DougM Posted August 27, 2021 Share Posted August 27, 2021 (edited) Hi all, I picked up some excellent condition Forte I's last year, and I love them. I'm currently running them with a Pioneer SX-727. I have spent way too much time researching how to improve this setup (without spending $1k+). I bought a refurbished Harman Kardon 730 recently after reading some glowing reviews, but I have to say the Forte I's still sound better with the Pioneer SX-727. I do plan on recapping the Forte I's since I understand that you're supposed to do that every 35 years or so. Perhaps that would affect the way they pair with the HK. Any Forte I owners out there who have affordable setups they love? I do like having a tuner and a solid preamp included, so sticking with my SX-727 and a speaker recap is probably the intelligent move. I am curious how they'd sound with a modern amp like the Outlaw RR-2160MKII though I'm not in any particular hurry to drop a grand on one. If any HK fans are curious about the 730, here's a description of the work done and some pics. I still feel like I may be missing something here. I've run it for a dozen or so hours and, though it does sound pretty darn good with my office RP-160M's, it's just a tad harsh with the Forte I's compared to the Pioneer. Again, maybe a recap on the Forte I's could help there. "the electrolytic capacitors and problematic transistors, diodes, and rectifiers replaced on the preamp, main amp, and power supply boards replaced with quality audio grade parts including all four of the speaker filter capacitors. The unit was tested for 20 hours for break-in time, then readjusted the power supply, offset voltages, and idle currents to factory specs. All dial and function lamps were replaced with new LEDS. All pots and switches were cleaned with deoxit. All the rear input and output jacks were cleaned. All functions were tested and work flawlessly. The AM and FM sections were aligned and receive many stations." Thanks for any input! D Edited August 27, 2021 by DougM 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willland Posted August 28, 2021 Share Posted August 28, 2021 @DougM, Welcome to the forum. I had great results driving my long gone to the Ukraine Fortes with 80's/90's Denon integrated amps and preamp/amp combos. They really brought out the best the Fortes could muster with great detail and fast punchy bass. I really miss the combinations. From what I have read/heard, the modern Denon integrated amps continue with that sound signature(dead on neutral) with some modern enhancements. 15 hours ago, DougM said: I am curious how they'd sound with a modern amp like the Outlaw RR-2160MKII though I'm not in any particular hurry to drop a grand on one. No need to drop $1000.00 to bring out what the Forte possesses. https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denpma800ne/denon-pma-800ne-integrated-amplifier-w/built-in-dac/1.html Bill 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fido Posted August 28, 2021 Share Posted August 28, 2021 I updated my crossovers and installed Dave As Lmahl tweeters and my Forte 1s sound pretty damned good but my Forte IVs sound much better to my ears in my setup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DougM Posted August 28, 2021 Author Share Posted August 28, 2021 (edited) Thanks Bill. I've read good things about Denon. There's an AVR 95 in my garage maybe I should try out, though I understand integrated amps are largely understood to almost always have better preamps than receivers. I listen to a lot of radio and would love a tuner built in or at least match. Quote Edited August 28, 2021 by DougM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wuzzzer Posted August 28, 2021 Share Posted August 28, 2021 Where are you located? I have a really nice newer Denon two channel integrated amp that I'm thinking of selling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC39693 Posted August 28, 2021 Share Posted August 28, 2021 @DougM welcome. I was going to suggest a used Luxman R-117 or 115,114,113.... but if the HK didn’t work for you I’m not sure about vintage Luxman. I have an R-117 that to my ears is way better than my Denon x4300h was, more depth/body and low end sounds better. The R series have phono, tuner etc pre amp, includes pre out if you want a sub and good power. Mine is in for the same maintenance that you did on your HK, will be interesting when it’s back, hope it sounds as good or better. Good luck with your search. 2 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willland Posted August 28, 2021 Share Posted August 28, 2021 35 minutes ago, MC39693 said: I was going to suggest a used Luxman R-117 or 115 Drove my Quartets a little while with an R-117 and Fortes with an R-115 and all I can say is wow. Bill 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DougM Posted August 28, 2021 Author Share Posted August 28, 2021 I'm in Austin. The R-115 looks like a good option. 