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New Member Needs Help

Hello everyone.  I am a new member and could really use some advice.  First, I hope I am posting this in the right section since I suspect the problem lies in the area of my electronics, although admittedly I am not sure.  I was a budding audiophile in my younger days and accrued some equipment, all bought new.  It consists of an Adcom GFA-555 amp, Adcom GTP-500 preamp/tuner, Adcom GCD-700 CD player and a B&O Beogram 1700 turntable.  I am using a set of Soundwave Grand Soliloquy speakers.   My wife would sometimes turn on the equipment for background music but there really hasn't been any serious listening in years.  

Having just retired I now have some free time, so after checking all the connections, I began listening to the system using the CD player as the source.  Overall, I thought it sounded very disappointing - pretty harsh and a bit thin, lacking in bass.  I couldn't listen to it very long.  I then tried the turntable.  The sound wasn't much different but the belt on the TT must be shot and the resulting rumble made serious listening difficult.

Having done some searching on this forum, I decided to pull the speaker cloth and examine the Grand Soliloquy speakers.  They looked perfect.  The cones and surrounds were butyl? rubber and looked good, as did the glue, which I read was a weak spot on some early model Soliloquys.  

So now I am wondering where to go next.  Could the amp/preamp have deteriorated that much with time?   Is that something I would audibly notice?  Would the crossovers in the speakers deteriorate over time?  Or maybe it is just my memory and I don't remember the sound very accurately?  And is any of this equipment up to today's standards and worth saving?  

I also have a pair of Ohm Walsh 2 speakers and an old Harmon Kardon HK730 receiver packed away that I could haul out for a comparison, but I am not sure that will answer any questions, and might confuse me more.  I appreciate any and all ideas from forum members.  Oh, and my room is large - about 14X22 feet.  Sorry for rambling a bit but thanks very much in advance.  
jpl



golftime
golftime OP
6 posts
 
First, thank you everyone for your responses.  The knowledge here is impressive.  I first took note of ebm's and several others suggestions to just move on with new equipment.  It is undoubtedly the simple and effective solution and I am going to give it serious consideration, particularly given the fact I am not sure any of my current components are worth trying to save.  

However besides the obvious issue of expense, replacing everything has other challenges.  I have been away from this stuff for about 20 years and the idea of starting the research all over is a bit daunting.  Making it even worse, there are almost no brick and mortar stores close to my house anymore......... other than Best Buy, which as was already mentioned, doesn't count.  

So here's where I'm at.  I let the system run several days, and although I sense some improvement, it's marginal.  I suspect the problem is more the electronics since the speakers were pretty innovative (Jim Vera design) when new and appear to be fine.  I also realize the Adcom amp, preamp and CD were probably just OK in their day, but are all weak links now.  Before I decide to simply move on, there are places such as Musical Concepts that claim they can perform mods/upgrades on the Adcoms that will smooth out the harshness and improve their overall warmth and sound - basically modernize them.  Does anyone have any experience with this?  Is it too good to be true?  I realize this is somewhat subjective, but it would help to know if these mods are a viable option.  
jpl
rar1's avatar
rar1
1,578 posts
 
So here comes the big question ... what is your budget for replacing the preamp/ amp/ and player?  If you are considering new, I believe that you are looking at 3 to 4k for an integrated and CD player from companies like Creek or Rega.  If you like receivers, there is the Outlaw RR2150, which I have been using for 10 years, which would leave you plenty of dollars for a CD player and new cartridge.

Rich
goose
364 posts
 
This will be an opinion that is probably outside all of the other responses.  You can spend a lot of time chasing down issues with your current system.  How important is music to you?  Is it only for background entertainment or is on a deeper level.  I would be inclined to start over.  Do you listen to analog or digital or both?  You can put a really good system together without breaking the bank that would last many years with a totally integrated approach from top to bottom.  It may involve some travel to a real audio store.  Sometimes old equipment just doesn't play well together and trying to patch it together can be very frustrating.  Just my two cents 
Ag insider logo xs@2x
mesch
1,679 posts
 
I think you are wise to replace the electronics. Today integrated amplifiers are quite good and I believe one with phono stage would represent the best sonic return on investment for you. I would buy a recently produced used one as a start. Check out the AG listings.  
jafant
10,525 posts
 
Golf-

you are using vintage gear, so there will be a vintage sound.
Go to your local Audio shop (or find one) and audition the newer gear.
Afterwards, you can make an informed decision on which way to go.

Keep me posted & Happy Listening!
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