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Adcom?

Does ADCOM still make products and most importantly sell products?

I bought a amp/pre-amp combination (710 for the preamp and maybe 5300 for the stereo amp), and it was the worst electronics I have had in my house in 40 years, that is, beside NAD.
Both components started to malfunction majorly just after a few months (pre-amp volume control having a mind on its own, amplifier was discharging loud every couple minutes).
They both times promised me that they would exchange mine for new, so after agreement, I sent my gear back to them, and they sent it back to me with the same problems... we did that a couple times.... I think the tech guys were billing the department for new units, kept them for themselves, and sent me back the same crap untouched.
I could tell both times that the gear was untouched by adcom as I had marked the units on frames.

I feel like this kind of fraud is happening a lot, especially this time of the year when audio gear dealers offer "black friday deals", but in fact, they sell refurbished units thinking you won’t see anything.

Adcom, dealers selling refurbished as fresh from factory, thoughts?
128x128chrisr
pmm
23 posts
 

I have used an ADCOM GFA-5400/GTP-450 for 22yrs, without any issues. It was a nice step up from a receiver based system.

I believe that your issues are not unique, though. I remember, when I had bought my ADCOM components, Tweeter Audio, was a big dealer of the brand. After the turn of the century, before Tweeter went under, I talked to a salesman, at the store. He told me that Tweeter dropped ADCOM, in the late 90`s, because customers were returning too many units with issues.

If you are interested in repair, try Big Sky Audio. They specialize in repair of ADCOM gear.

I`ve owned a couple of NAD components, over the same course of time. Again, no issues yet, but it would not surprise me if they arise, due to NAD`s spotty record.

213runnin
562 posts
 
About 98 was when Adcom started having Chinese production, and back then there were issues with Chinese manufacturing.

To the OP, you mention your experience, but not the time frame.  The 5300 was built from about 97 to 2006 or so.  I had one from 2001, and later bought a 710 around 2008.  I had the exact same problem when I added the 710, it had nothing to do with the amp.  (I remain unclear on whether "marking" the frames would show whether the units had been opened up.)

The volume would ramp up by itself to full volume, and the distortion lights on the 5300 would go crazy until I got over there to turn it down.  I had the 710 replaced, but the replacement did the same thing.  I got my money back and later heard the 710's remote sensor was affected by the noise that a cfl light bulb emits.  I have no idea if it's true.

The new Adcom amps really do look interesting though and they've always put out a decent amp.


kalali's avatar
kalali
1,645 posts
 
I stand corrected. Should have checked before claiming they were no longer in business. Their "new" products do look interesting. Curious to hear how they sound.
trani15
2 posts
 
owned Adcom 565 and 5500 Pre Amp/Amp combo for since 90 or 91 with no issues driving B&W Matrix and early Energy monitors.  Both were built in NJ and recently sold in great working condition with only one service issue on the pre amp.
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,180 posts
 
Like a lot of audio companys some products they put out are un inspiring at best. But ADCOM made the GFA 555 and it is one of the best "bang for the buck" 2 channel amps out there, even today used! ADCOM's GFP 565 pre amp is another great sounding product they made.
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