Anyone reading this review is probably wondering why I even bother writing about 90's era technology in the 21st century . Although the GDA-600 certainly isn't a sophisticated product by today's standards I feel that it can still compete in the 21st Century.

Given a basic digital source this product represents amazing value if it's plugged into a proper amplifier which in this case is an NAD 218 powering a set of infinity SAT 450 speakers. Musical instruments are as clear as day and you can really hear the high frequency energy decay that mediocre systems are at a loss to replicate. The high frequency information on Hotel California sounds much more lifelike than my reference desktop system which uses JBL's LSR28P powered pro audio monitors controlled by an Integra DTC 9.4 preamplifier.

This product will turn any computer with a digital output into a high resolution audio platform.

Although the GDA-600 isn't setup with any large speakers or a subwoofers the detaisl on Operation Kingfish and UBISOFT's Ghost Recon Wildlands are amazing. In Wildlands you can clearly hear all the background noises in the various scenes and the music is both haunting and eerie. Whether it be the sounds of children playing in the village or bids overhead.

Likewise all the gunshots in Operation Kingfish are both lifelike and kinetic. Not only is it possible to hear every little of what's happening but the audio resolution immerses you in the film. You're not just watching Operation Kingfish you're experiencing it.

In both absolute and relative terms this is a product that be a part of any computer or digital audio platform. Note at this time moment in time the GDA-600 would probably retail for less than $200. With the right speakers and amps the GDA-600 can help create a more intense and immersive listening experience.

Improves sound of every recording. Smooth and musical. Can be had for cheap on the used market at Audiogon & Ebay.

No I2S input (for minimum jitter). No HDCD capability (get GDA-700 for that).

I've been using this unit to improve the sound of my Yamaha 5-disc changer. The DAC in it isn't that bad to begin with, but the Adcom definitely makes some noticable improvements. Yet, with my 'mid-fi' system (Yamaha RX-596 Reciever, PSB 2B speakers), I wouldn't call it *dramatic* change. It does do some great things though: First off, vocals have been brought to the forefront, and are not as drown out by accompanying instruments. The bass in sub-30Hz region is actually THERE for once, which seems to contribute to increasing the size of the soundstage. Percussion like snares seem to have longer decay and sharper attack. Some sounds even have a mild reverb added to them, which I never noticed before. A sonic veil seems to have been lifted from every recording. I'm using it connected through a Toslink>AudioAlchemy DTI>Apogee WydeEye RCA>GDA-600. In short, if I were without the DAC, I don't think I would pay 'full' price for a new one, considering the amount of improvements it gives (it's maybe held back by my other components?), but the improvement is definitely appreciated. I've grown to like the sound so much, I don't want to part with it.

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Built-in DAC with CD changer.

Pretty good value for the time.

$750 d/a converter didnt sound but a tad better when placed in line with my $750 Sony XA3ES cd player manufactured from around the same time. It since been very much outdated.

I bought this at least 4 years ago and it served me well over the years. It was used with mainly a Sony XA3ES cd player. But Ive since upgraded to an Arcam Alpha 8SE cd player and the digital to analog converter in it sounds unbelievable! If youve got the time audition an Arcam cd player today.

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ADCOM GFA-5800 amplifier, Adcom GFP-555 II preamp, newer stuff: Acurus A250 amplifier, Acurus L10 preamp, Arcam Alpha 8SE cd player, NHT 2.5I speakers.

Build, style, sound, price

Nada! (it should cost more, so more "audiophiles" would buy it :-)

Perhaps this review is premature, but after what I have been hearing I just can't be quite about this gem. Now I don't even pretend to have been the owner of any of the ubiquitous multi-kilo-buck-esoteric-mine-is-way-better-than-yours high end equipment. However, I have had several opportunities to listen/audition and in my humble yet frank opinion I have yet to be thoroughly impressed by any of it. Allow me to use this analogy, a lot of expensive gear are like most really gorgeous women lots of sex appeal, but very little in the way of substance. With my soap box placed aside let me tell what I think about the GDA 600 from ADCOM.

