RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
Compared with the usual gamble of buying an anonymous vintage preamp, this is a strong bargain at US$100. Recent comparable asking prices put the ADCOM GTP-500’s median at US$248, with the lower quartile at US$205, so this sits dramatically below the normal used-market floor.
The GTP-500 is a capable tuner/preamp rather than merely a basic line controller: it offers clean, low-distortion line stages, a well-regarded MM phono section, dual preamp outputs, useful tone controls, and a dedicated headphone circuit. Its built-in AM/FM tuner adds practical value, too. Because the listing gives no condition information, confirm that the inputs, selector switches, controls, phono stage, tuner, and both outputs work; even so, at US$100 there is enough value to justify some age-related cosmetic wear or minor servicing.
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.
