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Upgrade from Adcom GFP-750?

Having recently added a Bryston 9BSST, I'm thinking about upgrading from my Stan Warren modified Adcom GFP-750. I've been pleased with my Adcom's sound, flexibility and reliability, and I think I'll be even more pleased when the modified unit arrives. But I'm wondering if and how much better I could do within my budget (~$1500, used). I'd prefer to stay with SS. The main contenders are the BAT VK-20, Bryston BP25, and Conrad-Johnson PFR. Would any of these, or others not on my short list, represent a significant upgrade in sound quality? I appreciate your comments and suggestions.

System:
Adcom GFP-750
Bryston 9BSST
Linn Ikemi
Thiel CS2.3
Kimber KCAG ics
Acoustic Zen Satori cables
lmack
roggiedog
16 posts
 
I agree with Marakanetz on the Pass Aleph P. Very nice pre with the same low gain as the gfp, but much nicer sounding.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
yet you should stay away from bryston bp25. to my ears that's probably the worst gear they ever produced so far. it will certainly be a downgrade from adcom.
lmack OP
11 posts
 
I used the Adcom both active and passive: active for rock, electronic, ambient; passive for jazz, classical, acoustic. I might be willing to increase my budget to retain the flexibility of both options.
danielk141
488 posts
 
You definitely like your Adcom. I think you'll like an Aleph P even more-the Adcom has a circuit design by Nelson Pass, the Aleph P is an all Pass Labs design.
I'm selling my GFP-750 & tomorrow I'll install my Pass Aleph P. It will stay in my system until I try a Pass X1 & come up with the money for one.....
orind
27 posts
 
Well, you are already using a Pass design, so perhaps Pass for the upgrade. Price point is a little off--about $2200 on the used market for an X2.5 or X1 hybrid. I upgraded from the GFP-750 to an X1 and I am very happy.
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