70 watts would be plenty for me. Curious if there's any difference in the preamp between the R-117 & R-115. I've read that there could be sample variation with HK 730's, and also that the 430's might sound a tad cleaner. But I know just cause I read it on the internet doesn't make it true. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC39693 Posted August 28, 2021 Share Posted August 28, 2021 @DougM, the Luxman also have remote control. And the command codes are (hopefully still) available for download to a Logitech universal if you get a unit without the original remote. I have only owned the R-117 so can’t comment about differences other than what’s on paper. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
absolve2525 Posted August 28, 2021 Share Posted August 28, 2021 I have an R-115 and it's great sounding. As with the 117, it will probably need maintenance however. I had to replace the relays in mine. I'm a big vintage Sansui fan also, if you come across any of them. Good luck! Keep us updated 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emile Posted August 28, 2021 Share Posted August 28, 2021 1 hour ago, DougM said: The R-115 looks like a good option. Hi Doug. Just read you post ... have an extra R-115 (WITHOUT remote) which I can sell for pretty cheap; say $150 - just do not need it anymore Send me a PM if interested. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DougM Posted August 28, 2021 Author Share Posted August 28, 2021 28 minutes ago, Emile said: Hi Doug. Just read you post ... have an extra R-115 (WITHOUT remote) which I can sell for pretty cheap; say $150 - just do not need it anymore Send me a PM if interested. I'm only allowed to send "0" messages per day. I think if I keep chiming in on my own post here I might garner enough seniority to private message. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billybob Posted August 28, 2021 Share Posted August 28, 2021 26 minutes ago, DougM said: I'm only allowed to send "0" messages per day. I think if I keep chiming in on my own post here I might garner enough seniority to private message. Welcome to the forum! Just 5 posts here, all will be revealed about PM's and your account access... Cheers! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DougM Posted August 28, 2021 Author Share Posted August 28, 2021 Just now, billybob said: Welcome to the forum! Just 5 posts here, all will be revealed about PM's and your account access... Cheers! This should do it then thx! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billybob Posted August 28, 2021 Share Posted August 28, 2021 Just now, DougM said: This should do it then thx! What with all the forum work here... Hit it again a time or 2 more times for good measure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBCODD Posted August 28, 2021 Share Posted August 28, 2021 34 minutes ago, DougM said: I'm only allowed to send "0" messages per day. I think if I keep chiming in on my own post here I might garner enough seniority to private message. Yep, yez jest need one more post…… 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DougM Posted August 28, 2021 Author Share Posted August 28, 2021 6 minutes ago, billybob said: What with all the forum work here... Hit it again a time or 2 more times for good measure. Took me two weeks to successfully sign up! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DougM Posted August 29, 2021 Author Share Posted August 29, 2021 I've been advised by someone I trust not to bother recapping the Forte I's unless I was hearing a problem, which I'm not. Any thoughts there? Same person also rec'd the Sansui 8080db and 9090db. Those seem to be in high demand and very expensive. For that amount I may rather try an R-117 with parts+labor to bring it up to spec. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billybob Posted August 29, 2021 Share Posted August 29, 2021 1 minute ago, DougM said: I've been advised by someone I trust not to bother recapping the Forte I's unless I was hearing a problem, which I'm not. Any thoughts there? Same person also rec'd the Sansui 8080db and 9090db. Those seem to be in high demand and very expensive. For that amount I may rather try an R-117 with parts+labor to bring it up to spec. Try it first before sending off... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billybob Posted August 29, 2021 Share Posted August 29, 2021 4 minutes ago, billybob said: Try it first before sending off... And if no remote for the Luxman, deduct $100... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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