Adcom 555 vs 585

[Deon_P]

Hello. Currently I own an Adcom GFA-555ii power amp. I've been researching new amplifiers to upgrade and there are so many good ones out there. I've been running it with the compatible GFP-555 preamplifier. After much consideration, I realize that I really enjoy my Adcom amplifier and I've never had a problem with it except replacing some of the fuses. Couple that with Adcom has a trade-in program it offers, I decided I want to continue with Adcom. I want to purchase a new set of tower speakers, but the model of the brand I want will depend on several factors. So I have two options: I could purchase the 555se or buy the more powerful 585se. I'm considering pairing the amp with a Vincent hybrid tube preamplifier. My first question is, besides the fact that the 585se is more powerful, can anybody tell me how they differ sonically and disregarding price, why should I choose one over the other? Second, I'm considering Vincent only by reputation but I've never experienced this brand before. Can anyone tell me about Vincent, would you recommend it to use with Adcom, and which preamplifier should I consider as the best fit with the Adcom? Price is not a factor.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I would just stick with the 200WPC amp. I doubt you will ever need 450WPC.

Other than that, they should sound identical as long as your speakers don't need more power (listening distance, speaker sensitivity, volume, speaker power handling).

I think most of us would stay away from tube/hybrid tube amps because they usually aren't as accurate as the other amps.

 

[Deon_P]

So would it be better to stay with a regular preamp vs tube preamp?


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[AcuDefTechGuy]

So would it be better to stay with a regular preamp vs tube preamp?


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I would. I think most members would go with a regular solid preamp and amp over any tubes.

 

[Deon_P]

I would. I think most members would go with a regular solid preamp and amp over any tubes.

I’ve heard good things about tube amps but I know the tubes need replacement just like lightbulbs. Anyway, so now I just need to consider if I should pair the power amp with the same brand preamp or another brand, as some of them include digital and computer inputs.
As far as speakers, I’m torn between B&W 800 series 803 or 804, or go with the Martin Logan Electrostatic. The model and size of the speakers will determine which power amp I buy.

 

[Gmoney]

Dean, that Adcom you have is a good amp bro as i’m sure you know, I wouldn’t mind having one.

 

[Mikado463]

So would it be better to stay with a regular preamp vs tube preamp?


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if your happy with your existing preamp then I vote stay with that combination (pre/amp) that you currently have and focus your $$ on your speaker upgrade.

For the record I reside in the camp of 'tube preamp' and with respect to tube life, given what are in most preamps(signal tubes) their life is usually 5000 hrs plus, 10,000 being quite common. While I've never heard any of the Vincent products I believe they are marketed through Audio Advisor, which does seem to have a decent reputation.

 

[Deon_P]

Dean, that Adcom you have is a good amp bro as i’m sure you know, I wouldn’t mind having one.

Yes it is. But the 555se is the upgraded version of the 555ii. I don’t think I will get worse.

 

[Deon_P]

My ex

if your happy with your existing preamp then I vote stay with that combination (pre/amp) that you currently have and focus your $$ on your speaker upgrade.

For the record I reside in the camp of 'tube preamp' and with respect to tube life, given what are in most preamps(signal tubes) their life is usually 5000 hrs plus, 10,000 being quite common. While I've never heard any of the Vincent products I believe they are marketed through Audio Advisor, which does seem to have a decent reputation.

I don’t mind my preamp but my brother got me interested in checking out tube technology. At any rate, I just want to upgrade my stereo to have the ability to include the digital technology.

 

[Mikado463]

My ex

I don’t mind my preamp but my brother got me interested in checking out tube technology. At any rate, I just want to upgrade my stereo to have the ability to include the digital technology.

'tube tech'...ie ...old school ! regardless, some of us, myself included still love the glow of the 'bottles'. The majority here are not in that camp and that's Ok. Remember, your ears, your music, your journey and most important, your enjoyment !

 

[Gmoney]

'tube tech'...ie ...old school ! regardless, some of us, myself included still love the glow of the 'bottles'. The majority here are not in that camp and that's Ok. Remember, your ears, your music, your journey and most important, your enjoyment !

Yeah Mike I can dig it! I alway wanted a nice tube pre-amp something about them tubes glowing in the dark.

 

[PENG]

Some people will prefer the higher distortions because of the difference in the harmonics but some won't. Once you get pass the low cost ones and/or the high priced products designed to target certain harmonics, then expect tube or SS will sound the same in properly done blind tests; and then decision should be made based on factors other than sound quality, but that's just my two cents, and, in theory only..