RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
This is an Adcom GTP-500 stereo tuner/preamplifier, a highly regarded hifi component originally produced from the late 1980s into the early 1990s. It combines a high-quality AM/FM tuner with a dedicated preamplifier circuit on a single chassis. Black-No remote.Key Features & Capabilities Dual-Function Design: It functions as a central control center for your audio sources (like a turntable or CD player) and a radio tuner, but it requires a separate power amplifier to drive speakers. Premium Phono Stage: Features a high-quality built-in phono preamplifier compatible with classic vinyl setups. Unique Dual Outputs: The rear panel features two distinct sets of main preamp outputs: "Normal" (AC-coupled with a capacitor to filter out subsonic rumble) and "Lab" (direct DC-coupled for maximum signal flatness).Control Adjustments: Built with analog knobs for bass, treble, and balance, along with tone-defeat, loudness contour, and a dedicated zero-impedance headphone circuit.
This is a solid deal at US$210. Against 31 recent comparable listings, that sits below the US$230 25th percentile and well under the US$255 median, so it’s priced attractively without being suspiciously cheap.
The GTP-500 is a respected vintage preamp/tuner hybrid with a strong, clean ADCOM house sound and enough versatility to suit a serious two-channel setup. At this price, a clean example is appealing if the controls are quiet, all inputs work, and the faceplate is presentable; original condition and any service history add real value.
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.
See all ADCOM listings on RADAR.
