An all original Adcom GFA 555 amplifier from a mint one owner system, circa 1985. This was the first generation of the GFA 555 -- an understated classic, sold to countless well read audiophiles of the era --a landmark solidstate amp from the 1980s. Over built and consertively rated, many audiophiles of 1980s and 90s cherished these under-hyped, and powerful amps. 

By the 1970s, solid state power amps had very nearly matured, and silicon power output devices had improved to the point that designers almost didn't know what to do with all of the new, amazing current capability. The available wattage had readily outpaced many reasonable bookshelf and tower systems of the era -- making way for a new era of excess power hungry decadence. 

As massive super speakers (Infinity and Duntech come to mind) grew even larger, lots of the value oriented audio companies shrunk, the once popular Dynaco ST series, Crown, GAS, SAE and other amp makers took a back seat to new high end offerings from lots of smaller companies, higher priced, glamourous looking, higher end power amps -- from companies like Mark Levinson, CJ, McIntosh, Bryston, later Krell and many other brands talked fine line, enticing mid-fi customers to step it up a notch (like overly hyped early Carver).

As the price hikes and wattage frog-hopping progessed, a new market opened in the late 1970s -- the counter sell... to  buyers looking for "quality under the hood", and higher current capability, the looks money and design time rather spent on the power supply area.... not just preppy faceplates and massive wattage ratings. These gimmick leary, rebelous new audiophiles wanted killer performance, conservative ratings and design, no corner cutting, super quality manufacture ... and all in a nice looking, wife approved plain wrapper. No glamourous 70's style giant meters (aka Phase Linear and McIntosh), and the age of the brushed silver face was gone.

Ushering in the new, better sounding, better performing and much more relaible designs were two new comers ... NAD and Adcom. NAD a british firm, early on mastered and perfected the integrated amplifier, introducing the 3020. It was and still is to this day one of the best ever solid state amps (I highly recommend you own one -- they are a mere 20wpc, and *can* sound better than many unimpressive tube amps). You want one with original output transistors). NAD was mid-fi. Adcom made more substantial and much more powerful amps for the USA based anti-glamour audiophile. 

Adcom amps were high end amps disguised..with tasteful, plain attractive and functional all metal build. They also had all of the features needed by the lastest audiophile configurations -- bridgeable mono, and bi-ampable. Adcom made (still to this day) classy stuff, -- built  & designed in their NJ, USA facility -- using high grade components (equal to any high end) -- intended for american audiophiles that needed more power than NAD's midfi could muster. The product and design were timeless -- this good looking and sounding work horse is still sold, with some sound changing updesigns you might not want.... for around $1300USD.

The GFA 555 amp was in a new class back then, and it sold amazingly well, part of a lineup that often included the Tuner GFT, and the preamp (GFP). For the same reasons  it sold so well back then, today if you need a powerful, excellent, rather exciting  sounding, and safe-to-run classic solid state amp -- this is a supurb choice! (notably safer than old poorly protected amps of the 70's)

Many experienced audiophiles to this day place the GFA 555 1st gen on their list of must-own amps in the 200wpc region. See exhibit I and J to see the common sense, proud advertisement of the era. Adcom wasn't afraid to taught their plain wrapper looks and amazingly durable, over-protective designs. 

As with all solid state amps of the era, you want primarily ... the best available power supply section -- as that's mostly what an amp is. To judge that, you look at ratings and weight, and design. The Adcom impresses here, tipping the scales at around 38lbs+ -- more than heavy enough to justify the reasonable wattage rating of 200wpc into 8ohms, 20-20k. 

If you are familiar with the GFA 555, you know how nicely made they are -- this is a wonderful, original babied one -- it will sell quickly -- as many who love these want the early ones from the mid 80s -- they're a good value to this day. 

If you are in need of a large power amp, an want to avoid the unrealistic softness, a polite fuzziness that dominated later amps of the 1990's -- and persists to this day -- still a flaw in many modern Class D amps -- then it's sensible to search for a well designed strong classic just like this GFA 555. Do your research, and you'll see these are incredibly well regarded. Suitable for countless low, medium and even power hungry speaker systems. 

This amp is nearly 30 years old, and while working very well --  a true classic. Guaranteed safe arrival and no DOA, it has no warranty -- so keep in mind, while it looks fresh / new it's an old amp. You should use with care and common sense. Don't overload it and keep well ventilated -- as with all amps... and plan on someday having a check-up, freshen up at your tech's bench -- this will  keep things safe for years to come.

Will be double boxed, ie factory packing box will go inside another, outer protective carton for guaranteed safe arrival. Shipping weight is 42lbs.

Will be shipped domestically via UPS ground with tracking number, quickly after purchase.

Overseas buyers welcome, shipping costs will be quite high due to weight. Will be professionally double-boxed. All tracking #'s and proof of shipment via email. See our 100% feedback on all vintage items. 

Buy now to avoid a bidders war. This is a nice amp and will sell quickly. 

See our 100% feedback, to be assured SAFE PACKING & DELIVERY. 

Please study photos below. SAFE PURCHASE, 100% - *** Domestic or OVERSEAS OK. FAST SHIPPING, WILL DISPATCH IMMEDIATELY after PAYMENT -- OVERSEAS OK, FULL TRACKING number via email after shipment.endp