Upgrade from Forte F40/4A

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?

As usual in posts the responses are drifting. If the 4A running warm is a big problem for you and you want to aleviate that a) buy a couple of small fans and keep them blowing on it or b) keep the 40 and sell your 4A ($600 give or take) buy a Mc DNA125 (8-900) used or a used CJ MF 2250 or maybe a DR-9 Classe about the same price range. These will still give you a clear accurate sound you have been used to with the Forte with more low end punch. You may give up a little of the "pristiness" of Class A sound but you will gain in dynamics and bass. I still believe without spending big you are going to beat your combo for sound with an integrated setup.

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?

>> 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!

i don't doubt you but, boy, am I very surprised to read this or what??!!

>> 04-26-06: Elizabeth
>> I still use my Forte 4a that I bought new.
>> And plan to use it until it passes into audio-heaven.
>> The grass is greener right here.

yes, I have seen a lot of posts from you re. the 4A power amp! You seem to be the most die-hard fan of this amp! :-) Don't you think that it might be a good idea to listen to other stuff on the market (new or old) from time to time just to ensure that the 4A is still holding up its end of the bargain? Or, maybe you have hence the grass is greener comment?