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Forte 1A or Threshold 400A

Hi.  I changed my speakers and I sold my McCormack DeLuxe because the original board inside this amp was not safe for long term use.
As I now use speakers which have a sensitivity of 90 db/1W/1M, I have the choice of many amps available on the used market here. Forte 1A which needs new power supply caps, Threshold 400A which is fully rebuilt by a professional. The forte as is don't play at his best (it lacks definition) but I think that if properly upgraded it has some potential. The 400A price is 3 times the price of the Forte. I could also have a Classe Twenty five but I don't need 250W/C.  Do someone have some experience with some of these amps ?
legarem
unsound
7,318 posts
 
^Yes, and Coda is an offshoot of Threshold/Forte’.
lou_setriodes's avatar
lou_setriodes
673 posts
 
I'd take the Threshold over the Forte or even a Threshold S200.  I've actually never heard a Threshold amp before, but it's a Threshold - it can't suck, right?
legarem OP
20 posts
 
Mr. Decibel. I refurbished the DNA0.5 Deluxe myself. Here in Canada with exchange from Can To Us, it was too costly with shipping to made upgrades by SMC. Steve mentioned me that even if I redone all the solders on the main board, it would fail in the future. I also replaced all the caps. This was a lovely amp but I didn't trust it for long term use. It was a bit overly detailed for my taste. I still have a pair of Monarchy SM-70 They are very musical but lack a bit of definition. Yesterday I tried an EL34 PP in triode and loved it. It lacked power when I want more. A blend between the EL34 in PP in triode and the DNA 0.5 DeLuxe should be perfect for my taste.  My new speakers are 3A Reference 2002. They are kind of dipole 5 ft high with a planar ribbon in the mids. I still have the idea to build a pair of mono blocks PP 211/VT4C. I have 16 American 211 NOS and a pair of Peerless S275S OPTs. As this project would be long to do, I need an amp to do the job before ending this project.
cooperjack's avatar
cooperjack
22 posts
 
I have a Threshold 400A/Cascode driving Kef LS 50's. I bought it new and recently had it recapped and replaced the power switch and input connectors, and added an Anti Cables power cord. I've owned this amp since new. Over the years I've used it with Dayton Wright electrostats, Tympani Maggies and Fuseliers .   I didn't realize just how great this amp is until I decide to upgrade the desktop system with the LS 50's. Maybe one of Pass Labs amps is better but I  really love listening to music with the Threshold. 
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