2. amps-preamps
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Upgrade from Forte F40/4A

Forte F40 and 4A have served me well. Ok not me, but my parents. I am looking for convenience (remote) and ease of use (integrated?) so they will use the system more often. System will be used in high heat and humidity location in Asia so prefer cool running gears.

Have been tempted with digital amps like Bel Canto or NuForce. How do they compare sonically with a stock Forte 4A? I like almost everything about Forte 4A, but sound is a little flat with F40 but can't afford to use a tube pre to add more dimension due to heat and operation complexity.

Are there any integrated or pre/power combo that can beat Forte combo in $2k range used? Speakers to pair with are Sonus Faber floor stander.
semi

Showing 3 responses by semi

semi OP
649 posts
 
all your Forte owners are so happy no one ever thought of upgrading?
semi OP
649 posts
 
So Forte still holds its own against the newer digital amps, or newer amps in general? I did try the PS Audio HCA-2 with my bigger Sonus Faber and liked the sound, but I know digital amps are very load sensitive and have to be heard with the speaker to accurately judge the sound. But because the system is located oversea, I will have to buy the amps here, bring them over and try, bring them back to sell if I don't like. Now, that's difficult to do especially with amps.

As for modding, that does not solve any of my initial concerns, heat and convenience, so I will most likely keep them stock until I upgrade the system all together.

Any integrated out there that sounds close to the Forte combo?
semi OP
649 posts
 
Hoopster, that's a good suggestion. The reason I am looking into integrated is convenience. One machine and one remote, now is two machines with no remote.

I do have a Placette RVC, thought about pairing it up with 4A but that will only allow one input. I am loading up my 30G iPod with Apple Lossless Compression music to use as a music server, but still prefer to have multiple input options in case I want to use tuner or CDP.

I have good experience with McCormack, I had a DNA-2 Deluxe in the past and very happy with it, drove my Sonus Faber Extrema better than Rowland 8Ti HC! Maybe it's time for another McCormack?
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