The Borrenson X1”s are in now, with the forte 1. These two were made to be together, this was evident from the first listen. The X1 with this amp = gorgeous high end system that does without question look, feel and sound like it costs way more than it does. The X1 speakers are a stupid crazy deal at their $5500 price. I urge anyone who is looking at a high end system with a high end budget, audition the Forte with X1 (or x2, x3) as you may find you can spend half of what you planned.
I like integrated amps, but I'm always leery of the things like built in DACs, or phono stages for the following reasons: 1) DAC tech seems to move and change remarkably fast. 2) Most built-in phono stages can be outdone with modest external phono stages. So yeah, for my part, the only thing I want integrated is the preamp and the amp.
I would rather have a stripped down minimal integrated amp so I can use what I want. Most DACs and phone stages or whatever built all in one leaves a lot to be desired
@@BostonMike68integrated amp with 4-5 analogue inputs a couple balanced inputs and a sub out. Everything else I can connect externally like a dac phono stage or streamer. It will almost always beat those all in one products
I suspect that the proprietary D-class (UMAC) power amplifier performs better with the 1-bit DAC designed for it. I would also not rule out that the phono stage is also digital, which gives a mathematically accurate result.
Hey all! Just a note to say I have been using the mconnect app with Tidal and Qobuz tonight. Seems this app has improved a bit since I last used it. Works great and hooks up to the Forte instantly. There’s a bit of an improvement vs using tidal connect. Will be picking up a cheap iPad tomorrow to test the AGD app. I’ll give updates soon. Have a great night!
I moved from Tidal Connect to Qobuz on the MCONNECT app, and definitely found more definition with Qobuz. Feedback I got from AGD is Qobuz gives the best audio performance with the Forte.
The guy who designed that dac is a genius. The best dacs i ever heard were so called outdated technology yet they had the most analog beautiful sound. 😊. So many of the new dacs are spec based and are missing the ear tuning that makes a dac special.
Have you seen or heard the Orchard Audio StarKrimson Amp/s - amp or monoblocks? They also have a high-end streamer. Made in USA. Class D using GaN FETs.
Ozempic is another fad drug to make rich drug companies even richer and is an easy way out for lazy people who don’t want to eat healthy and exercise. It might as well be poison given all the nasty side effects, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s taken off the market.
Yes, the Danes are killing it. I use DPA microphones for work, and an Alluxity Int One MKII for pleasure. A 200 wpc into 8 ohms integrated masterpiece.
I just went to a single ended tube amp from China and for SQ it murdered everything I've ever had in my place before. My speakers are efficient though at 97db 1w, but ya, you dont need to spend big $ to get big awesome sound. Audiophile stuff often times is laced with nonsense. Just my two cents.
@@zombielandiii2711 For sure, it was a single ended EL34 by a brand called OldChen. There is one that has four tubes and one that has five tubes. Mine is the one with five tubes. Its awesome.
@@audiogonleahy9882 I mean its all sujective, but the out of my own personal amps, a Bryston 2BLP and a Threshold SA3, but my friend has a firstwatt F5 he bulit which he brought over for us to listen to and also another friend brought the Benchmark amp. Now to be fair, the speakers are giant open baffles each with 2x 15 bass drivers, two 10" middbass/mid and compression driver and horn for the HF. All drivers are pro drivers. I'm sure with low efficieny speakers it would have never beaten anything but as it stand, the SQ and enjoyment is ahead of all those amps. Much more lifelike and real if I can use nonsensical terms that I have no other way but to describe.
@@audiogonleahy9882 Sorry about the delay but in my place I had a get together for an amp listening test and subjectively, it was more enjoyable than these amps: -Pass Labs F5 -Bryston 2B LP PRO -Benchmark AHB2 Thats not to say its more accurate or 'better' in a technical way, but friends and I listened and in my setup the tube was the most enjoyable to listen to. The one you'd want to continue listening to more.
