Adcom GFA-7605 Seven-Channel Amplifier Reviewed
- By: Jerry Del Colliano
- - Reviewer's System
- Resources & Links:
- Adcom ,
- Balanced Connection (XLR)
- October 27, 2008
Adcom is one of the most historically significant electronics companies in audio history, as they are widely credited with making popular the idea of separating the preamp from the amp. After receiving boatloads of rave reviews, Adcom grew to become a huge player in the audiophile world during the 1980s as the most affordable step up from an audio receiver or integrated amp. While the company lost some of its mojo as it tried to adapt to the home theater market in the early 2000s, Adcom is now back and they have some hot new home theater products that are clearly tied to their impressive linage.
The Adcom GFA-7605 is a 125-watt x five-channel amplifier, priced at $888 retail. This "great fucking amp" (yes, that is what GFA stands for) is designed to be priced to compete with mid- to upper-level AV receivers when paired with an AV preamp, which Adcom also now manufactures. The GFA-7605 boasts big toroidal transformers and is based around F.A.T. technology, which stands for Fast Analog Technology. When put through listening tests, this provides nice control over the bass and, while not as resolved on the high end as the lower-priced digital switching amps, it has an overall sound that has more heft.
High Points
• The Adcom GFA-7605 is a better amplifier than you will find in any receiver costing $1,000 and perhaps as much as $2,000 or more.
• The upgrade path of separate electronics is always a smart way to go, as you aren't trying to run an entire home theater from one big black box.
• The aesthetics of the Adcom GFA-7605 are better than I expected, considering its relatively low cost and high power output.
Low Points
• For big rooms, 125 watts per channel might not be enough muscle to really make the paint fall off the ceiling, depending on the efficiency of your speakers. For more money, Adcom has other amps with more power.
Conclusion
Adcom is back and their GFA-7605 is a solid receiver alternative. Compare this affordable amp with those from Outlaw Audio, NAD, Anthem and other performance-based players in the market. Adcom has the sound, the look, the power and the pedigree to make it into your system and, with this amp, it may never leave.
Keywords
Adcom, Adcom amp review, Adcom GFA-7605, Adcom GFA-7605 review, Adcom five channel amp, Adcom 5-channel amp
- ATI 3000 Series Amplifier Revie...
- Adcom GFA-7605 Seven-Channel Am...
- Anthem PVA7 Seven-Channel Ampli...
- Bryston 9B SST Five-Channel Amp...
- Classe Audio CA-5200 Reviewed...
- Emotiva MPS-2 Seven-Channel Amp...
- Halcro Logic MC70 Seven-Channel...
- Krell Evolution 403 Amplifier R...
- Krell Theater Amplifier Standar...
- Mark Levinson No. 433 Triple Mo...
- Multi-channel Home Theater Ampl...
- NAD Electronics T-975 Seven-Cha...
- NAD Masters Series M25 Seven-Ch...
- Outlaw Audio 7200 7-Channel Pow...
- Parasound A51 Five Channel Powe...
- Parasound Halo A52 Five Channel...
- Quad Super System Reviewed...
- Rotel RMB-1575 Five Channel Amp...
- Sunfire TGA 7401 Multi-Channel ...
- Theta Dreadnaught II Seven-Chan...
Today's Top Story
Can The Home Theater Business Re-price Itself Back Into The Hearts and Wallets of Consumers? -
This recession is a bitch. The talking heads on the Sunday morning shows were shooting off this weekend about the fact that the American economy was headed into recession no matter what, but the collapse of the real estate market... Click for more...
Latest Multi-Channel Amplifier Reviews
Krell Evolution 403 Amplifier Reviewed -
Krell is a legend in the audio business, especially when it comes to power amplifiers. Their new line of Evolution amplifiers are touted as their best amplifiers ever. That's a pretty big claim, but when Dan D'Agostino talks, you should... Click for more...
Classe Audio CA-5200 Reviewed -
Receivers are for bedrooms. In a true high-performance, audiophile-grade theater, you need real power to move some air with your speakers, meaning that even if you have a pair of your favorite monoblock amps perched on a slab of granite,... Click for more...
Parasound Halo A52 Five Channel Power Amplifier Reviewed -
If you're looking to build a home theater on a budget, why not take a peek at the Parasound Halo A52 five-channel amp? With a retail price of $2,500, the A52 comes from Parasound's cost-no-object line of products, designed in... Click for more...
Parasound A51 Five Channel Power Amplifier Reviewed -
When it comes to high-performance, high-value power amplifiers, few do it better than Parasound. The A51, which is part of Parasound's Halo line of cost-no-object products designed in tandem with audio legend John Curl, has benchmark levels of performance, yet... Click for more...
NAD Masters Series M25 Seven-Channel Amplifier Reviewed -
Ask any audiophile about NAD and you are very likely to get a big grin just at the suggestion of the brand. I have called NAD Electronics the "gateway drug" to audiophilia, as their low-priced, no-frills-looking products have the ability... Click for more...
NAD Electronics T-975 Seven-Channel Amplifier Reviewed -
Honestly, I am kinda sick of AV receivers. Yes, they are packed with features and loaded with almighty HDMI inputs, making them look oh-so-good on paper to consumers. Today's HDMI receivers boast sponsorship from just about every surround sound format... Click for more...
Rotel RMB-1575 Five Channel Amplifier Reviewed -
Rotel is one of the most established leaders in value-oriented audiophile gear. As part of the group that also owns Classe Audio electronics and Bowers and Wilkins (B&W) loudspeakers, Rotel is the Volkswagen of its lofty AV brand lineup,... Click for more...
Krell Theater Amplifier Standard (TAS) Reviewed -
There may be not be any audiophile product more sought after by hardcore audiophiles than a Krell power amplifier. Owning one of Dan D'agostino's powerhouses means that you have reached the holy land of the hobby, yet in today's... Click for more...
Halcro Logic MC70 Seven-Channel Amplifier Reviewed -
In their laid-back, oaky-Chardonnay-in-their-hand, Australian way of looking at the world of audiophile electronics, the executives at Halcro never, ever get sick of talking about the famous review of their reference power amplifier that once called it, "The Best... Click for more...
Theta Dreadnaught II Seven-Channel Amplifier Reviewed -
Loosely named after a powerful battleship, this powerhouse seven-channel 225-watts-per-channel modular amp is a surprisingly good multi-channel amplifier for both music and movies. Theta is known and respected for their source components and electronics, such as their modular Casablanca III... Click for more...




Comment on this article
1Some time ago, in my retail sale and mgmt. days, I worked for Harvey Sound on 45th and fifth avenue. That is when I first became aware of Adcom. Great sounding amplifiers, with little sonic signature of their own. Well built, nearly indestructible. Gobs and gobs of current, and wonderful price points. Their GFA 555 a few years ago, was a stunner. Anyone looking for a good, clean, and powerful amp, and does not want to spend Mcintosh or Mark Levinson money, but have very close to the same level of performance, will be very happy with Adcom.
I know i was.
Post a Comment