Adcom Amps GFA-535 vs 545

[skrol]

I am looking at a couple Adcom amps and need a quick education. Other than rated power, are there sonic differences between the GFA-535 and 545? I seem to recall some saying that the 545 was not as refined as the 535.

What is the difference between the GFA-535 and GFA-535 II? Is one more desirable?

Also, is an NAD pre-amp a good combo with the Adcoms?

Thanks
Stan

[cnh]

That's hard to believe the 545 and 555 originals are the prefered amps...I haven't heard the 535 but the higher models supposedly have better detail, sound stage, etc.

Brock (heiney9) knows a lot more...I'd search for his threads on Adcoms and you'll find a wealth of information there.

cnh

[ben62670]

NAD should play nicely with Adcom's. The 545 is a very straight forward amp. The difference in price I would suggest the 545. I am not a huge fan of the MKII series, or the 5xxx series except the 5800, and 5802.

[skrol]

What about Adcom vs Carver? Years ago (early 90's) I compared the two and I liked the character of the Carver over the Adcom. I don't recall the models.

[ben62670]

Personally I like the older Adcom's over most of the Carvers. Carver to me seems more system dependent.

[Knucklehead]

I have an Adcom535 with my R50's...just what they needed.:D

[heiney9]

Stan the differences have been answered in detail several times. Just don't have the energy to type it once again.

The 535 is a super amp and a true dual mono design. The 545, IMO, is the gem of the line. It has all the power reserves you could ask for and overall I feel it's a bit smoother than the 555.

[skrol]

Thanks all, this is very helpful. Now if only the guy that is selling would get back to me. :)

[heiney9]

The nicest thing about the 535 MK II is it has "proper" speaker binding posts and nicer Teflon/gold RCA connectors. I always hated the original 535's twisting binding posts which you can't use anything but bare wire. The 545 and 555 of all generations had proper binding posts.

Something to think about.

H9

[Serendipity]

I had a 535 (original, not the MKII) and wasn't really happy with it. Too bright for my tastes. But I guess it's a solid amp - just system dependent.