My first response would be the Forte equipment. I will just give you a brief history of my trials, maybe that will help you. I will start off back over 10 years ago when I was using a Denon integrated amp (they called it a pre-main amp), this was only about 40 watts. I replaced it with a Heath amp and preamp setup, I gained clarity but lost some punch. The fun didn't seem to be there if I were to play something like rock. I had sold the Denon to friend and we traded for a weekend and the Denon was definately "more fun" but it lacked the clarity of the Heath setup. I started trying different preamps, I tried Adcom, Bryston and ended buying a Forte Model 2 in 4/91 as it was the only one that made enough difference to justify the purchase; but I only gained in clarity. I thought maybe a speaker change would help, I was using Polk RTA12c's, so in 8/91 I bought Mirage M3's, still no punch, but great claity. I then started trying amps, I ended up with a Forte Model 6, again it was clearly better than my Heath so I justified the cost, but still no low end, no fun! As the years went by I made some CD changes but I hated my system, I told my wife I wanted to sell it all and buy a little integrated amp, decent speakers and leave it at that. I had a decent amount of money into my system and I found it embarassing, I had clarity but no life! The saga continues...In 11/94 I bought Linn Keilidh speakers, I think they added a little more low end but the M3's had better clarity, it still didn't make me happy. In 10/96 I bought Linn AV5140 speakers which I liked and still use today, but still wasn't the answer. BTW, as I said earlier, I had been making a number of CD upgrades throughout this process, by 1/96 I was using a Theta Data Basic transport w/Theta Pro Prime II DAC. Before I move to the next section, let me say that I had heard many a nice system at the local highend store through the years. But finally the day came when I heard what I knew I was looking for. My local store started carrying Meridian. In 8/97 I bought a Meridian 557 amp and 502 preamp and from the instant I turned it on I was elated, and have been ever since! My system now has life and punch! Four months later, 12/97, I added the Meridian 508.24 CD player for the whole package. Ok, so it wasn't brief, but it's my story. Even though you have tried other amps, keep looking. As for the Linn dealer in Chicago, I deal with them also, I can't think of their name, it's a strange one. The salesman I had here in Michigan, Chris Berry, moved over the that store. I drove over there last year.
Help! Forte, Linn, Magnepan. NOT RIGHT?
Looking for suggestions on how to get better sound from my gear. System: Linn LP12 valhalla, Itok, K9 Marantz CD 67SE Interconnects between CD and pre are DIY CAT 5. Forte F44 line leve preamp (long interconnect to power - 20ft) Forte Model 7 mono blocks (75 watts class A) Magnepan Tympani 1D (refurbished by Maganepan) I have modified these to look like the 4a with oak and also separated the tweeter panels. I have also removed the crossovers and made external boxes for them. Problems: 1.) Sound is fatiguing. Can't play Rock at all(not enough deep bass). Jazz sounds pretty good. Voices are a bit harsh. Overall I’m just not satisfied. 2.) Currently have no phono preamp. Any suggestions for under $300? Anyone heard the Forte FP-1? 3.) When I was running the TT, my CD sounded better (go figure). Is the Linn K9 crap? TT is lacking detail and punch. I have had it set up professionally by a Linn dealer in Chicago and shipped back to me in VA. Can a Linn be shipped and still expected to keep its setup? 4.) What can I do with the stock crossover of the Tympani's? Keep in mind I have removed them and have plenty of space to do whatever is necessary to make them right. 5.) Subwoofer? should I? 6.) Knowing the above info… where would you concentrate your efforts first? I am on a budget, please keep suggestions low $ (1k or less). Any help would be great. Thanks.