Adcom GFA-555se Stereo Amplifier User Manual


 
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your decision to purchase the GFA-555se power ampli er. By use of updated components in the classic
ADCOM GFA-555 design, we have reestablished our heritage of high performance and audiophile quality at the greatest
possible value. You have made a wise choice that will reward you for years to come with exceptionally accurate and
musical sound reproduction. To realize the full potential of your new ampli er, and before making any connections to it,
please read these operating and installation instructions thoroughly.
UNPACKING THE GFA-555se
Before your new ADCOM ampli er left our factory, it was carefully inspected for physical imperfections and tested for
all electrical parameters as a routine part of ADCOM’s systematic quality control. This, along with full operational and
mechanical testing, should ensure a product awless in both appearance and performance. After you have unpacked the
GFA-555se, inspect it for physical damage. Save the shipping carton and all packing material as they are intended to
reduce the possibility of transportation damage, should the ampli er ever need to be shipped again. In the unlikely event
damage has occurred, notify your dealer immediately and request the name of the carrier so a written claim to cover
shipping damages can be initiated. THE RIGHT TO A CLAIM AGAINST A PUBLIC CARRIER CAN BE FORFEITED IF THE CARRIER
IS NOT NOTIFIED PROMPTLY IN WRITING AND IF THE SHIPPING CARTON AND PACKING MATERIALS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR
INSPECTION BY THE CARRIER. SAVE ALL PACKING MATERIALS UNTIL THE CLAIM HAS BEEN SETTLED.
INSTALLING THE GFA-555se
During normal home operation the internal heatsinks of the GFA-555se may become warm. However, there are instances
during high-level playback into low impedances when the heatsinks will become much warmer than usual. To ensure the
ampli er’s long-term, trouble-free operation it is necessary to provide adequate ventilation for the heatsinks. Therefore,
the GFA-555se should be kept away from external sources of heat such as radiators and hot-air ducts. The GFA-555se
should never be placed with other heat-producing components in a cabinet or enclosure lacking free air ow. The top
and bottom panel of the ampli er’s chassis have been provided with vents to allow the necessary cooling of the internal
components. It is imperative that these vents are not obstructed in any way.
We recommend that you do not stack other components on top of the GFA-555se. This is particularly important if your
system includes low-impedance loudspeakers which are dif cult to drive, or if you will consistently demand high volume
levels from the ampli er and speaker system. Not only will heat generated by the ampli er affect the performance of
equipment stacked on top of the GFA-555se, but the free ow of air through the ventilating slots in the ampli er may be
partially obstructed.
If you observe these recommendations, the GFA-555se will perform reliably in any reasonable environment. You should
also pay attention to such normal considerations as protection from excessive dust and moisture. Occasional vacuuming
of accumulated dust on the chassis, panels and around the ventilating slots should be all that is required. The optimal
performance of your new GFA-555se will ultimately depend on the care with which you make the connections between
the ampli er, preampli er and the loudspeakers. All input and output signal connections should be made only with high
quality, low-loss, low capacitance cables following the recommendations in the Inputs and Outputs section of CONNECTING
THE GFA-555se.
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