[Vintage Receivers and the Forte III’s]

2 hours ago, Bubo said:

A 50W - 70W amp should provide all of the power you need.

I would also consider things like the numbers and kinds of inputs

MM MC phono inputs

Tape in and out if you want to add an EQ later, usually better than the basic tone controls

If you are not a receiver collector

I would consider one of the many excellent integrated amps

Some great ones can be had ridiculously cheap on e-bay

Pioneer made lots of them in the same era as the receivers

I would also look at the Yamaha integrates from the 1980s

the ones with the MM MC phono inputs

I picked up a Yamaha A-1000 for $50 in excellent condition

had to drive 3 hours to get it, but worth the trip, runs Class A for the first 10 watts.

also doubles as a space heater in the winter. A-1000, A-1020, A-700, A-720

https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/pioneer.shtml?category=integrated-amplifier

https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/yamaha/a-1000.shtml

You can add an outboard Sangeon tuner for $160 that is excellent and new

https://www.amazon.com/Sangean-HDT-20-Radio-FM-Stereo-Component/dp/B01BY02C5K/ref=sr_1_1?crid=P20JX4WDEJG7&keywords=sangean+hd+tuner&qid=1572301503&sprefix=sangeon+hd+tuner%2Caps%2C410&sr=8-1

And if you amp is more than 20 years old it should be recapped

The only thing standing between your amp and blown speakers is two capacitors.

 

 

Most of your listening will be well below .5 watts

2 watts is screaming

On my LaScalas I typically listen at 1/200th of a watt to 1/50th

 

Damping should exceed 20

SN 90 or greater, some of mine are rated greater than 120db

Class B McIntosh, Class AB is most of the receivers, Can't think of a Class A receiver

THD should be less than 1%, some of mine are rated at .003

Slew rate on the older gear, can't think of the number

Freq rating, number like 20-50khz or better, although many only provide 20-20 even though they go much higher

If you listen to radio, I would look at the stats on the tuner vs how far away your stations are etc....FMTuners

so much to consider here and again, thank you for the excellent and detailed information. I lucked out and found a 1250 in my area for an awesome price. Going to audition it this weekend. I’ll keep everyone posted and again, thank you! So glad I joined the community! 

[Vintage Receivers and the Forte III’s]

That’s what I hear. Much warmer and overall better build. 
I'm in Indianapolis. 

[Vintage Receivers and the Forte III’s]

Wow!  There’s a 1980 serviced and in pristine condition on eBay right now for 4K. A Sansui g33000 for 10k. It’s insane. I had some older x80 series stuff along time ago and sold them for basically nothing. Lesson learned. Never owned a x50 series, but I do t think I’ll be disappointed. 

[Vintage Receivers and the Forte III’s]

Thank you everyone for the advice! I think I might go with the sx1050. eBay prices are just insane right now and getting a 1250 under 2k that has been serviced by a legitimate tech is rough. There’s a few 1050’s that are serviced and clean for around 1k. I may get the 1050 and in a year sell it and get a 1250. This is a journey. 
thanks again everyone for the feedback and yes, the Forte III’s are probably (not probably) the best speakers I’ve ever owned! 
cheers! 

[Vintage Receivers and the Forte III’s]

Very new to this forum, but I’d like to solicit  some feedback. I recently purchased a new pair of Forte III’s. They’re amazing. I went though a number of newer integrated amps and receivers and what I’ve landed on is I just love the sound of the old pioneer receivers. I had an SX980 and it sounded great, but went into protect mode at about 10 o’clock on the volume dial. I think this is because it’s only rated at 80 WPC and the forte’s ask for 100. That said I sold the 980 and am looking at a pioneer sx1250 or sx1050. The 1250 is rated at 165 WPC while the 1050 is rated at 120 WPC. The 50 series has a warmer sound which is what I’m into. I listen to a lot of vinyl. 
so my question is, has anyone experienced either of these receivers with the fortes?  More power can be good, but do I really need it?  The 1050 is also about a grand cheaper too, which let’s face it, that’s helpful as I’m on a budget. 
appreciate the help. Cheers.