blackraven

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
Less than 1 month

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1.00 votes

Price Paid:  $1399.00 from one call

Summary:
I just purchased the Adcom GFR-700 AV receiver to go with my Magnepan Q1.6's.
I chose the Adcom because its rated at 220wpc RMS at 4ohm and 145wpc 8ohm in 2ch stereo mode and 120 wpcx5. I was a little leary about purchasing it because there are no professional reviews available despite the fact its been around for at least 9 months. But I wanted an AV receiver with high current and power for my maggies which require 100wpc high current minimum. I looked at the NAD T773 which is only 145wpc at 8 and 4ohmx2 ch and 110wphx7. I also considered Outlaw 7125 amp and 970 preamp. It came down to price and power. I was able to find a B model of the Adcom for $1399, 600 off retail.
Previously I was using a high current JVC RV 8000 AV receiver at 120wpc.

Now for the details. The adcom has an undestated simple black and aluminum face plate and all the standard analog and digital connections you could want. The OSD is small and hard to see from 7' away. You also have to scroll through various menu's using the remote for set up. My JVC was much more intuitive and you had the option of using the remote or the controls on its front panel for set up.
The other thing that bothered me was that there are no bass/treble controls for zone1, but there are for zone 2. I called Adcom about this and they stated that they feel music should be heard as it was recorded by the artist therefore there is no need for tone adjustments. I'm not sure I agree with that.

As for the sound, the adcom has a neutral sound. It may be a little warmer than the JVC wich tended to sound a little sterile. The adcom does open up the sound stage more and the music has much more fullness and detail. Bass sounded more powerful and the high's were about the same. The unit also stays very cool even when I turn up the volume to +5dB. When compared to the NAD T773, I could tell the difference in power. One last note. This is a 5.1 channel amp. It has 7.1 channel outputs but you will need a separate amp to drive the other 2 channels. My main use for this amp is 2ch stereo and 5.1 ch as an after thought.

I would recommend this receiver if you own Magnepan speakers and can live without bass/treble controls and 7.1ch. I'm not so sure I can live without the tone controls although I rarely use them.

Strengths:
Lots of clean power 145wpcx2 at 8ohm, 220wpcx2 4ohm, 120wpcx5
Excellent back lighted remote
Good sound
Runs cool
Simple styling and sturdy construction, weighs 50lbs and uses quality torroidal transformers

Weaknesses:
Small OSD
cumbersome menu but easy set up
No tone controls for Zone 1!!!!!!!!!

Price Paid:  $1900.00 from Online

Summary:
I was very weary to buy this product without listening to it first. It was considerably more than I had intended to spend but I knew the Adcom name and rolled the dice. At first glance it has the Adcom style and considerable weight. There are a lot of other products out there that are comparable in features for the same or better price, but I only care about sound quality and some very useful features. What I will say about this receiver is that it is very powerful but graceful. Imagine Mike Tyson and Mikael Borishnikof merging into one unit. This receiver is one of the few to master the sound usually found in separates. I won't say it is better than separates, but this is the closest I have seen. Roll the dice and take a chance on this one you won't be dissappointed.

Strengths:
Power, useful features, design appearance. Remote very user friendly.

Weaknesses:
5.1 Unless you purchase more amplification, but this is a receiver for the ages. You build your AV system around this unit, not adding this unit as an ad on to mass marketed lowest priced clearance items found at most chain electronic stores.Ths is the entry point to a higher fidelity for most of us with a realistic budget. The biggest weakness for myself was not being able to listen to and demo the unit first.

hman

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
Less than 1 month

Visitors rate this review
4.33 of 5, 9.00 votes

Price Paid:  $1999.00 from A/V shop

Summary:
What can I say about ADCOM GFR 700??? It is a great unit!!!
I have owen a lot of Receivers. I had Denon AV 1 SE which was Ok but I sold it 2 month later as it was too bright and rough, I had Rotel for demo which was way too hash, Onkyo 989 good unit but laking power, MARANTZ SR 9300 very good and musical receiver the best one out of the whole lot mentioned only problem is it's lacking slam. GFR 700 has it all it is a great unit with many New functions, great apperance, HDMI switching and Good American Power. This receiver doesn't lack power or slam yet very nice to listen to.

Strengths:
Powerfull, many new features, HDMI switching, good stylish amp.

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
Denon, Yamaha, Onkyo,Marantz, Rotel, Primare etc