Adcom GFA-555 or Denon POA-2200

[JES14]

I have a chance at one or the other, any thoughts or input appreciated. Both rated at 200 watts RMS into 8 ohms. Mostly for HT use through a Pioneer Elite VSX82, but also like my 2 channel music. The amp is to drive a pair of Paradigm Studio 20's, sometimes quite loud
Cost is equal. Thanks.

 

[bongobob]

I use a GFA 6000 (100W) to drive my 60's and center. works great and never came close to clipping.... - B

 

[tomd51]

I've got an older GFA-555 and it definitely pushes out some power pretty cleanly. While I am a fan of Denon (I've owned quite a few receivers of theirs and read very positive reviews on most of their source hardware), Adcom's been mostly in the amp business for quite some time and most owners seem to be quite pleased with their products.

I think it'll boil down to personal preference, but as most will tell you, there should be very similar results when comparing one amp to another that share similar specifications in a relatively similar price range... -TD

 

[JES14]

Thanks for the input so far. BTW nice system Tomd51.
Anyone have experience with the Denon POA?
I am trying out the Adcom today, sounds great but not much more imaging then the Adcom GFA-5300 I have, which is only rated at 80 watts/side. also there is a "clip" sound when I change stations or sources with the GFA-555. Concern?
On a side question, does anyone know if the GFA-5300 is bridgable?
TIA for all input!

 

[tomd51]

Thks JES14. As with most, always a work in progress...

I don't think you're going to get much difference from an imaging standpoint, your speakers and pre/pro will determine most of that. What you would likely get from the additional wattage is better detail and less distortion at close to, at and above reference level listening. The 555 would likely sound a bit cleaner and detailed due to the higher threshold before distorting than the 5300.

I, too, have noticed the 'clip' sound when changing stations when using the 555. I thought it was just my unit, but apparently not. I've considered taking it to be serviced to (hopefully) eliminate that problem, but I'm currently not using it, so it's not a priority for me. I believe it occurs when the signal to the amp is muted then activated. This was most obvious to me when watching some HD 5.1 audio content on my Dish receiver, then when I switched over to a channel that only had 2.0 audio, I would hear the 'clip' noise. This would occur when a 5.1 broadcast went to commerical that only had 2.0 audio as well.

From reviewing the PDF user manual of the 5300, it doesn't look as though it is bridgeable. The 555, however, as you may already be aware, is bridgeable. Sorry I can't add any input regarding the Denon, no experience w/it... -TD

 

[Nick250]

I have a chance at one or the other, any thoughts or input appreciated. Both rated at 200 watts RMS into 8 ohms. Mostly for HT use through a Pioneer Elite VSX82, but also like my 2 channel music. The amp is to drive a pair of Paradigm Studio 20's, sometimes quite loud
Cost is equal. Thanks.

Studio 20's are not that hard to drive, even very loud .... Are these used amps that you are getting for real short money?

Nick

 

[JES14]

Are these used amps that you are getting for real short money?

Yes, they are.

 

[WmAx]

I can not speak for the Denon, but I have had a GFA-555 for years, and have forced it to work under some very demanding loads. At one point, I used it for home theatre, driving 2 ohm rated[actually 2.8 ohms, measured/calculated] subwoofers, at high volume levels, and it performed flawlessly, never shutting down or blowing a fuse. Also, the GFA-555 amplifier was found by two different 3rd party review measurements to have about 20 percent higher power output than the manufacturer claims.

-Chris

 

[JoeE SP9]

The Adcom will drive just about any load in existence. It will probably last forever and if you don't like it you can easily sell it and get your money back. I bet you can't say that about the Denon. I own 2 Adcom power amps which are used in my main system and an Adcom preamp/tuner used in my bedroom system. They have always performed flawlessly. My vote goes to the Adcom.

 

[JES14]

Thanks for sharing your experiences with the Adcom guys! For the price it must be a keeper. I wish someone had some input on the Denon, but I guess the silence speaks for it.

 

[Seth=L]

I too will go for the Adcom

Tom, you want to sell your GFA 555?

 

[tomd51]

As a matter of fact, I'm not doing much with it now and would be willing to. Shoot me a PM if you're really interested so I don't hijack JES14's thread.. -TD

 

[AudioArcher]

Adcom

Well all I can say is ADCOM! But then again I am biased.

 

[JES14]

Shoot me a PM if you're really interested so I don't hijack JES14's thread.. -TD

No problem there, any relevant discussion, or sales welcome.
I am really liking the 555, except the slight "pop" sound when changing channels or inputs or when a commercial comes on. I think it's a keeper, but still surprised no Denon POA owners spoke up. The POA 2200 is one HUGE solid looking piece. With line adjustments the 555 does not have. Plus the wood grain side panels...

 

[dvjorge]

Late to answer my opinion !!
I have had both the 555 and the POA-2200. The winner is the 2200 hand down !!