AXXESS, not AxxCess :) I'm looking to downsize from mono blocks, etc. and the packages from the Denmark Audio Group are at the top of my list. It's for this reason that I am going to AXPONA. Their system with the X6's won best of show for a few reviewers at CapFest and that's my target. I have a feeling that I could be very happy with a AXXESS Forte 3 and X3s.
Nice to know this integrated was just as pleasing-albeit different - in presentation as your Maria amp. Glad you’re getting those Borressen speakers in! Will be great to know how it pairs with those x-1’s 🙏🏼
Audio Group Denmark had the most outstanding room at Capital Audiofest last November - but they didn’t get the attention they deserved. Incredible room and set up.
Wow, sounds like a perfect all in one dream come true integrated amp!! I listened to AAVIK amps before and was mightily impressed with them already! I may want to give it an audition!
Hi- am tempted to buy this amp. Being in Dubai it is a bit difficult. Viewing one of your earlier reviews, am very close to purchasing the Gato DIA 250S (already have the AMP150AR from them that ai love). Which of the two in your mind is better purchase overall- the DiA400S or the Axxess Forte 1?
I had a Gato 400s in my system for a month from a dealer. I sent it back. I now have the Axxess Forte 1. I personally prefer it. The Axxess has made a much bigger impact on my listening than the Gato or any other amp has.
Tone control ruins sound quality in my opinion. It's not in the Axxess Forté amplifiers. You need an external equalizer, or you need to use Roon and use the software DSP.
Did you happen to play any vinyl through this app, and thoughts if you did? What do you think about playing an analog format like vinyl through a class D amp?
Dont be it's an incredible all on one. I have one in my system currently. The forte 3. Its the sound ive been searching for since i got into this hobby. Just have to figure out your sound and what your willing to spend.
No clue. The thing is, most amps over $10k really do not sound "better" than some well done amps in the $5k range, like this one. They are just different. Usually as you go up these pieces tend to try and expose more detail and transparency. Sometimes that's too much of a good thing. I have heard better amps than this, as I stated. For the price though, this is tough to beat if you want to get into the high end type of sound.
I’m in $100k for my 2ch rig. I’m going down the less is more path (downsizing) without compromise. Heading to the Southwest Show in Dallas later this month. Hope to explore my options.
Not sure about the forte 1 but i have the forte 3 currently and its the deepest soundstage I've had in my room. Very holographic. The seperation is incredible
Seriously, you prefer spotify over tidal? I m no specialist and mainly,listen to vinyl, but I thought spotify is very destructif? Tidal is supposed to give at least Cd quality. What about spotify?
The Maria amp tuning can only be changed by Daniel Hertz. I can’t change it on the fly unless I had all of the tunings. The Maria flat tuning is super flat, dull sounding. All amps are “tuned” or “voiced” so to speak. This amp is almost perfection with Borrenson X1 speakers and lacks noting with them. The Maria was tuned for the Ambers. Software and a windows computer is required to change the hertz tuning. One drawback imo. I like the way Buchardt does it, via usb stick and downloadable tunings.
Your observations about Spotify vs Tidal are SPOT ON. Spotify is fatter sounding, more energetic and more "alive" sounding and more colored. Tidal is more laid back and probably more accurate sounding tonally.
If i wanted class d at 5500 usd, id buy a lyngdorf , or something. At luxxman accuphase naim supernait etc prices i wont even put this in my dream equipment list 😅
these are $10k in australia--- it isnt worth 10k, it doesnt sound like its 10k and they would cost about 100 bucks to make, this hifi gear is aimed at the wallets of audiophooles
I tried out the Axxess Forte 3. And yes, it still sounds like class D. My Gryphon Diablo 120 a/b amplifier sounds more natural. I don't get this Axxess hype
@@henriksrensen3220 So you compare an integrated amplifier, with no built in streamer, which is way more expensive and has more power to a way cheaper all-in-one solution and come to the conclusion that you like the more expensive, bigger amplifier with no streaming technology inside better. And thus you don't get the Aavik/Axxess hype. You should have compared the Aavik U-280 to the Gryphon, not the Axxess.
