Modern integrated Amp for Forte II

[cincymat]

Hello everyone. I apologize for making my first post here a request for help. I recently acquired a set of what I think are 1993 vintage Forte II's. I'd like some advice about what modern integrated amps you think would pair with the Forte II's. I've read about so many IA's over he last two weeks I'm thoroughly confused. My goal is to use mainly high quality digital sources and to digitize my 400+ album vinyl collection. A winter project if you will. My budget for the amp is $2000.

Thanks in advance for your inputs.

Cincymat

aka Mark

[joessportster]

I currently use the Centrance Dac Mini and it sounds great for what it is, they have the px version which will allow you to run your pc straight in via usb, coax, or optical and it has a class D 25 wpc amp built in it will also accommodate a single analog input and it will support headphone use with a built in class A amp as well

the amp in mine (the cx for headphones only) sounds VERY good, in the price range I dare say it would be hard to beat

considering you get a very nice amp with a superb dac for around 800 I think it is a good deal,

heres a link, you would look at the px model..............................Oh yea built in the usa with a good warranty, 1 last thing the dac / amp has been a stereophile recommended class A component for the last 3 years

https://centrance.com/products/dacmini/

Edited August 8, 2014 by joessportster

[fuzzydog]

I wouldn't think you'd need to spend $2000 for a high quality 2-channel integrated amp that'll make those Fortes sing. Check out a high end marantz like the PM8005 http://us.marantz.com/us/Products/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?CatId=HiFiComponents&SubCatId=0&ProductId=PM8005

Keep your eye on Accessories4less.com for deals on refurb units.

I've read mixed reviews about digitizing vinyl.

Edit: you'll probably need something different than the Marantz if you're looking for a bunch of digital inputs.

Edited August 8, 2014 by FuzzyDog

[tromprof]

I currently use the Centrance Dac Mini and it sounds great for what it is, they have the px version which will allow you to run your pc straight in via usb, coax, or optical and it has a class D 25 wpc amp built in it will also accommodate a single analog input and it will support headphone use with a built in class A amp as well

the amp in mine (the cx for headphones only) sounds VERY good, in the price range I dare say it would be hard to beat

considering you get a very nice amp with a superb dac for around 800 I think it is a good deal,

heres a link, you would look at the px model..............................Oh yea built in the usa with a good warranty, 1 last thing the dac / amp has been a stereophile recommended class A component for the last 3 years

https://centrance.com/products/dacmini/

Teac also makes some nice class D amps with built in DACs. I recently bought one of their less expensive models to power my K-horns and was very impressed.

[willland]

I'd like some advice about what modern integrated amps you think would pair with the Forte II's. I've read about so many IA's over he last two weeks I'm thoroughly confused. My goal is to use mainly high quality digital sources and to digitize my 400+ album vinyl collection. A winter project if you will. My budget for the amp is $2000.

Are you looking for a full size(17 inch wide) integrated amp or a small form factor amp?

Let me suggest a couple of full size amps

1) http://www.spearitsound.com/Integrated_Amplifiers-NAD_C_375DAC2_Refurbished.html

The NAD C375DAC2 will offer neutral brute power with a built in DAC.

2) http://www.spearitsound.com/Integrated_Amplifiers-NAD_C_390DD_Refurbished.html

The reviews for the NAD C390DD are outstanding.

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/nad-c-390dd-direct-digital-integrated-amplifier-tas-224/

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/nad2/1.html

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/integrated-amplifiers/integrated-amplifiers-reviews/nad-c-390dd-direct-digital-integrated-amplifier.html

If you are wondering, yes I am an NAD "fan boy".

