Axxess Forte 1 Review

tl;dr:

I like the Axxess Forte 1 > Naim Supernait3+Bluesound node+Lab12 DAC1 SE.  It presents a more detailed/transparent sound with body and musicality in a larger venue/studio environment  (vs. smokey jazz club as the Naim+Lab12).  It's well built and easy to use with their app (It is an ipad only, but I actually don’t mind).   If you’re looking for a simple All-in-one built with a detailed/transparent/musical, this should be on your short list. 

About me
I listen to a lot of female vocal / pop / indie.  I don’t listen to Jazz, classical or hard rock.  I also don’t have “golden ears” and can’t hear about 14-15khz.   I generally like tube gear - its holographic and rich midrange textures and musical grit.

My current system is Qobuz > Bluesound noted > LAB12 SE DAC >> Naim supernait 3 > Harbeth C7ES 30th.  The system excels at PRAT + tube DAC R2R = natural warm tone with holographics but surprisingly more than good enough details.   I think it is quite close to my perfect setup, but I was itching for a simpler system as I knew I wanted to upgrade the streamer and was looking at the Auralic Aries series ($2k+).  So decided to try the Axxess Forte 1 and just be done 🙂

For reference, in the past I’ve owned:
Speakers: Wilson Duettes Series 1, Raidho C1.1
Integrated amps: Electrocompaniet ECI 6 DX MKII, Rogue Cronus Magnum Dark, LTA Z10, Devialet 200
DAC: Schiit Yggy OG (A1), Border Patrol Silver SE-i SPDIF (Coax) Version R2R DAC

Axxess Forte overall user experience
Just a quick pros/cons:

I like the display - it's simple.  AGD explains that LEDs have less noise than traditional displays.
Volume control is smooth and weighty.  It provides me with enough granularity to fine tune to my liking.
I plugged in my ipad via USB (immediately connected and just works)
Inverse button   I’ve heard a lot of digital files are inverted.  Some swear by inverting them signal.  The schiit yggy also had this option.
Theater bypass - nice!
Axxess app is actually quite usable. Based on reviews, I was expecting the worst, but it works. I prefer it over the BlueSound app, but not the roon. 
Spotify connect - neat, I’ve never had a unit that it just works.  I haven’t tried Tidal, but I will in the near future.

Remote is “generic” to Axxess.  There are buttons that are not used.  The power/menu button are indicated with non-standard symbols  At this price point I wish it was a purpose built remote for the forte 1 with clear standard icons for power and menu and don’t include buttons that don’t work. 
It doesn’t come with built-in WiFi but you can connect a Wifi dongle or just ethernet -  I’m guessing they figure most that are spending this much is probably prefer hardwiring for the best SQ so save the cost.
Lowest volume is -76db which you can still hear music softly.  But I guess there’s the mute.  I’m just used to being able to dial it down to “no sound”
Inserting headphones requires you to press the mute button; you can still control the volume - after a few times its natural.  I don’t  tend to use my stereo for headphones as I most listen to headphones at my desk or bed
Not yet Roon ready (coming soon!);  I may actually stick with Axxcess app.

Overall, I get the impression that they really thought deeply about the lowest noise possible and simplicity.  Just power it up, change volume, and use the app.

Sound impressions
I was looking to see if I could extract a little more details to see if I’d enjoy it.  I find the unit sound signature to my liking.  It sounds full, detailed/textured, solid imaging and wide soundstage:

Bass: Detailed, tight, full; no bloat (more details than the current system). 
Mids: Rich, clear, detailed (but less forward than the current system)
Highs: Smooth
Soundstage: Larger than the current (height/depth/width).  There’s a real sense of space / separation around the instruments and vocals.  The current system feels more like that smokey jazz club - closer in and intimate.. The Axxcess more like a large venue
Imaging: Better than the current.  It's easier to pinpoint the vocal and instruments in space

Axxess is not dry or analytical (like the Devialet 200), but closer to the Naim/Lab12 but not as warm and holographic but with better clarity, space, and details.  It gives a sense of “real” where a user’s voice is never perfect as in a live smokey jazz venue vs. a studio or large venue where everything is super cleaner and spacious.

I think Axxess is for someone looking for next level clarity/details but still has slight warmth/richness/musicality.   It really does still capture the sense of the music. 

Final words
I like the simplicity and build quality.  My wish list is short: Provide a specific remote to the unit.    I appreciate the sound signature of clarity/details/imaging/soundstage with a slight sense of warmthness/richness.   

Highly recommend HiFi Concierge + Andy Miles = A++
I worked with Andy Miles at HiFi Concierge.  He’s great!  I’ve purchased a lot online and from the used market.  And I forget what it is like to work with an actual person that cares.  Andy was great - he went above and beyond to help me and answer questions about the Axxess Forte 1. 

I get no financial benefit for referrals.  He’s just great to work with and if you’re on the market and looking for someone you can trust, reach out to him, esp if you’re interested in the Axxess line (he is one of the few authorized dealers).  He does carry a large set of hifi brands.  Check them out:  https://hificoncierge.com/.

Thanks Andy for all the help!  Really enjoying the Axxess Forte 1.