maxust

Justin, since your budget is $1500, you should consider the Decware Zen Triode Dual Mono Integrated amplifier (simply known as Zen Integrated): http://www.decware.com/integrated/zint.htm It is VERY flexible (has a couple of biasing options, plus you can always roll the tubes; 4 inputs; several output configurations), powerful enough for your RF-5's (which are 99db, more than enough for 7 watts per channel that this dual-mono integrated provides), and has great testimonials from multiple people. Unfortunately, I did not hear it myself - I am now getting Zen Select instead (my budget is not as big as yours :-), but there is one very comprehensive review of this amp: http://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/decwarese34i_e.html plus there might be several reviews on audioreview.com (look here for all reviews of Decware Zen amps series: http://www.audioreview.com/Amplifiers/Decware+Zen/PRD_115750_1583crx.aspx). If you explore decware's web site, you'll find a lot of other interesting stuff, such as papers on audio, history of zen amps, and very helpful forums. Good luck finding your perfect combination! Maxim.

Since Forte II are 99db you should be able to match them perfectly with one of the Decware ZEN tube amps (SET). The ZENs are very simple amps with almost no coloration and very sweet sound. There is almost a cult following and you'll find everything about the ZENs at http://www.decware.com/tubes.htm. The simplest model SE84C costs $499 direct from the builder, and sounds better than most other amps costing 5-7 times as much. The best-sounding amp is $695 (Select model). They are all capable of driving speakers like yours. Check out the web site (www.decware.com) as well as reviews on audioreview.com - 4.9 out of 5 with 41 reviews (http://www.audioreview.com/PRD_115750_1583crx.aspx). Good luck, Maxim.