adcom gfa-555 vs parasound hca-1200

slovell -- Wed, 11/11/2009 - 23:43

which is the better sounding of the two and why? anyone have an opinion?
best regards,  sam

dlaloum -- Thu, 11/12/2009 - 21:37

 I don't know the parasound..
 
I owned a 555 for a couple of years - ran it on some Klipsch Forte's and my Quad ESL57's...
I can compare (from memory) the sound of the 555 compared to a Quad 405 (recapped)...
The 555 was gutsy/ballsy/punchy - in some ways worked great with the Klipsch - made them get up and boogie
But when connected (carefully!!) to the electrostatics the amps faults were laid bare...
It is a bit rough sounding - edgy, harsh....compared to the Quad
Ultimately the Quad amps are better.
 
Note that I am not saying the 555 was bad - far from it - nice amp, lots of grunt - but if your speakers are sufficiently revealing - and you play music like classical/Jazz rather than heavier rock - then its probably not the right amp.
I used it for some dance parties - combined with the Klipsches and it was perfect!
 
best of luck

Robert Harley -- Sat, 11/14/2009 - 17:20

I once owned an Adcom GFA-555 and concur with "dlaloum"'s assesment. It has lots of power, punch, and dynamics for the price, but isn't the last word in refinement.
 
I have not heard the Parasound, but I would guess that it's the better-sounding amplifier.

slovell -- Sun, 11/15/2009 - 02:51

hi robert, i never expected to hear from you personally. i really enjoy your books and your columns, very helpful and informative. i want to put together a modest two channel system for my turntable which is a jvc ql-y66f  that i've owned since new. i'm using klipsch kg 5.5's with titanium diaphragms that i've also owned since new. i'm using a cambridge 640p phono preamp and a couple of mc step ups, an audio experience solo and a baterry powered marcof.  i already own an adcom gfa 7000 five channel that i'm running everything with, but i'd like to switch my table to a separate two channel with more power. these two amps fall within my budget on the used market, but i'm always open to other options. i like the sound of my adcom, but i've also thought it to be a little grainy and harsh in the top end. i've read that the parasound is a bit sweeter and warmer in its sound and wondered if it would smooth out the horns in my klipsch's a bit. as there is nowhere to go audition equipment in my immediate area, i posted my question hoping to get some informed opinions from others. let me thank you and anyone else who takes time to answer my post.
best regards,  sam

SundayNiagara -- Sun, 11/15/2009 - 15:08

The first GFA 555, which was many-many moons ago and many high end stores carried it, was a great amp.  After which, it steadily went downhill.  Go with the Parasound.

Steve A -- Mon, 11/16/2009 - 10:50

I had a GFA-555 a long time ago also. The descriptions are accurate.  Instead of the Parasound,  I'd recommend the Vincent SA-331. It is an excellent amp for the money. Check out the Absolute Sound review.

RWS (not verified) -- Sun, 12/13/2009 - 16:59

I have an original version Adcom GFA-555, it is a durable perfromer, still running from 1987.  Mods are a heavier three prong power cable (replacing the 2 prong zip cord), and new RCA input jacks.   It is paired with a Parasound Halo P3, and Monitor Audio Gold Reference 20s and 10s.  I am very happy with the performance. 
 
Nice to see your comments Mr. Harley.  I echo slovells comments on enjoying your audio books.

Don Henry (not verified) -- Fri, 12/25/2009 - 22:15

Can you please direct me to where you foud the RCA inputs!
Thanks and have a merry Christmas!

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