I purchased the GDA 600, largely based on the testimony here on this site and because it could be had for close to nothing. Look I am not hard to please, if any gear sounds good enough to make me tap my feet I'm a believer. I am not into the dissection of what I am hearing I want to be swept away while having a good time enjoying recorded music. The GDA 600 accomplishes the aforementioned in spades! This DAC made my speakers disappear allowing listening to CD's to be revelatory and at the same time fun. This DAC is musical not analytical. This is not to say that the GDA 600 doesn't offer up the details, because it does it just doesn't sacrifice it's melodic renderings during the process. The sound is very none fatiguing and boy what it's does for the stand up bass (flesh on strings)--Mingus has never sounded sooo good! On Tony Williams, Live from Tokyo, I could swear I felt the air around the top hats hit me in the face oh so warm and gentle.

In closing, I am sure there is a better DAC out there somewhere, if you've heard it than you are a truly a lucky man/woman/child.

Thanks for the read.

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None, my first outboard DAC

Great clean sound, easy configuration.

Haven't found one yet.

This is a great sounding unit. The build quality is fantastic (especially compared with the MSB). I'm using both the TOSLink and the Coaxial. It has really improved the sound of my Sony CD/DVD player. It has also made my AudioTron actually sound GREAT!!

The highs are really wonderful, I can hear cymbals roll off beautifully (whether it's a symphony or Led Zeppelin).

If you can find one, grab it!!

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MSB Link DAC III

excellent imaging,resolution,great bass,natural sounding.

for the price,none

This is an excellent dac by any measure and the fact that they can be found for next to nothing right now makes it an amazing deal.I've had it in my system for over three years and it still rules.The Rega planet's sound was very grainy and cheap in comparison so it was relegated to transport duties!
sounds best thru the balanced input so buy yourself a monarchy audio jitter box and hook it up that way.Should be fairly easy that modify though I haven't tried but for the prices I've seen them going for($100.00-$150.00!!)it wont be much of a loss if you screw it up.
If you can find one for a hundred bucks or so buy it, but I have to warn you it will probably give your current front end a run for it's money,regardless of price!
A real sleeper and highly Recommended.

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micromega duo bs,rega planet,sony es,cal audio delta+alpha,rotels,magnavoxes,etc,etc...

Smooth, warm, musical, not "digital" sounding.

None found yet.

I've always been a reader, but never submitted a review here. This unit made me want to submit a review. I had just bought a Rotel RDV-985 DVD/CD player. I was impressed by the Rotel's video, but the it's audio section left a lot to be desired. After hooking up the digital out (optical) of the Rotel to the Adcom GDA-600, I feel that I have a new, high-end CD player. It is very easy on the ears, nice bass, voices sound like voices, highs are not bright. Overall, the sound is not fatiguing as digital sometimes can be. DVDs also benefit from the Adcom, even though I only have a 2-channel system. Great sound, great value

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This is my first outboard d/a converter, have used internal d/a converters in Rotel, CAL, Marantz.

everything

none so far

this is my first da converter wanted to up my adcom gcd 700 but wasnt sure if this would do the trick. well i can tell you that it is a vast improvement over the 700 in all aspects definately the way to go.

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none

Build, sound quality for the price.

None for its time.

Not very sure for the year model.
This is a very good sounding DAC with detail high, punching bass and a lush soundstage. I am using it thru the balanced input (the other input availabe are : 1 Toslink and 2 RCAs).
This is not a 24/96 DAC and not HDCD capable.

I really like this DAC. It can't be beaten for the price.

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This is my first out-board DAC.

The Adcom GDA-600 differs from other Adcom gear I have listened to in the past. It has a very smooth sound, from top to bottom with incredable low end extension, and extended (but not harsh) highs. I have always liked the sound of Adcom preamps, but I always thought their amplifiers sounded a bit strained or grainy on the top end. In any case I would suggest to anybody looking for a reasonably priced D/A processor, not to overlook the GDA-600. If you did, you would be doing a great disservice to yourself and your wallet.