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The Adcom GFA-5500 is a legendary high-current stereo power amplifier designed by Nelson Pass. It delivers 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 350 watts into 4 ohms. Utilizing a full MOSFET circuit design, it is famous for its warm, detailed, tube-like sound combined with the deep bass control and massive power of a solid-state amplifier.SpecificationsPower output: 200 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)Frequency response: 10Hz to 20kHzTotal harmonic distortion: 0.02%Damping factor: 700Gain: 29 dBInput sensitivity: 1.4VSignal to noise ratio: 100dBDimensions: 178 x 432 x 349mmWeight: 25.9kgLocal pick up / inspection / purchase available at Archer High Fidelity in Falls Church, VA. We are a vintage sales and service specialist covering the Washington DC metro area.All major credit cards accepted, as well as PayPal, check on clearing, and Venmo.Any other questions, please feel free to ask.
At US$450, this sits below the US$512 median and right at the US$450 25th percentile for recent comparable asking prices, so it reads as a strong-value buy rather than a stretch. For a well-known high-current stereo power amp, that’s a sensible number: not a giveaway, but clearly better than average market positioning.
The GFA-5500 is respected for its muscular, authoritative drive and easy partnering with demanding speakers, so the appeal is real if you want honest power and a straightforward solid-state presentation. At this price, the main upside is getting a proven older amplifier without paying median-market money; just make sure it’s been stored well, powers up cleanly, and includes anything you need for immediate use, since age-related service history matters more than cosmetics here.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
ADCOM emerged in the 1970s as a family-owned American audio venture founded by audiophile Newt Channin, initially focusing on exceptionally musical moving-coil phono cartridges that set it apart from typical entrants. The brand quickly pivoted to electronics with the groundbreaking GFA-1 power amplifier in 1979, delivering 200 watts per channel and robust current for demanding speakers, propelling ADCOM into prominence during the high-fidelity boom of the 1980s and 1990s.
The company built its legacy on high-performance amplifiers, including the Nelson Pass-designed GFA-555 that garnered worldwide acclaim, alongside AV tuners, preamps, and multichannel power amps like the GFA-6000 tailored for home theater. While early roots lay in phono gear, ADCOM specialized in electronics offering superior sound quality without extravagant pricing, eschewing speakers, headphones, or extensive cabling lines.
Positioned firmly in the mid-fi realm, ADCOM defined accessible high-end audio for discerning buyers, blending value and performance that rivaled pricier competitors. After challenges and ownership shifts—including a Thai firm and a faltering 2010 relaunch—the brand staged a robust comeback in 2024 under J&B Distribution, reviving classics like the GFA-555ms alongside modern integrated amps and preamps, reclaiming its spot among savvy audiophiles seeking reliable, soul-stirring sound.
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