Bill

Edited August 8, 2014 by willland

[wvu80]

I don't think this power amp is exactly what you are looking for, but in your price range and at 350 wpc, it could give you power and flexibility for the future, so I thought I'd pass it along:

(not affiliated with sale)

http://www.avsforum.com/forum/209-audio-gear/1634673-sale-sherbourn-7-350-1500-shipped.html

[A1UC]

Peachtree Audio makes some decent stuff and would work great

Edited August 8, 2014 by A1UC

[cincymat]

Thanks for the ideas on amps everyone. Even though the Forte II's are very efficient I'm thinking a solid state amp in the 100 to 150 continuous RMS range would make them really sing. I'm not ruling out tube amps but I'm concerned about the environment the system will be located. My garage. It's not heated in the winter and I'm not sure my better half will let me bring it inside in the winter.

I do like the look of a full size 17" box over the smaller form factor amps. This is purely a choice based on looks not performance.

I'm not that concerned with an integrated DAC as an external one can be used and upgraded later.

Appreciate you guys taking the time to share your thoughts.

Mark

[cincymat]

Peachtree Audio makes some decent stuff and would work great

Does anyone here use Peachtree Audio intergrated amps to drive vintage Klipsch speakers? If so I'd like to hear your thoughts.

I've researched them on the "internets" and have read conflicting reports.

Mark

[cincymat]

I'd like some advice about what modern integrated amps you think would pair with the Forte II's. I've read about so many IA's over he last two weeks I'm thoroughly confused. My goal is to use mainly high quality digital sources and to digitize my 400+ album vinyl collection. A winter project if you will. My budget for the amp is $2000.

Are you looking for a full size(17 inch wide) integrated amp or a small form factor amp?

Let me suggest a couple of full size amps

1) http://www.spearitsound.com/Integrated_Amplifiers-NAD_C_375DAC2_Refurbished.html

The NAD C375DAC2 will offer neutral brute power with a built in DAC.

2) http://www.spearitsound.com/Integrated_Amplifiers-NAD_C_390DD_Refurbished.html

The reviews for the NAD C390DD are outstanding.

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/nad-c-390dd-direct-digital-integrated-amplifier-tas-224/

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/nad2/1.html

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/integrated-amplifiers/integrated-amplifiers-reviews/nad-c-390dd-direct-digital-integrated-amplifier.html

If you are wondering, yes I am an NAD "fan boy".

Bill

I saw the refurbished NAD amps on Spearitsound.com night before last. They look like sweet deals.

Thanks,

Mark

[A1UC]

On Sale now for $999.00 in black
Peachtree 220 (From $1399) is a hi-quality 220wpc power amplifier that uses the new series X amp modules from ICEpower. The X series has the best high-frequency response we have heard from a digital amp. The input stage is a custom Peachtree buffered design to make it easy to work with all preamps both tube and solid state. Low impedance loads are no problem for this amp as it puts out over 400 watts into 4 ohms. Good-looking cosmetics round this amp off with black lacquer, rosewood or cherry cabinets available. Rosewood & Cherry are $1499. A 2-year warranty is included.

I have had this amp its just awesome , anyway good luck with your search

[cincymat]

On Sale now for $999.00 in black

Peachtree 220 (From $1399) is a hi-quality 220wpc power amplifier that uses the new series X amp modules from ICEpower. The X series has the best high-frequency response we have heard from a digital amp. The input stage is a custom Peachtree buffered design to make it easy to work with all preamps both tube and solid state. Low impedance loads are no problem for this amp as it puts out over 400 watts into 4 ohms. Good-looking cosmetics round this amp off with black lacquer, rosewood or cherry cabinets available. Rosewood & Cherry are $1499. A 2-year warranty is included.

I have had this amp its just awesome , anyway good luck with your search

Thanks for the lead and input regarding the amp's performance. I'll check it out. I was looking at it's little brother the Nova 125.

Mark

Edited August 8, 2014 by cincymat

[MORE KLIPSCH PLEASE]

I love the Carver amps with my Klipsch. You can buy a lot of Carver for 1/2 of the $2000 grand. Just a thought.... Good luck Mark...

[beeker]

I don't think this power amp is exactly what you are looking for, but in your price range and at 350 wpc, it could give you power and flexibility for the future, so I thought I'd pass it along:

(not affiliated with sale)

http://www.avsforum.com/forum/209-audio-gear/1634673-sale-sherbourn-7-350-1500-shipped.html

Thats for sale here. our very own scarppydue has it for sale a few places....An absolute smokin deal if i might ad!

