I am looking to get a new 2 channel power amp and I'm considering an Adcom GFA-5500 or an Anthem A2. Both are 200 w/ch. The specs for the A2 seem to be better, but I realize that doesn't always mean everything. Anyone have any experience/knowledge or advice on which way I should go?
Not really familiar with Adcom stuff, but my dealer sells Anthem stuff and I've heard it on many occasions. Very good stuff. I've seen a lot of Adcom gear on ebay and Audiogon, I get the impression it is not in the same league as Anthem.
I am using Paradigm's Signature S2's V2 with a Velodyne DD15 sub. My preamp is Anthem's AVM-50 with ARC room correction system so I thought the Anthem might offer good synergy with my other gear.
Currently, I am using a Simaudio Titan 5 x 200 power amp for my fronts and surrounds which will remain. I also have an older GFA-5500 to power my rear channels. My eventual goal is to get a Simaudio W5 to power my mains and switch the Titan to the remaining channels. In the meantime, I'm looking for something to carry me until I get the W5.
Both the amps I'm looking at are 200 w/ch. The Adcom is a bit less expensive than the Anthem. I am fond of Paradigm/Anthem gear, but if the Adcom offers more bang for the buck, I would not hesitate to stick with Adcom.
I know neither of them is in the league of the Simaudio, but still want the best of the two because when I get the W5, I will be moving the Anthem or Adcom to my other system.
While I don't know the specific amp, Anthem in general is better than Adcom.
That being said, think long term. What type of system will the phased out amp be used in? Will it be an Anthem quality 2 channel critical listening system? Or will it be a background music system? If it'll be for background music or something similar, or will be in a second system with lesser ancillaries, it may not be worth the extra cost over the Adcom. If it'll be the start of a priority system, it makes it a lot more attractive. Also keep in mind that the Anthem should probably hold its value a little better than the Adcom should you decide to sell it afterward.
In the short term, the Anthem is the answer IMO. For the long term, it all depends on the application. Adcom gets hated on a little bit here. Its not bad gear at all IMO. But its no Anthem or Simaudio as far as I'm concerned.
I know I`m late to the game right now, and you probably have already bought your amp. I have first hand knowledge of Adcom. Some of the best sounding and reliable amplifiers for the money. Now, to be fair, that was some time ago when I was working at Harvey Sound, on 45th street in Manhattan. Clean power, good dynamics. I got to hear Anthem and paradigm together at a show. I would put Anthem ahead a little. Howwever, bang for the buck, you have to go Adcom.
I ended up getting a pair of Bel Canto REF1000 mono blocks. Quite a difference from my initial plan, but I got a taste of the Bel Canto amps and haven't looked back.
Bluemark 81, I heard the Bel Canto amps at HE2007. Unbelievable, from the sound, clarity of instruments, and of course, their size. They can fit anywhere. Great amps, and the price is right too.
lol nope it doesnt my friend. Look at the size of that Sim Audio power amp. There is a guy in Belleville that has I believe the same Sim amp as that. He has the big Martin Logan speakers on it with about 15 grand in room treatment and the logans actually set up proper. It sounds fantastic. How do you compare the Bel Canto amps to the Sim amps? Sound wise?
