An old Forte' model 3 made new


 This is an odd topic just because what I will be discussing is an old Forte' model 3 power amp that has been completely rebuilt and designed differently than the original. Years ago, it started with a loud popping noise in one channel. That was enough to take a look inside. I found out that this model uses a chip for the input and the chip had a reputation for this problem. When looking inside the unit, I decided it was time to change out the power caps, replace the bias setting pot, and hope for the best. Shortly thereafter, I knew that I was in over my head, and looked for a tech out there that would be of assistance. Almost by accident, I ran into John Dee, a former engineer at Sudgen? audio located in Europe. Point being John was just the right person for the job. It took a long time to complete the project due to personal reasons, but now the amp is up and running in my system. John converted it to class A bias, and also reduced the number of output transistors. Probably close to all the transistors were changed out due to catastrophic failure (you can thank me for that). A better diode bridge was installed, faster caps replace throughout, and numerous other parts I am sure were dealt with as well. Since my speakers are quite efficient at about 94 db, I had John set the bias for a mere 20 watts class A. It sports a damping factor of 600, has a much faster rise time, and electrolytic caps were all bypassed with Wima caps IIRC. The sound? Well, as expected the bass is to die for, the midrange has power that makes the music 'right there', and truthfully, I do have the hearing to give an honest opinion of the treble, but I feel that it is a bit light. I suppose that I could rig up an adapter and use headphones, giving me the chance at hearing more accurately what the signature of the amp is. Probably sometime soon, I will do that. I just felt that this sort of project is more common amongst some of us and would like to hear your impressions of said projects.
128x1284krowme
 They really were a product worth owning. In fact, I did own a set of mono bloks at one time (before I knew squat about electronics), and sold them because there was a very small hum in each channel. Maybe they were the model 7? Too long ago to recall. Also seems that Nelson Pass was only responsible for the first couple of models as far as design, but I could wrong.
 Lastly, wasn't there a model that used IGBT transistors? In fact, it might have been the model 3.
Eric Lauchli, B.D. Dale, Lorin Peterson of Coda along w/Michael Bladalius formerly w/Classe, Primare and his current company Bladalius Audio out of Sweden were responsible for most of the Forte and Threshold T series. I owned a Forte 4A which was very good still regret selling it. I still have a Forte 6 powering my center and a pair of T-50's which I bought off a former Threshold Executive. While he was at the company he had Michael Bladalius modify both amps into 100 wpc class A mono blocks. I've has them for over 12 years. 
Thank you for your input. A bit of audio history there.  Gee, those T50's would be an excellent pair. Please remember me if you would ever sell them.... Fat chance, right?
The person I purchased them from had to move back to California on sudden notice. So he was selling off a lot of his audio equipment. I got the T-50's for $600 ea. He also threw in a pair of Zoethecus amp stands to sweeten the deal. Probably my best deal. 
http://systems.audiogon.com/users/4krowme 

 Well, aren't we modern? I have not so good photos of the amp before and after (at least the external chassis). Point here is to show how the chassis was extended to house the much larger power supply capacitors. Probably wouldn't have gone this far with any other amp.