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what are some of the best amplifiers

I have owned many amplifiers over time. Some were high priced and some were not. My latest finding is a pair of Forte model 7 monoblocks reworked by John Sodderberg. These are very magical amplifiers after 1/2 hour of warm up. The midrange is the best I've heard. Full bodied yet detailed. There is a mystical ring of air and depth that has to be heard to be believed. I have owned Threshold amplifiers(Fortes maker) and feel that the less expensive Fortes(4a and 7's), even in stock form, outperform the Thresholds. I think less is more!
brucefrederick
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
I really think one should get a good legendary pair of monoblocks and learn their ways in and out in order to make them sound their best in any system.

Those are words of wisdom.

My Forte 4a will be put up for sale and the money used to upgrade components in my legendary monoblocks:

Marantz Ma-5 Esotec.

The 4a is more powerful and with slightly better HF extension. However, there is NO comparison in musicality: these 30W class A monoblocks put out the 'to die for' midrange and holographic presentation of tube amps along with the sonic neutrality and beef of solid state. Their bass is more extended than the Forte's. However, I also keep them from handling low bass, as they were originally intended to be used with subs. I use a Dan Wright modded Marchand X9 Deluxe x-over* followed by a pair of Kenwood L-07M high current monoblocks (also legendary). The x-over frequency is 80 Hz with a 24dB/octave slope--a perfect match!

* Danny Boy modded the x-over in order to optimize its interaction with a Channel Islands passive pre. This results in the stunning clarity of a passive combined with slam and constant output impedance of an active preamp. It sounds OK.

***
jack_dotson
210 posts
 
Belles 350A Reference. A sure to be classic.
loudandclear
79 posts
 
ARC 100.2
Do a search.
One of the few amps actually increasing in value on the used market over the last couple years! And for very good reason.
Easily the best of several dozen amps I have auditioned.
brucefrederick OP
7 posts
 
Joe,

I know your still living in your parents basement listening to their one box Panasonic unit and borrowing their car for your job at Mcdonalds. Have you ever been with a woman(beside your sister)?
shadorne's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
shadorne
7,333 posts
 
If your the sort that don't feel it is necessary to spend $25K on an amplifier for comfort that you have great sound then value for money in power SS gear is Bryston, IMHO.

Reliability and Watts per dollar = Value and with the added bonus of being able to cook an egg on top ;-)

BTW I like the Honda Accord too but I understand that it will not turn as many heads as an S600....it depends on one's view on best!
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