Amp: Forte Model 4 vs Model 6 and Pre-amp
Vince Chan
Amps. As I understand, the Forte is made by Threshold with the Model 4
being a Class A 50WPC Amp and the Model 6 being a Class AB 200WPC Amp
which I heard are designed the same except that the Model 6 has more
power in the output. Both of these are selling for $1800. I have
auditioned the Forte Model 4 with the Rotel 990 Pre-amp and a Rotel 965LE
CD Player but have not seen or heard the Model 6 yet since my dealer is
only being setted up as a Threshold/Forte dealer. What I would like to
know is what the differences are between the two amps sonically and also
if the Model 6 is worth it? Also, does anyone happen to know of a good
pre-amp that is a good match for these amps that is affordable and not as
expensive as the pre-amp since I want to save money for other components as
well. Any help would be appreciated. Also, are there any amps that are
better for the price?
Cheers,
Vince
vi...@kbrown.oldcampus.yale.edu
Daniel Baker
: only being setted up as a Threshold/Forte dealer. What I would like to
: if the Model 6 is worth it? Also, does anyone happen to know of a good
Your understanding of the specs of the Model 4 v. the Model 6 is
correct. Virtually the only difference between the amps is in their
biasing, with the 4 being biased almost completely into Class A and the 6
biased into Class AB. Also, because the 6 will be delivering greater
power, the output transistors on the 6 need to have a tighter tolerance
than those in the 4.
The first thing you must determine regarding these amps is how much power
you need and what type of music you listen to. I have listened
extensively to the Model 4 both at a dealer and on my own system, and was
very impressed with the apparent power of that amp, even with only 50W.
Even with the Mirage M3si, which is not terribly easy to drive, the Model
4 did not seem to run out of steam. However, if your speakers are very
insensitive, say < 85 dB/1W/m, you might need to go with the Model 6.
Or, if you listen at levels that make your ears bleed, you might also
need the extra power.
The sonic differences between the 4 and 6 are really quite astounding,
especially since their only difference is biasing. Even with lower
power, the 4 has a sense of ease and liquidity that the 6 cannot touch.
The soundstage and sense of air on the 4 is really quite something,
whereas on the 6 it is merely adequate.
Surprisingly, too, the bass on the 4 is subjectively more powerful. It
might help remembering that although the two amps' output in watts is
very different, their ability to deliver current (as in amps) is pretty
much the same. Actually, when I first put the Model 4 in my system on
loan, it replaced a 60W/ch NAD 2100. The effect of the 50W/ch Model 4,
among other things, was like adding a subwoofer to my system. Bass lines
and kick drum were much easier to follow with the 4. I actually had to
reposition my speakers to accommodate this better quality of bass.
So, unless the Model 4 cannot drive your speakers, and there are few
speakers it can't drive, I would definitely choose the Model 6 over the
4. However, if you do need the power, you might want to look at other
powerful amps like the Aragon 4004 Mk II. The Aragon has seemingly
never-ending power and is better than the 6 virtually across the board as
well. However, if you don't need the power of the Aragon, I think that
the Model 4 is decidedly better than the Aragon.
You also should remember that since the Model 4 is Class A, it will pull
a lot of electricity out of your wall, even at idle.
: pre-amp that is a good match for these amps that is affordable and not as
: expensive as the pre-amp since I want to save money for other components as
I am assuming you mean not as expensive as the amp here. I would look at
Forte's own preamp, I forget the model number, at around $1250. I would
also look at the Classe 30 and 20, the Sonographe SC25, and perhaps the
McCormack TLC-1 if you only listen to CD and your CD source has an output
of at least 2.0V.
Hope I've helped.
--Daniel Baker
Vince Chan
Amps. As I understand, the Forte is made by Threshold with the Model 4
being a Class A 50WPC Amp and the Model 6 being a Class AB 200WPC Amp
which I heard are designed the same except that the Model 6 has more
power in the output. Both of these are selling for $1800. I have
auditioned the Forte Model 4 with the Rotel 990 Pre-amp and a Rotel 965LE
CD Player but have not seen or heard the Model 6 yet since my dealer is
know is what the differences are between the two amps sonically and also
if the Model 6 is worth it? Also, does anyone happen to know of a good
expensive as the pre-amp since I want to save money for other components as
Mark Palius
they shared the same schematic but they didn't sound the same.
he liked the 50 w/ch class a model much better than the 200 w/ch
class ab model.
/mp