I bought an Adcom GFA-555 amp, a preamp and CD player back in 1989. I also bought a pair of Klipsch Cornwall speakers to use with the Adcom components. The entire system was lightly used the entire time I’ve owned it do to space constraints. I do still use this system as of today. Everything works great!
Good story, and congrats on hanging on to your gear for so long. I wouldn't have guessed the Adcom CD player would still be going as they did have breakdown issues. The guy I use for repairs always had one in for repair.
Great talk about the 565, IMHO one of the most underrated preamps of the era. I set up mine with two GFA-555s bi-amping a pair of Infinity RS-2b. My wife also thinks I'm crazy but listening to it is definitely my go-to after a long day.
I had a GTP-500 with digital tuner and remote. It had the same issues you described with the 350. Noisy and leaky between sources. That one also had an issue with the phono stage, some cartridges would distort badly. Switched to a Sony receiver with separate outs to my Adcom 555, intended as a stop gap till I can afford something better but it works really great! Thanks for this review!
bought the gtp 350 brand new back in the day. Still use it almost daily, even with its issues. Serves as a great signal out for just about every later internet sound sources, including all the gaming systems.
The Bypass was used to “bypass” the output capacitors. On some units this also inverted the output polarity. One of the outputs is also pure DC coupled to the amp. I really wish you would of taken the top off, that’s what I wana see.
I have a GTP 500 and a GFP 565. Both have spent a lot of time paired with my GFA 545. Aside from needing to replace a broken RCA connector on the amp, none of these have ever had any sort of service. They could all probably use a basic de-oxing, but until there's an audible issue, they're not getting it.
Interesting comment about the synergy between Adcom amp and using Adcom pre amps. I have a vintage Apt Holman preamp that I had overhauled but it just doesn't go well with my 545 amp. And the killer is that the phono stage doesn't have enough gain for my Grado cartridge. There is a 555 preamp for sale near me that I"m thinking of getting now after your comments. Already have the Adcom amp and tuner so I might as well make it a full Adcom system!
I remember how highly regarded the Apt Holman was back when it came out. Honestly, the GFP-555 phono section is nowhere near the quality of the 565. Save up some extra coin and grab a 565, it's worth the difference.
Thanks for the advice. The phono stage would be my top priority for a pre amp with a built in one. The Apt Holman was an impulse purchase about 5 years ago@@markmarcantonio2796 from someone who claimed it had scratchy outputs that could be fixed with Deoxit. Sent it back to the tech that was with the company way back when they were in business for an overhaul. It's ok but I've had numerous Conrad Johnson pre amps over the years so I was spoiled. I will look for a 565 or maybe something comparable like a Parasound pre. Hopefully in the not too distant future I hope to go back to Conrad Johnson or maybe even an Audio Research pre.
Thank you for the great post. I have had my GFA 555 and GFA 565 with the ACE 515 and Acoustat Spectra 11s since 1989. I have changed the 555 for an Emotiva but am still hanging on to the 565. I am toying between Parasound Halo O6 and Rotel RS 1573 Mark II for a modern device but the 565 will always stay with me as a separate setup.
What about the GFP-750 with the Nelson Pass design, amazing sounding unit, all discrete class-A? Isn't it supposed to be the pinnacle of Adcom preamps? I have one and it sounds amazing!
There is a reason why the GFP-555 is $200-$250 less on the used market than the 565. It is not over built and that translates into a clear, more detailed sound. Now, that being said, the 555 at current used market price is worthwhile. Just make sure to check every knob and input, plus pop the hood and look for leaking capacitors.
They are still very much active, built in Taiwan and parts of China. They have stayed true to the original Nelson Pass design and they are very pricey. Ebay has authorized sellers selling new Adcom. Their flagship is the GFA 585Se going for around $3,800.
![If you can't hear this then you're not an audiophile [See description for link to followup video]](/img/n.gif)
I bought an Adcom GFA-555 amp, a preamp and CD player back in 1989. I also bought a pair of Klipsch Cornwall speakers to use with the Adcom components. The entire system was lightly used the entire time I’ve owned it do to space constraints. I do still use this system as of today. Everything works great!
Good story, and congrats on hanging on to your gear for so long. I wouldn't have guessed the Adcom CD player would still be going as they did have breakdown issues. The guy I use for repairs always had one in for repair.
@@stereofanoregon6481 Don’t jinx me now.
Great talk about the 565, IMHO one of the most underrated preamps of the era. I set up mine with two GFA-555s bi-amping a pair of Infinity RS-2b. My wife also thinks I'm crazy but listening to it is definitely my go-to after a long day.
Everybody's got to have a hobby. At least ours can be enjoyed 24/7!
Sounds awesome!
Selling my Adcom gear was a sad day. For reasonably priced solid state gear, they sounded quiet, transparent, and powerful.
I have a GTP400 Pre/Tuner and I would put it up against my costlier modern preamps in terms of enjoyment any day, it just sounds right to my ears.
That, is the ultimate goal finding gear that fits your hearing.
Can you use the line out to a powered subwoofer?
