Old or new

[JerryLove]

Have there been any signifigant changes in the last 20 years in amps I should be concerned with?

I'm looking at a re-capped and maintainenced older amp (Adcom 555 II) vs a newer similar amp (Emotiva XPA-2). Ignoring the obvious differences (XLR inputs, power differences, warranty), can anyone point out why I would want to avoid one or the other?

 

[ski2xblack]

I'm a sucker for good retro gear

Recapping should cost considerably less than the new Emo. The GFA555-II is a nice old amp, worthy of bringing back up to spec.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Have there been any signifigant changes in the last 20 years in amps I should be concerned with?

I'm looking at a re-capped and maintainenced older amp (Adcom 555 II) vs a newer similar amp (Emotiva XPA-2). Ignoring the obvious differences (XLR inputs, power differences, warranty), can anyone point out why I would want to avoid one or the other?

None that I know of. Unless one's hearing evolved for the better

 

[Irvrobinson]

Have there been any signifigant changes in the last 20 years in amps I should be concerned with?

I'm looking at a re-capped and maintainenced older amp (Adcom 555 II) vs a newer similar amp (Emotiva XPA-2). Ignoring the obvious differences (XLR inputs, power differences, warranty), can anyone point out why I would want to avoid one or the other?

Yes, there have been improvements in SNR and low-level distortion, probably due to better ICs in the initial driver stages, and discrete component manufacturing has improved over the past 20 years too. Are these improvements audible? Maybe, depending on your speakers, the quality of your source components, and your ears.

I'm not a fan of the XPA-2, based on Gene's 1W measurements. The XPA-2 is a lot of power for the money, but cleaner power is available. The question is, what is your budget?

You might consider one of the Crown XLS2500s that some folks here rave about. The price is certainly right, but I haven't heard them personally. Some of us also like the ATI AT2000/3000 series, but they cost more and weigh more.

How much is the re-capped Adcom?

 

[JerryLove]

It expired on ebay a couple hours ago. Buy-it-now was 600; 390 had not met reserve. I'm not sure if it sold or failed; once I clarified that some information I had about how it liked 2ohm loads was wrong: I decided to pass.

 

[Irvrobinson]

It expired on ebay a couple hours ago. Buy-it-now was 600; 390 had not met reserve. I'm not sure if it sold or failed; once I clarified that some information I had about how it liked 2ohm loads was wrong: I decided to pass.

For that sort of money I'd probably try out a Crown XLSxxxx thing. They're intriguing.

 

[PENG]

Even the original 555 can take 2 ohms dips but not continuous. I would definitely prefer the 555. I am not suggesting that the Emo is not better but I just know the 555 is good. I have one for >20 years before one channel failed (my own fault) but the other one is still doing a good job powering my center. I have never done any repair to it, no recapping either and the power on indicating light still takes forever to dim out after power is switched off. I also have just acquired a pair of 33 years old Marantz. The power amp has not been recapped but sound just as good as my other modern pair of preamp/amp. The old ones, including the 555 are all dead silent also, no issue with SN at all. So base on my own experience I do trust old amps as long as they are in good working conditions.

 

[ski2xblack]

Even $390 is a bit more than the going rate for the Adcoms unless they've begun to appreciate in value lately. These used to typically go for $200-$300, maybe $350 for mint condition. ~$450-$500 would reasonably reflect the cost for minty+fully rehabbed+bench tested. But $600? That's a bit rich.

 

[JerryLove]

Crown is looking really likely.

 

[fuzz092888]

If you're in the $600ish ballpark and only need two channels you may want to look at the Outlaw 2200 mono blocks. $674 for the pair with free shipping. They retail for $350 each. OEM for Outlaw is ATI.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

If you're in the $600ish ballpark and only need two channels you may want to look at the Outlaw 2200 mono blocks. $674 for the pair with free shipping. They retail for $350 each. OEM for Outlaw is ATI.

I think ATI only builds the solid state amps like the 120wpc, 180wpc, 200wpc, and 300wpc amps for Outlaw and other companies, not that switching monoblock from Outlaw.

But the Outlaw monoblock still looks pretty good regardless.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I like Adcom. Definitely a highly respected amp company with long history and reputation. But as already mentioned, there are better deals on the Adcom amps for less than $600 if you wait around on eBay and AudiogoN.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Crown is looking really likely.

I like the Crown XLS. Very light weight, yet solid build and tremendous power capability.

A few quirks - no 12v trigger (can get SmartStrip for this), blue LED light (kind of like the Emotiva), will have to remove those plastic covers on the speaker binding posts if you want to use banana plugs.

But in my experience, sounds as good as any, silent from more than 1 ft away. Very cool after several hours of playing music.

Guitar Centers often give $100 coupons. Holiday sales around the corner too.

I got both my XLS2500 from Amazon new for about $480, retail is $550. They are in my closet now along with my 3 Denon AVRs, but never know when I will need them in the future.