Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Adcom GFA-5400 Amplifier (SS) by jimmyjames

Model:	GFA-5400
Category:	Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$300
Description:	Stereo amplifier 125 RMS X2@8ohms
Manufacturer URL:	Adcom
Manufacturer URL:	Adcom

Review by jimmyjames ( A ) on November 11, 2006 at 04:52:50
IP Address: 65.190.155.144

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for the GFA-5400

My ML332 blew a cap or caps so I pulled the Adcom 5400 out of it's bay where it had been powering my Aerial 5b's (HT rears) and plugged my Aerial 7b's into it. I wasn't expecting much, just wanted to get through the down time of my main amp being gone (going on 2 months). I was in for a big surprise. I don't miss the 332 that much, if at all. This little $800 amp is amazing. I listen to a lot of jazz and the 5400 fits the bill for this kind of music perfectly. It is quite possible that I like the top end sound it gives better than the 332. It's no slouch in the bass dept. either. Listening to the new Chesky SACD, Manhatten featuring George Mraz, the 5400 puts the man in the room with his stand up acoustic bass. This thing is amazing.
I have owned a lot of Adcom amps over the years, the 500 series and the 5000 series in 3 models and none of them sounded this good. I did not have the front end or cables I have now and that could be a big part of it but even so I could live with this amp for the rest of my life if it or I lasted that long. There has to be a reason this model has been in production for as long as it has with most mfrs. coming out with a new model every year that is supposed to be vastly new and improved to feed off of our audio nervosa. The 5400 could be a classic headed for the amplification hall of fame. It really is that good.
PS...I leave it on all the time and it never gets hot. When I first got this one used ($375) it ran HOT on one side and was out of bias. A trip to the local Adcom dealer's service shop and $75 later and it was as good (maybe better) than new.

Product Weakness: Not the last word in bass authority and power but what do you want for $800 MSRP?
Product Strengths: Amazing sound and adequate power for the $$$.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Adcom 5400 /ML332
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	ML 380S
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	ML 37/360S & Marantz SA11s1
Speakers:	Aerial 7b
Cables/Interconnects:	Luminous Synch. Sigs./Kimble Bifocal XL
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz
Room Size (LxWxH):	20 x 25 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	berber carpet
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	MIT Z centers
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Not the last word in bass authority and power but what do you want for $800 MSRP?
Product Strengths:	Amazing sound and adequate power for the $$$.