Honestly as efficient as forte ii's are you only need 20wpc to truly make them do their job 100%. I would also consider some older choices as well. There are so many tried and proven integrated amps out there and if you want a ton of power vintage units will 1 hold their value & 2 get the job done very, very well.

If your spending $1k+ id really consider vintage. I truly see that you would benefit by widening your looking range including gear that falls many years behind the modern timeline your considering now. There are some great deals around from time to time when looking everywhere. As well as the fact there are some very nice modern pieces that can be had for very little considering value. Im a bit vague on purpose considering your budgets at $2k and with patience and the wide range of looking and watching you can get your hands on the dream come true integrated unit. Best of time/s on your gear hunting/buying venture!

[MikeFord]

After three or so decades in audio, presently I am not a believer in amp sound, just build quality, efficiency, and reliability. Pick a good brand and model, and if doing so, why not buy one used cheap?

[jason str]

I'm with Willard here, NAD makes great stuff.

[DizRotus]

Welcome-

Before you digitize those 400+ records you might consider cleaning them and applying the de-static treatment created by audio legend Reg Williamson (see: https://community.klipsch.com/index.php?/topic/145942-the-best-way-to-clean-preserve-vinyl/). If interested, I still have the hard to find Cyastat available to Kilpsch forum members. Check out post #109 in that thread.

Your project has given me an idea regarding a way for forum members to share their digitized vinyl. I may start a thread in 2-channel regarding the idea.

After experiencing ClaudeJ1's amazing system, I've become a fan of Audyssey. Onkyo, Denon and other good companies utilize the Audyssey process.

On a final note, I was born in Cincinnati and grew up in Wyoming. Great area.

Edited August 24, 2014 by DizRotus

[cincymat]

Hi everyone. Wanted to share where I'm at in the process of recreating my stereo system. My goal is to keep cost low (total component outlay less that $2500), use components I already own, play music in whatever format its in (I have hundreds of LP's and 1000's of iTune songs), and take full advantage of my Forte II speakers. So far I've worked on the digital side of things to make my iTunes library available to the stereo. Here's what I have hooked up right now:

Bluetooth adapter hooked to an Emotiva Stealth DC-1 DAC via a toslink cable.

The Stealth DC-1 as a preamp to an Emotiva XPA-200 amp

XPA-200 driving the Forte II's.

The Emotiva equipment is on a 30 day trial. It's a place to start. I know it's at best low mid-fi stuff but it's a lot better than the Sony STR-DN100 AV receiver I was using before.

I listened to a few CSNY 1974 Live cuts (Guinvere sounded especially good) via my iPhone5 though Bluetooth to the DAC. They sounded clear, vibrant, and with a clean tight bass. A notch below CD quality. But not bad. My wife had a listen and said the combination was the best sounding system we've ever had. I'll forgive her since the last system we had was a set of Bose 901's with Denon pre-amp and amp. Absolutely no comparison to the Forte II's.

Tomorrow I'm hooking my MacBook Pro up via the USB link and trying some ALAC files.

I'm leaving the LP to digital conversions to the winter. Need to get a real pre-amp and a better cartridge for my old Thorens before I start that project.

Lot's to learn. Appreciate your thoughts and comments so far.

Thanks,

Mark

Edited August 16, 2014 by cincymat

[MikeFord]

I like Sony, but don't know the full line. Some items were as good as they get, it will be a cold day when someone pry's my Sony STR DA3000ES receiver away from me, even if I eventually find a slightly newer version with HDMI inputs.

CSNY did great stuff, awful mastering on many releases. I haven't listened to the CSNY 1974 live box set, about to, but the Audio Fidelity releases are at times amazing.

Doing the vinyl conversion cleaning is key, but so is going with the best table and cartridge.

[Kent T]

Used McIntosh MA 5100 for around half that. Refurbished well will outlive 8 NAD amps. NAD good when working, too often they don't work.