You're the only person I ever heard besides myself say that Spotify (had Spotify for years) sounds better than Tidal.. I A/B them to death.. Tidal is a little tizzier which fools people into thinking they're getting more information.. I ultimately liked "Amazon Unlimited" better than both of them and you catch a break if you're a prime member...
I have compared Axxess Forté 1 to Naim Uniti Nova, Hifi Rose RS520 and Cambridge 150 Evo. Axxess was the clear winner. So either you like it, or you don't, but to call it overpriced trash is just a trash opinion.
@@votive3946 I would say lively, detailled and organic. For instance, when you compare it to the Hifi Rose, the bass with the Hifi Rose has less definition and is resonating more, the midrange also has some unnatural thickness. The Axxess has a tighter and less annoying bass, the midrange has more air and sounds more realistic and emotionally involving. I would not say it is a warm amplifier, but also not very analytical, mostly neutral and lively but with a certain comfort in the sound that makes it easy to listen to for a longer time. The Forté 2 adds a bit more body to the midrange and bass, without losing articulation. The background is also more silent which allows the echoes to fade away deeper into the soundstage. The Forté 3 gives another step like this. I highly recommend to just take a listen to it and compare it to another amplifier and base your opinion on that instead of all these people here just spitting out their opinion without having listened to the thing they think they have an opinion about 😊
Not in 2024, no sir. Walk into any high end HiFi shop. You will find $20k amps, $30k DACs, $23k streamers, $200k speakers. So yea, in today’s high end HiFi money this is a steal. This is a high end piece, not a mass produced Yamaha. These kind of pieces are always exotic money ($10,$20,$50k) and this one is not. It’s not a perfect amp but none are :) none.
The Borrenson X1”s are in now, with the forte 1. These two were made to be together, this was evident from the first listen. The X1 with this amp = gorgeous high end system that does without question look, feel and sound like it costs way more than it does. The X1 speakers are a stupid crazy deal at their $5500 price. I urge anyone who is looking at a high end system with a high end budget, audition the Forte with X1 (or x2, x3) as you may find you can spend half of what you planned.
I like integrated amps, but I'm always leery of the things like built in DACs, or phono stages for the following reasons: 1) DAC tech seems to move and change remarkably fast. 2) Most built-in phono stages can be outdone with modest external phono stages. So yeah, for my part, the only thing I want integrated is the preamp and the amp.
I would rather have a stripped down minimal integrated amp so I can use what I want. Most DACs and phone stages or whatever built all in one leaves a lot to be desired
Amen
Agreed. An integrated amp is doing two jobs as it is.
@@BostonMike68integrated amp with 4-5 analogue inputs a couple balanced inputs and a sub out. Everything else I can connect externally like a dac phono stage or streamer. It will almost always beat those all in one products
I suspect that the proprietary D-class (UMAC) power amplifier performs better with the 1-bit DAC designed for it.
I would also not rule out that the phono stage is also digital, which gives a mathematically accurate result.
Hey all! Just a note to say I have been using the mconnect app with Tidal and Qobuz tonight. Seems this app has improved a bit since I last used it. Works great and hooks up to the Forte instantly. There’s a bit of an improvement vs using tidal connect. Will be picking up a cheap iPad tomorrow to test the AGD app. I’ll give updates soon. Have a great night!
I moved from Tidal Connect to Qobuz on the MCONNECT app, and definitely found more definition with Qobuz. Feedback I got from AGD is Qobuz gives the best audio performance with the Forte.
Great review. We at HiFi-Loft in NYC love all the Audio Group Denmark products.
Thanks!
2K would be affordable, 5K is expensive
For what it offers, sound quality, and versatility, it is no expensive at all!
