Junk! The machine crapped out under warranty and I was charged anyway to replace the CPU. It ran for about 12 years or so and it malfunctioned again. This machine has bee around for years and others have also commented about its reliability. I'm throwing it in the trash rather than being ripped off again for a repair that is obviously a design problem.

Natural sound , variable and fixed hook ups permit processing to two separate systems. Low price on used market.

No disc ex-change like Sony line. Other people speak to reliability - try it out before buying. No one will spend to fix it so if its working now it was probably working all along and will contine to work.

I bought this as part of a system for the amps. I kept in in the basement for 3 months and finally hooked it up.

Compared to my Sony 70ES, it is noticably more natural and detailed. I will not speak to reliability but just hope the reliability issue doesn't hit me. Otherwise, it is a very warm (like ROTEL) but dynamic (like NAD) piece of equipment.

Similar Products Used:

Sony ES

Reliability (seriously)

variable volume output; limited soundstage width

Great website - wish I'd found it earlier. In reading the reviews of the GCD-600, I was surprised to see such reliability problems. Mine has performed flawlessly for years, with no squeaks, rattles or other anomalies. It's survived two toddlers, including one who did his first chin-up using the carousel drawer. When I purchased it, I was more inclined toward some of the lower end California Audio Labs single play units, but upon the wife's insistence went with a 5 disc unit with a digital output jack for upgrading later (hasn't happened) since we have music on 10 hours a day or so, and serious listening is done in analog (Sonographe SG-3, Sumiko arm, Grado 8MZ). I've regretted not opting for a CAL or higher grade single player (the Ultech is a sweetheart) player, as the GCD does not provide the layered soundstage the CAL does (or the analog setup, for that matter), and it also does get grainy in the upper treble region. After a few hours, listening fatigue will set in. I have also found the variable volume output to congest the sound noticeably, which doesn't make a whole lot of sense, but it just does. Overall the unit has been a good workhorse, but might benefit from a better DAC section with a more up to date processor, but I'll always keep it for multi-disc convenience. Sonically, I'd give it 3.5 stars, reliability wise a 5. Overall, a generous 4.

decent sound

carousel mechanics

I've owned this piece for a number of years, purchased new with an Adcom 400 preamp-tuner and 535 amp. since upgraded the amp, still using the preamp-tuner & CD. Sound is pretty good, although not as transparent as I'd like. Even with a high quality amp (B&K EX4420, 200 watts), Kef 104/2 speakers, lacks that "wow!" factor. Not sure if a function of the cd player, preamp, or both. Gradually upgrading, will probably be shipped upstairs to bedroom system in Y2K. Biggest beefs: have had the same gravelly sound others mentioned when the carousel turns, squeeking noise when opens, and also a mechanical noise when the disc is playing (fortunately, doesn't come through the speakers. I give the machine a whack, and it goes away).

I love this machine. It's some of the best money I have ever spent. As you can see from the above, it was cheap. There are used GCD 600's for sale elsewhere at $300.00. This one is factory refurbished, has a 1 year warrenty from Adcom, and cost significantly less. I have no experience in the land of esoteric audio, where components go for thousands each. If this is where you live, you may well look down your nose at this player. I dream of living in the land of esoteic audio, but until I get there, you will hear no complaints from me about the GCD 600. First, neither the door or the carousel squeek on mine when opening. The sound is open, transparent, uncoloured, easy to listen to. Obviously, it will all depend on your system. I have mine paired with the Mission 703 speakers(another execellent deal @ uBid), and a Cyrus 1 integrated amplifer. It have it playing now as I write this. The air is tinged with the scent of new electronics. It's great. Obviously, I can't speak towards the reliability of the device, having had it for a day. If it breaks in a week, as I read happened in one other review, boy will you guys (and Adcom) hear about it! I give the GCD 600 five stars for the value it represents (at the price I paid), and an overall rating of four stars only because I know that there are better sounding CD players out there. They just cost hundreds to thousands more.
If this review sounds like a commercial for uBid, don't be mislead. Approach them with caution. It's always a bit of a crap shoot with them. Its easy to overpay.

Similar Products Used:

Mission PCM 4000

Sound and build

Gets very warm aftered extended use.

I bought my Adcom GCD-600 new from a dealers stock. I have had none of the problems some of the other reviewers have had, only that it gets very warm after playing for several hours. The sound is very clean and open compaired to the Carver I had before. Time will tell but I am very pleased with it so far.

Great Sound when it works

Doesn't work very well

Follow-up to original review. During the 18 months I have owned this unit, it has been in the shop twice for over 4 months. It is now broken again with the same problem that it had the last two times (transport controls). It's unfortunate that these units are so unreliable - When they work they sound very good. I doubt that I'll ever purchase any Adcom products in the future based upon this experience.

Similar Products Used:

HK, Marantz, Denon

The door squeaks when it opens, the remote did not work initally till I resodered all the circuits. I paid a lot for this unit and expected better mechanics. Soud is okay, when you get past the squeaky door and remote problems.

I have owned the GCD 600 for 4 years. Well actually, the first two units where lemons - they broke with in a week! But I had heard the sound of this unit and was very impressed for the money. It many not compare with more expensive players, but I was paying for my education (and still am) and could not afford a more expensive unit. Plus, I do not think a good CD player would have make my bass shy pioneer system sound better. Now I own a McIntosh C-22 (re-issue) pre-amp and MC-150 power amp. Yes, I broke the bank that day! The Adcom sounds pretty good, it is honest, it sounds digital! If you are the type of person seeking out a more acoustical sound, then I would go with a good turntable or CD player with a tubed DAC (One day, when the school loans are paid!) But if you want a sound that is true to the CD medium, the Adcom GCD 600 is good.
Now a word on build quality: Ssssshitty! Considering the high quality circuits put into this unit, I am disappointed that Adcom did not take the time to protect them. And reading the other reveiws of both the GDC 600 and GDC 700, it would seem that getting more then one lemon is a normal thing for Adcom owners. Do not get me wrong, I have not had any problems with my current unit for the last 4 years, maybe I got lucky! It does skip when I dance - so if you have kids or pets, the GCD line would not be good for you. Infact, despite its great sound, I would not buy another Adcom CD player. I can not say it is worth the money, it is too much of a comprimise! If you have a little more money, get a better built unit, even if it sounds the same.

I give the Adcom GCD 600 5 for sound, 2 for looks, and 0 for build quality.

I use to own a GCD-600 and this player is not bad at all..Now apparently somepeople have got some defective players, but this can happen with the best of
them..The build quality is very good...This is a carousel play, so the drawer
may not be as "Rock Steady" as some single disc players..The only thing at all
negative I would say about Adcom components(I have had many seperate pieces)
is that they seem to be a little on the bright side, little grain in the highs.
I prefer the sound of my Carver seperates, which has a more sweet midrange and
my micromega stage 2 is wonderful..