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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
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hoopster
184 posts
 
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.
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?
bombaywalla's avatar
bombaywalla
1,958 posts
 
>> 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?
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