@@DaveJ6515 no XLR in or out, and they use still use low cost RCA what a disgrace, it's not the 1980's anymore.
@@BroNapartay maybe if you listen to it you’ll find out that we are no longer in the 80’s.
@@BroNapartay XLR is non sense in short distances.
@@BroNapartayyour green spectacles reflects otherwise
Another reviewer who can’t find anything bad to say about anything he reviews. Everything he reviews is a must buy. Pretty much useless reviews.
The guy who designed that dac is a genius. The best dacs i ever heard were so called outdated technology yet they had the most analog beautiful sound. 😊. So many of the new dacs are spec based and are missing the ear tuning that makes a dac special.
Have you seen or heard the Orchard Audio StarKrimson Amp/s - amp or monoblocks? They also have a high-end streamer. Made in USA. Class D using GaN FETs.
Thanks! I have been looking forward to this review. The performance seems very intriguing. Now on to your written review...
How are you able to make a determination about the reliability of the Aavik U-150 in such a relatively low use case and over such a short time?
By pulling it out of the bum.
Exactly!
I really like the look of that amp. I'm a sucker for red and black, plus it doesn't look like a brick with a blue light.
The Danes are killing it! Highest-end audio components and Ozempic. Those Vikings are batting it out of the park!
and tresiba
Ha ha ozempic, ok
Ozempic is another fad drug to make rich drug companies even richer and is an easy way out for lazy people who don’t want to eat healthy and exercise. It might as well be poison given all the nasty side effects, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s taken off the market.
Heard this at the Florida Audio Expo on the X2's. Was my favorite room of the entire show. Truly mindblowing for the price.
Thank you for reviewing stuff i never heard off. I clearly shop in a tier below these highend amplifiers. I booked a demo of this unit.
Yes, the Danes are killing it. I use DPA microphones for work, and an Alluxity Int One MKII for pleasure. A 200 wpc into 8 ohms integrated masterpiece.
I just went to a single ended tube amp from China and for SQ it murdered everything I've ever had in my place before. My speakers are efficient though at 97db 1w, but ya, you dont need to spend big $ to get big awesome sound. Audiophile stuff often times is laced with nonsense. Just my two cents.
Hello, mind to share which amp you're talking about?
@@zombielandiii2711 For sure, it was a single ended EL34 by a brand called OldChen. There is one that has four tubes and one that has five tubes. Mine is the one with five tubes. Its awesome.
What other amps has it beat?
@@audiogonleahy9882 I mean its all sujective, but the out of my own personal amps, a Bryston 2BLP and a Threshold SA3, but my friend has a firstwatt F5 he bulit which he brought over for us to listen to and also another friend brought the Benchmark amp.
Now to be fair, the speakers are giant open baffles each with 2x 15 bass drivers, two 10" middbass/mid and compression driver and horn for the HF. All drivers are pro drivers.
I'm sure with low efficieny speakers it would have never beaten anything but as it stand, the SQ and enjoyment is ahead of all those amps. Much more lifelike and real if I can use nonsensical terms that I have no other way but to describe.
@@audiogonleahy9882 Sorry about the delay but in my place I had a get together for an amp listening test and subjectively, it was more enjoyable than these amps:
-Pass Labs F5
-Bryston 2B LP PRO
-Benchmark AHB2
Thats not to say its more accurate or 'better' in a technical way, but friends and I listened and in my setup the tube was the most enjoyable to listen to. The one you'd want to continue listening to more.
great review.. wow. i'm extremely impressed with all the goodie this Amp has for such low price. very impressive. thanks for sharing.
well its the amp or a used mazda
AXXESS, not AxxCess :) I'm looking to downsize from mono blocks, etc. and the packages from the Denmark Audio Group are at the top of my list. It's for this reason that I am going to AXPONA. Their system with the X6's won best of show for a few reviewers at CapFest and that's my target. I have a feeling that I could be very happy with a AXXESS Forte 3 and X3s.
