Forte Audio Model 5

[Natertots]

I am looking for some information on this amp. I am wondering what I should look for if I go to check it out, if it is worth the asking price ($125), and if there is something in the same price range that would be better.

I have found a fair bit of information on the Model 4, and even some on the earlier model 1 & 3’s, but not much on the 5.

I am looking for something to drive some Infinity Kappa 6.1’s. They are 4 ohm and I understand they really like power, but power into 4 ohms is generally more expensive than I can afford. The Forte Audio Model 5 is supposed to put 175 watts into 4 ohm and be quite stable at that.

Any help or insight would be great.

 

[Tedrick]

I have four Forte amps, but a Model 5 is not among them. Forte amps, like their more expensive big brother Threshold models, have proven to be robust and very reliable. They don't have any common failure modes of which I'm aware.

Fortes ALL run hot; if you can audition the Model 5 (and you should), the heat sinks should get very warm to the touch in 15-20 minutes (the heat sinks may pop and ping a little as they come up to temp; that is perfectly normal). If one or both channels don't come up to temperature, the amp will need service. Service could be as simple as a bias adjustment, but could be something more. Other than that, listen for any hum, hiss, channel imbalances, muffled frequencies, or other odd sounds.

Good luck.

 

[Audioraven]

$125 is a steal for ANY Forte amp. The Model 5 normally sells for at least twice that. Most recent sale price on ebay was $425. And no you aren't gonna beat it's quality with something else in the $125 range.

 

[Tedrick]

Heck, I missed the asking price. For $125, you could buy it, send it to Jon Soderburg at Vintage Amp Repair for a restoration, and you would have an amp that you'd have to spend a couple thousand dollars to improve upon.

And I agree with @Audioraven, most Forte amps sell in the $425-$700 price range. I paid around $450 each for mine.