I had this gem with a pair of 565s and their single disc cd player and DAC. Wish I would have kept it.
these are nice, well built and quality preamp
I had a GTP-500 with digital tuner and remote. It had the same issues you described with the 350. Noisy and leaky between sources. That one also had an issue with the phono stage, some cartridges would distort badly. Switched to a Sony receiver with separate outs to my Adcom 555, intended as a stop gap till I can afford something better but it works really great! Thanks for this review!
I have a 500, it bleeds thru, and the tuner is terrible.
bought the gtp 350 brand new back in the day. Still use it almost daily, even with its issues. Serves as a great signal out for just about every later internet sound sources, including all the gaming systems.
If you're content, that's all that matters.
Great take on this unit. Really enjoyed the Adcom coverage.
Wish I had more pieces, beyond the three speaker switch. Tried the GSP 560, but like most, it developed its well-known issues.
The Bypass was used to “bypass” the output capacitors. On some units this also inverted the output polarity. One of the outputs is also pure DC coupled to the amp. I really wish you would of taken the top off, that’s what I wana see.
Had this preamp with the Adcom mono block amp paired with a pair of Acustat 2+2 electrostatic speakers.. Then came Katrina, took everything I owned.
I have a GTP 500 and a GFP 565. Both have spent a lot of time paired with my GFA 545. Aside from needing to replace a broken RCA connector on the amp, none of these have ever had any sort of service. They could all probably use a basic de-oxing, but until there's an audible issue, they're not getting it.
Interesting comment about the synergy between Adcom amp and using Adcom pre amps. I have a vintage Apt Holman preamp that I had overhauled but it just doesn't go well with my 545 amp. And the killer is that the phono stage doesn't have enough gain for my Grado cartridge. There is a 555 preamp for sale near me that I"m thinking of getting now after your comments. Already have the Adcom amp and tuner so I might as well make it a full Adcom system!
I remember how highly regarded the Apt Holman was back when it came out. Honestly, the GFP-555 phono section is nowhere near the quality of the 565. Save up some extra coin and grab a 565, it's worth the difference.
Thanks for the advice. The phono stage would be my top priority for a pre amp with a built in one. The Apt Holman was an impulse purchase about 5 years ago@@markmarcantonio2796 from someone who claimed it had scratchy outputs that could be fixed with Deoxit. Sent it back to the tech that was with the company way back when they were in business for an overhaul. It's ok but I've had numerous Conrad Johnson pre amps over the years so I was spoiled. I will look for a 565 or maybe something comparable like a Parasound pre. Hopefully in the not too distant future I hope to go back to Conrad Johnson or maybe even an Audio Research pre.
Thank you for the great post. I have had my GFA 555 and GFA 565 with the ACE 515 and Acoustat Spectra 11s since 1989. I have changed the 555 for an Emotiva but am still hanging on to the 565. I am toying between Parasound Halo O6 and Rotel RS 1573 Mark II for a modern device but the 565 will always stay with me as a separate setup.
Thanks for responding. See my video on the P6.
(2) Klipsch KLF 30’s
(2) Adcom GFA 5500’s
(1) Carver Preamp
Wish I had this unit instead of the Carver.
Never say never. I never thought I'd find a 565 preamp, but now I have a minty one. Thanks for watching!
I have a modded 565 pre and modded 565 amps. Blackgate caps and so on. Great sound. Also have a 555 gen 2 system
Way cool! Who did the upgrades?
musical design did the amps. The pre amp I did myself w/ nichicon gold caps dale resistors and discrete opamps.
Impressive. Wish I had the tremor-free hands and aptitude to upgrade myself!@@brucelewis9848
I agree 💯 , I love my 565.
What about the GFP-750 with the Nelson Pass design, amazing sounding unit, all discrete class-A? Isn't it supposed to be the pinnacle of Adcom preamps? I have one and it sounds amazing!
Got one also - blue board and upgraded caps/diodes. Wonderful Pre!
Hi Mark. I have a GFP-400. Works great. Had a chance at a GFP-565, missed. Now a chance at a GFP-555. Curious your thoughts here. Thanks.
There is a reason why the GFP-555 is $200-$250 less on the used market than the 565. It is not over built and that translates into a clear, more detailed sound. Now, that being said, the 555 at current used market price is worthwhile. Just make sure to check every knob and input, plus pop the hood and look for leaking capacitors.
@@stereofanoregon6481 appreciate your thoughts on it.
nice content, kudos !
thanks for watching.
I had one with an ADCOM GFA 5800.
and BBE external sonic maximizers.
Adcom still has a web site, but it seems you don't hear anything about them.
They are still very much active, built in Taiwan and parts of China. They have stayed true to the original Nelson Pass design and they are very pricey. Ebay has authorized sellers selling new Adcom. Their flagship is the GFA 585Se going for around $3,800.
Dynaco, HK, Mac all had separates in the 1960's.
You will find that I said was that the preamp/tuner combo with the GTP-350, etc. was a departure. Thanks for watching.
Great review...I found a gfa 5400 recently, would the 565 be a good match? Thanks
No reason why it wouldn't be a fine match.
Show the guts!!!