Adcom 5503 not producing Bass


Hey,

Having trouble with Adcom GFA 5503 I purchased off eBay. The amp it not producing any low frequencies. The sound is brittle and very hot sounding. When I switch back to an Adcom GFA 5400 (that I also own), the sound is rich and full. I'm driving a pair of Klipsch RF-3 II speakers. Also, when I hook up the 5503, there is a light hum coming through the speakers. The hum is not present when I hook up the 5400. So, did I get ripped off buying from eBay? I'm thinking about taking the amp to a local repair shop to see if they can help me. Any ideas? What would be causing the amp to not produce any bass/low frequencies?

Thanks so much to anyone taking the time to read this and respond.
schuman
"E-Bay didn't sell you the amp."

Maybe. Ebay didn't make up the ad and take an active role in selling the product but they did take a commission when the sale was made.

"So, did I get ripped off buying from eBay?"

Its a combination. You bought the amp from Ebay and the seller. Since they both made a direct profit from the sale, both have an obligation to the buyer (Although not an equal obligation). Simply put; while Ebay may not take full responsibility for selling you the amp, they are responsible, at the least, for helping you recover the money you lost.

I would contact the seller first. If they have good feedback, they will probably do what ever is necessary to fix the issue. If that doesn't work, eBay should be willing to look into the matter. I don't see them offering to give you a refund (Unless you meet Paypal requirements), but they should try to do something. Its in their best interest to do so. Situations where people get ripped off are very bad for their business. Even if you have a broken amp and can't get your money back, they may give a partial refund (Possibly for things like commission, paypal fees, etc.)
Shuman,

If you want "warmish" SS to mate with your RF-3II's, check out this B&K(no affliliation). Plenty of power(more than enough) to drive them and a warm signature to tame the top end.

Not a 3-channel amp like your Adcom but a very good price for a 5-channel.

Bill

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/multi-ch-b-k-reference-7250-multi-channel-power-amplifier-2012-10-07-amplifiers-85028
If you want warm I agree with the Conrad Johnson amp suggestion. I can't think of anything that is nearly as warm as most of their gear. There are some "fixes" for warmth like cables and such but the cost is higher than you would want to spend.
The hum could be from filter caps (12 of them) need to be replaced. Supposedly, over time they do age. I've been quoted....~$25/each to replace them plus labor.
I have just repaired a Adcom 5503 for a friend of mine. There are three electrolytic capacitors on the amplifier boards that go bad once replaced the gain stays flat well beyond the normal 20-20khz range. Be fore I replaced them it would drop off as the frequency dropped.