Musically, a very capable amplifier, however, I don't know
what it's original price is. Mine has the nice heavy duty metal covered transistors, so I think it's the better of the
versions put out

Very poor bass control

For an Adcom, not too bad...usually Adcoms' kill my ears
Using it in stereo with a pair of Dynaudio Audience 5's
should bring out lots of bass, however, there seems to be a large abscence (even comparing it to the 50WPC micro power drive!) However, it's not a bad amp, but nothing to write home about.

Similar Products Used:

McCormack Micro Power Drive, Mccormack DNA.05 DLX
ADS R4 receiver

cheap

harsh, no "air" small soundstage

First let me say I should not do this review, 'cause I'm going to put these on ebay soon.

I think these amps (and I have 2 of them!) are the worst excuse for hi-fi ever. They are what gives solid state a bad name. Harsh, grainy, no air, small soundstage. The only thing they do right is crank out a lot of power for a modest sum of money.

I switched to these years ago from my beloved CJ tube amp when I went from Thiels to Magnepan. My dealer promised hifi sound for midfi price. (well he's still in jail for tax evasion and fraud... no kidding) At the time I was young, dumb (and deaf, I suppose) I thought it was the right move. Maggies love power and the added bass slam and volume seduced me.

Well the Mags went into storage for nearly a decade (zero WAP) Having been resurected with a factory rebuild and a complete x-over modification, the Adcoms just don't cut it.

On my short list: Odyssey, Monarchy and Anthem. (no I did't say Krell, or Levinson...still bargain shopping and the above meet that criteria)

Ok, to be fair, if you have Cerwin-Vegas and want to shake the sheetrock from the wall, this is the amp to buy. If you want anything else, don't (I know I'm going to get flamed for this, but hey its just an opinion and you know what they say about that...)

Similar Products Used:

Conrad-Johnson, Dynaco

Well built, lots of headroom, great value

none

A great amp for not a lot of money. Got mine used but in like new condition for $400 on ebay. It totally blows away my old Hafler 220 in both dynamic range and sound quality. Matches well to my Polk LS70's and produces the wide open sound stage I knew they were capable of. If you are looking for a powerful high current amp that sounds great at all levels and doesnt cost an arm and a leg then try the Adcom 555. Matched with a good neutral preamp, it will reveal detail and ambience that the so-called "warm" amps will mask, but without the harshness of some high current solid state amps. It will drive my Polks at realistic (loud) volume levels for hours and barely gets warm to the touch. It also has clipping indicator lights on the front. Great piece of equipment that approaches high end quality for a reasonable price. And built like a tank.

Similar Products Used:

hafler 220

Warm sound with power behind the bass, and a wide, sparkly treble

I don't like the extraordinary capacitance that allows you to run the speakers for 10 seconds after you switch these off - seems to beg for an electric shock if playing around with different connections etc.

Powerful, reliable, warm, yet sweet sounding. So far my favorite amplifier other than my fathers audio research tube amp... One of those products you should pick up used because they keep sounding better each year and never break.

Similar Products Used:

adcom 545, 560

Clean, effortless power, with an excellent soundstage

Needs to warm up for a couple hours to get maximum bottom end and a bit more "warmth".

Major "bang for the buck" power amp. You will not find another amp at this price point that will exhibit all of the positive attributes of the GFA-555. I'm currently driving Paradigm Reference Studio 40 speakers with the GFA-555 and a NAD pre-amp, and the sound is wonderful...beautiful, detailed highs, tight and controlled bottom end and a wonderful soundstage. A very "musical" amp indeed. Be sure to use a good quality interconnect...recommend DH Labs Silver Sonic for those of us on a budget.

Similar Products Used:

Adcom GFA-535L, GFA-545, Onkyo M-504