Adcom amp suggestions please

[BiotypE]

I just jumped into the world of external amplification. I currently have
polk A5s for my front L and R amplified by an Adcom 535. I just picked it up a few days ago and was blown away by how much of a difference it has made.

My question is, I have two Kef 2005.2 surround rated at 110watts. And a Polk CSIA4 center. I am trying to determine if I should pick up a Adcom 545 on the cheap to power my A5s and uses the 535 for my surrounds, or would I better off using one of the two amps to power the Center CSIa4 and running my R and L surrounds off my Onkyo 706b?

I would love to pick up a 5 channel amp but that is a little outside my budget so given that I can only afford another two channel amp of the used variety I was wanting opinions on which would benefit me more.

[Lowell_M]

Wecome to the slippery slope. I had a GFA-555 powering my rti70 fronts for some time and my H/k AVR driving the rest. When I bought my GFA-7000, the theater soundstage completely solifidifed and it is difficult to tie sound to one particular speaker. Very nice improvement. I can't remember exactly what I paid for my GFA-7000, but I think you could sell your 535 and find a 7000 within your range. Also, in 2-channel mode, the sound of the 7000 isn't far off of the GFA-555 I was using for the RTi70's since they are easy to drive.

You might want to look at ditching the Kef's and voice matching the rears to the front as well.

[BiotypE]

Yes, I am at a stage where my wife has about had it with my little budding hobby. I had all KEFs and an HK AVR 240 and recently sold my little KEF Iq5s for the larger and fuller sounding A5s with an A4 center. I then replaced the HK with the Onkyo and picked up a little adcom. Now I am in a situation where I don't know what would add the most benefit to my system. Matched speakers all around. Another amp to either power my center or my surround ........

Yes it is a very slippery slope. I am absolutely astounded at what a huge difference this little adcom added so I want to take the next step. Just not sure where to spend my cash that will give me the overall biggest benefit. An additional Amp, new rear speakers, amplify my current Kef surrounds or amplify the center.......VERY slipperly slope indeed. I am the kind of person that will never be satisfied. This is not the best hobby for a person with that mindset.

[Lowell_M]

hmmm... amplify the center first... then the rears. Look for a 5-channel adcom, though if you like the ADCOM sound. I am thinking that I got my 7000 for $450.

..then voice match.

[BiotypE]

Thank you for the input. This has to be one the newbie friendliest forums I have been on. I'll buy a seperate matching amp for the center and pick up a 5 channel amp once the shock of my current spending spree wares off.

Thanks again

[Lowell_M]

It's newbie friendly if you aren't a dink and you don't seem like a dink. Welcome.

You will get many, many different forms of advice. There are quite a few experienced people here who like to help out the hobby. The great thing about used equipment like all of the good ADCOM stuff, is that you can flip it for what you bought it for most of the time if you dont like it. My suggestions come simply because you already like the ADCOM sound, but there are lots of other options as well. I'm a little stuck on ADCOM at the moment until I decide to move much farther up the food chain.

Oh, and depending where you are... chances are there is a Polkie in your area who would be willing to let you hear is gear as well. Just ask...

[KASR]

Budget permitting, you can snag the ADCOM GFA-7605 (125wattx5) for under $750...not sure if that's an option.

[PSOVLSK]

I have an Adcom GFA-6000 that is currently not in use. I posted it for sale a while back with a 545, but it didn't sell. At the time one of the rear channels was out, but I figured out it was just a blown fuse and I replaced it. I've been too lazy to take pics and re-post it for sale, but if you're interested shoot me a pm. I'd sell it for around $200.

Paul

[MrGlobe]

Aaaahhhhhhhhhh you guys are driving me crazy!

I am so very close to my dream of owning seperates, and threads like these get me excited for what its gonna sound like!

[concealer404]

I have an Adcom GFA-6000 that is currently not in use. I posted it for sale a while back with a 545, but it didn't sell. At the time one of the rear channels was out, but I figured out it was just a blown fuse and I replaced it. I've been too lazy to take pics and re-post it for sale, but if you're interested shoot me a pm. I'd sell it for around $200.

Paul

Nice price. :)

Aaaahhhhhhhhhh you guys are driving me crazy!

I am so very close to my dream of owning seperates, and threads like these get me excited for what its gonna sound like!

Christmas early?!?! :p Now we just gotta get Paypal to stop being retarded and we can get you taken care of.