
 
Wind - I'm a relative newbie driving MMGs with a 200w (360w into 4 ohms) ss power amp. I think mine (a B&K) does the job well (smooth, warm sound) but haven't done the comparisons to have an informed opinion. I took a similar route as you with preamps and began by using the preamp output of a Rotel integrated. I am happy to have an e-mail discussion about this since we are in a similar boat, but 2 comments: 1) the preamp selection is very, very important; 2) MMGs are great. You are going to love them long time.
windhorze OP
1 posts
 
Thank all for your responses so far....as far as some additional concerns... Drumhead- HK3490 is rated at 120 wpc at 8 ohms, and only 150 wpc at 4 ohms, this was my first concern (although their literature says it is stable at 4 ohms)...and Bwp- yes, I am already eyeing some of the used 1.6's around here...and yes the final concern...I have a slightly addictive personality and I see potential problems down the road...is there an audiophile 12 step program in the LA area by any chance? ;-) I might need an intervention!
blindjim
3,092 posts
 
Windhorze

Power ratings of receivers won’t usually double when imp is halved… as some other amps will. That doubling down aspect is no reason to reject an amp either.

RE Audio 12 step

First things first…. Place a greater priority on what you have, rather than what you desire. It’ll always work itself out. Always. One day at a time.

Turning off the personal confuser and listening to your system will help immensely too.
hifitime
715 posts
 
I wouldn't push the volume too much on the HK. It only consumes 310 watts max.That sounds like they may be giving it a higher power rating than it can really give out.Be careful until you get a quality power amp capable of driving 4 ohm loads all the time.Maybe start a new thread asking for the best sounding lower price amp to buy for the Magnepans.Stating a price limit will help too.
kqvkq9's avatar
kqvkq9
120 posts
 
The receiver should be fine with the Maggies. While Maggies do like a lot of power, those are small ones. You should be okay there.

Now when you go off the deep end for bigger ones, which you will, it's nice to have preamp outs on the receiver so you can just sub in another amp.

The Mac at 50 wpc is clearly not going to have the power for bigger panels.The Adcom, nah. I've found that while Adcom preamps like the GFP 565 can be really nice, the amps tend to flat and boring. I'm overgeneralizing there but there are a lot of used power amps out there. Enjoy what you have for a bit before you join the amp of the month club.

Your newly found sickness, and that's what it is, is not easily cured.Best of luck there. Remember though, you could be drinking, gambling, or chasing Women...
More to discover