??? Axxess Audio Forte 1???

I just got an Aavik i-280 which comes from the same house in Denmark, as far as I know the Axxess use similar technology so they should sound similar to the Aavik. I am over the moon with the I-280.

My local dealer/friend loves the Forte. It's become his favorite all around amp. It pairs well with all the speakers he has. He has the 1 and the 3. They all sound great with the more expensive one not tons better than the cheaper one. Find a dealer that has any of them, or take a shot and buy used.

@greg_f ,any idea what speakers he is using?

I had the U-280, which as far as class D amps go, was one of the best amps I owned. I heard the Axxess Forte at a dealer and was very underwhelmed. It’s not in the same league as the Aavik amps that’s for sure. 

@arafiq can you explain how what you heard differed from what reviewers are saying?

@freediver Sorry I don't frequent this site regularly and just saw your question. I don't know what the reviewers are saying but I can only share my impressions here.

IMO, the biggest difference is transparency and soundstage depth/layering. I found Axxess Forte to be a lot less transparent than Aavik 180 or 280. The higher models have much lower noise floor allowing you to peer deeper into the music. Comparatively speaking, Forte sounds more flat with less layering. The higher Aavik models provide more oomph and space around instruments. Everything is more defined and layered.

I hate using the term 'organic' but in this case I will break my rule and say that Aavik, especially 280, sounds more organic -- as in more natural sounding and balanced top to bottom.

I'm sure that on on its own Axxess Forte is a very good product. But like most things in audio, these differences become more apparent only when you directly compare to other higher models.