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Audio Research D240 mkll vs Adcom GFA-555

Hey Folks, I currently have a modified Adcom GFA-555 but have the opportunity to purchase an Audio Research D240mkll. Will there be a significant increase in sound quality? Speakers are Sonus faber Chameleon B's and source is Tidal through a Project Pre Box S2 Digital (as preamp).
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Showing 2 responses by don_c55

don_c55
1,025 posts
 
I bought a D240 MKI and it had noise problems in all units!

ARC gave a free update to D240 MKII that eliminated the noise issue, however the amp sounded bad for the first hour of warmup.

Dumped the amp at a big loss.

The ARC tube and tube/FET products of that era were very good IMO.

Newer ARC is too solid state sounding for me.
don_c55
1,025 posts
 
The D400 MKII which is a similar, higher power amp, can not be fixed by ARC if the PS caps need to be replaced due to age.

The D240 MKII does sound good after about 30 minutes of play.

But sounds poor during the first 3o minutes, even if left on continuously.

I think it is due to the odd ball, multiple emitter power transistors used.

Why buy an amp made in 1992?  There are better buys with more current power amps.  
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