adcom equipment.....

I have an Adcom amp coming in next week. It is the least expensive 6602 amp. It is a temporary amp until my main amp is finished being rebuilt (Forte' Model 3). The price was right, but I am also curious as to what my reaction might be. I didn't want to buy an older amp just because of the 'wear' issue. Likely, this amp will be used in my garage system, unless it surprises me greatly. Go with your ears.

Let's see,  I mostly use CD's, so it usually starts with a Rega Apollo, then moves on to a Vincent SA-31 MK pre-amp. From there, one output goes to a NuTube headphone amp that I built and really dig.  When the amp arrives (Adcom 6602) it will power up a set of Decware ZOB speakers (Zen Open Baffle). I am pretty picky about power, so I use a BPT isolation transformer that produces balanced power from six separate secondary windings. Power cords vary, but PS Audio Preludes, Pangea AC14 SE, and one from BPT as well. Speaker cable has been Maple Shade basic twisted cable, which I have always liked, and interconnects are Nordost Blue Heaven from the CD player, and one Audio Magic from the pre-amp to the headphone amp, and then Straight Wire from  the TV to the Pre-amp as well. I occasionally use a dedicated a small laptop set up just for sound reproduction by a friend of mine, and it is amazing. That's about it.

 I got the 6002 in yesterday. Two things stuck out immediately. First, I was right about the better damping factor helping out the bass response compared to my old tube amp. No surprise there, but I do like an accurate bass. Secondly, the amp has a harshness to it that I am hoping will go away with a few hours of use. In general, it is an honest sounding amp to my ears, so it would be worth using for the time being, until my Forte' amp is rebuilt. 

 Guys, both of you make good points. Mostly, I know that what I am hearing is really due more to the combination with my speakers than the amp itself. I am referring to the single driver speakers that I am using from Decware Audio. So many things I like about these drivers, 'but' there has always been a certain frequency that shouts (in the midrange). With tube equipment, it was tolerable, but now that SS has the floor, there is less forgiveness. After pointing that out, I am willing to say that this little amp is well worth the money. Like I said, the damping factor improved the bass to my ears, and overall, I find a good open presentation. The ummp factor can be had, but mostly at higher volumes. Maybe a bit more break in is to be considered. Only a few hours on the amp so far.
 I must point out one feature of the amp that is cool. It can be set to standby mode, and then if a signal is sensed, it will turn on. No need for a trigger, although that can be used as well. Small thing, but appreciated
 I will be moving on in a couple of months when the larger amp is rebuilt, and that is where I hang my hopes.

Been listening to the amp for a bit now, and I like what I hear. For my ears the sound is more transparent. I wouldn't put it heads and shoulders above the previous tube amp that I had, but it does more things right than wrong. As for the harsh sound I first heard, I have determined that the speakers are more at fault than the amp. The solution was unusual but it works. I had another driver that was being used for bass, being fed by another amp. I disconnected it, and then wired it in series with the original driver. I am now listening to the set up and so far, I like it. The harshness is practically gone. It will take a bit more experimentation, but I feel that the speaker idea is on the right track.

 I have to agree about this little amp. I too, am surprised at the amount it does right. Yes, of course, I have owned better amps and combinations of gear. The real point here is that I have no reservations in the meantime of getting the new amp project that I am in the middle of, done ASAP so I don't have to listen to the small Adcom anymore. I may even keep it around for a garage system. That's not a slam either. It would be great to have something decent for shop time.