Yeah, zero regrets. This thing just sound magnificent! I went for nothing. Can’t even imagine what the higher-ups sound like. Maybe if I hit the lottery;)
Finally got a Luxman
So I’ve been at this hobby 35+ years and while I’ve had some good pre/amp tube gear from AR and BAT it’s all been used vintage gear. Good gear nonetheless but old tech (30 years in some cases) and finicky at that age. Though the BAT preamp has never had a hiccup.
Today I got my first new high end integrated amp from Luxman, the poor man’s integrated, the L-505uxII. I’ve always wanted a Luxman, but it’s always been out of my price range until recently.
I’m running it on a pair of Forte IV’s (technically Forte III’s that have the upgrade kit to make them the same as Forte IV’s). Even though it’s got less than an hour on it, it’s blowing me away. The tone is so smooth and it’s way more refined. .
I look forward to the next 100 hours to see how this thing changes.
Showing 5 responses by last_lemming
Yes you can upgrade the forte 3 to forte 4. Just type in forte 3 upgrade kit in google. Well worth the $800 IMO. I think the cheaper units that come from Japan will require a step down transformer, but I’ve also read there is something you can switch on the inside of the unit to switch the voltage as well. But I’m not an expert on this and you need to verify this info. |
Yes. The kit is made by Klipsch. The only thing that is different is they changed the speaker cabinet base, otherwise it ends up being the same speaker (the forte IV). Takes about 2 hours to install.
you will need 2 kits: https://paducahhometheater.com/products/forte-3-to-forte-4-upgrade-kit-per-speaker |
@webking185, the Thiel CS2.4’s are not terribly difficult to drive, but you do need an amp that doubles down. I have driven them easily with an Audio Research 60w vintage amp for instance. What I have found is that what you need is quality watts. And here the Luxman is just fine. |