Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Forte 4A Amplifier (SS) by triamp

Model:	4A
Category:	Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$1895.00
Description:	50wpc IGBT based Class A amplifier
Manufacturer URL:	Forte

Review by triamp on February 07, 2010 at 02:23:00
IP Address: 98.206.43.107 Add Your Review
for the 4A

I have a Forte 4a that was modified by Jim Soderberg of Vintage Amp; he replaces caps with Black Gate models, changes the rectifier diodes, and installs Cardas speaker binding posts. This is said to make an already fine amp even better. I never heard a Forte 4a except my modified version, so I can't say exactly what the modification does to the sound.

I use the amp on a pair of nicely refurbed Quad ESL-57's (Wayne Picquet refurbed tweeter panels and his zener protection board.) The amp sounds great on these speakers - the best solid state amp I've heard on them. Very tube-like in the mids and highs, with great grip and extension on the lows. Treble isn't exactly tube like, it's a bit too "exact" and not quite "sweet" enough to be called exactly the same as tube treble, probably this is due to the euphonic serendipity from the Quad's impedance interaction with tube amps and LACK of coloration-inducing interaction when using the Quads on the Forte 4a. Really a great sounding amplifier, and also quite nice looking.

Soderberg says he has enough IGBT's on hand to fix any Forte 4a that will need it, but like he said he's NEVER seen one fail so potential owners shouldn't worry.

I've heard it said that the Forte 4a can hold its own against just about any solid state amp. I compared it to a Nelson Pass Aleph J, and I have to say the Forte was at least equal, if not better. Certainly it had more power, and seemed to have slightly more realistic midrange presentation than the Aleph J.

Product Weakness:	Not always easy to find one.
Product Strengths:	In it's Soderberg modded form, Smooth treble; palpable mids (very El34-ish) and groovy bass grip. Good price- about $1000 for a Soderberg-modded example in 2009.

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Forte 4a
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): DIY
Sources (CDP/Turntable): DACmagic off of Squeezebox
Speakers: Quad ESL-57
Cables/Interconnects: copper
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Rosa Passos, etc
Room Size (LxWxH): 12' x 9' x 8'
Room Comments/Treatments: -
Time Period/Length of Audition: weeks
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): -
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition): -

Amplifier:	Forte 4a
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	DIY
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	DACmagic off of Squeezebox
Speakers:	Quad ESL-57
Cables/Interconnects:	copper
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Rosa Passos, etc
Room Size (LxWxH):	12' x 9' x 8'
Room Comments/Treatments:	-
Time Period/Length of Audition:	weeks
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	-
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition):	-