Q: I have an opportunity to purchase a one-owner Adcom GFA-555 Mark II power amplifier for $400. I would use it with my vintage high-end JBL speakers and use my Pioneer receiver as a preamp, given it has preamp outputs. Would you suggest I make this purchase or pass?
A: That is a very good price on one of the best vintage amplifiers you can buy. I think you are missing the boat using the receiver as a preamp, though. If you are going to do this, do it right and get an actual preamp. You will get better sound, a more appealing look, and the preamp will use less power and generate less heat than a receiver.
A good choice would be a used Adcom GTP-450 tuner/preamp. As the name aptly puts it, it is a preamp with an AM/FM tuner, so you can listen to the radio, too. They sell on eBay for under $200, which I find to be unbelievably cheap for such a great component. The $275 Bellari PA255 tube preamplifier would be a good choice, as well.
A good traveler
Q: I am interested in the Panasonic ES-LV97 Arc5 shaver that you wrote about last week, but I am concerned about traveling with it. Wouldn't the recharging and cleaning cradle with the fluid reservoir be troublesome to carry, given the potential for a spill? How would you clean and recharge it on the road without the cradle?
A: The same power adapter and cord that plugs into the recharging and cleaning cradle can be plugged directly into the shaver. A full charge should last 45 minutes, so unless you are going away for over a week, you probably won't need to bring the cradle if you fully charge the shaver before you leave.
To clean the shaver without the cradle, simply remove the metal foil and rinse the exposed blades under running water. I would definitely put the shaver through a cleaning cycle in the cradle once you return home.
Deals galore
I know that readers really appreciate phenomenal deals, and I found a new Facebook group that folks are sure to love. The Deal Hunter has links to outstanding bargains across a variety of Amazon product categories, most with discounts of 50% or more.
Some examples of what I saw are a $79.99 Arlo Audio Doorbell for $20.21, a $26.99 solar-powered birdbath and yard fountain for $8.09, a $54.99 weighted blanket for $11.66, and a $59.97 smartwatch/fitness tracker for $19.07. To see and join the group, go to tinyurl.com/thedealhunter2021.
Speaking of deals, Tribit (tribit.com) makes some of my favorite Bluetooth speakers and headphones, which offer great sound and versatility for an affordable price. Until July 31 on Amazon you can save 10% on Tribit FlyBuds C1 earphones with the code FBC1JULY. Check out Tribit's excellent StormBox Micro, as well. It is perfect for backpackers and bicyclists.
Send questions to Don Lindich at donlindich@gmail.com. Get recommendations and read past columns at soundadvicenews.com.