Where did you ges your vest? Which brand is it?
Rgds
Nice to know this integrated was just as pleasing-albeit different - in presentation as your Maria amp. Glad you’re getting those Borressen speakers in! Will be great to know how it pairs with those x-1’s 🙏🏼
Audio Group Denmark had the most outstanding room at Capital Audiofest last November - but they didn’t get the attention they deserved. Incredible room and set up.
Hi. How does it compare with the Hegel H390 or H400?
Heard this one at the 2023 audio show...fantastic amp
Wow, sounds like a perfect all in one dream come true integrated amp!! I listened to AAVIK amps before and was mightily impressed with them already! I may want to give it an audition!
What music tracks do you use from Tidal?
This feels sponsored
bigly
Better than the Maria amplifier?
Hi- am tempted to buy this amp. Being in Dubai it is a bit difficult. Viewing one of your earlier reviews, am very close to purchasing the Gato DIA 250S (already have the AMP150AR from them that ai love). Which of the two in your mind is better purchase overall- the DiA400S or the Axxess Forte 1?
I had a Gato 400s in my system for a month from a dealer. I sent it back. I now have the Axxess Forte 1. I personally prefer it. The Axxess has made a much bigger impact on my listening than the Gato or any other amp has.
@@ryansudding667 How would You say the differ sound wise?
What about tone controls
Tone control ruins sound quality in my opinion.
It's not in the Axxess Forté amplifiers.
You need an external equalizer, or you need to use Roon and use the software DSP.
@@Like_Whut No it doesn't.
Did you happen to play any vinyl through this app, and thoughts if you did? What do you think about playing an analog format like vinyl through a class D amp?
amp*
No specs to be found on the DAC😢
So they contacted you and asked you to do the review but they expected you to buy the amp yourself and gave you nothing for it?
One more question: does it includes a dms digital crossover to configure frecuency highpass and low pass for an active subwoofer?
My MiniDSP Flex does that for $500. And room correction. And FIR filters. And it will work with any DAC and any streamer.
Ok...this is interesting. You rave about a class d IA that can hang with other $10K gear? I'm skeptical.
Dont be it's an incredible all on one. I have one in my system currently. The forte 3. Its the sound ive been searching for since i got into this hobby. Just have to figure out your sound and what your willing to spend.
Headphone amp section review please
Is it better than Hegel which is from thr same area?
They don't seem to have a dealer network in Canada?
Very interesting… I will probably never get a chance to hear it unless I buy it… someone compare to orchard audio streamer which is best I’ve heard?
Best I've heard also! I got the PecanPi with AKM chip. Great DAC and streamer.
Wonder how it might compare with the new $22k Aurender P-20 using the Putsey’s Class D’s?
No clue. The thing is, most amps over $10k really do not sound "better" than some well done amps in the $5k range, like this one. They are just different. Usually as you go up these pieces tend to try and expose more detail and transparency. Sometimes that's too much of a good thing. I have heard better amps than this, as I stated. For the price though, this is tough to beat if you want to get into the high end type of sound.
I’m in $100k for my 2ch rig. I’m going down the less is more path (downsizing) without compromise. Heading to the Southwest Show in Dallas later this month. Hope to explore my options.
How about soundstage depth in Axxess Forte 1? Can it be compared to Hegel H390?
Not sure about the forte 1 but i have the forte 3 currently and its the deepest soundstage I've had in my room. Very holographic. The seperation is incredible
Very nice to see my headphones 🎧 on your head❤
Love the look
Seriously, you prefer spotify over tidal? I m no specialist and mainly,listen to vinyl, but I thought spotify is very destructif? Tidal is supposed to give at least Cd quality. What about spotify?
spotify is compressed and trash
Spotify music quality is quite compromised though still very usable. Where Spotify shines is with their algorithm.
No Qobuz ?
Can't access...
As a Dane, all i can say... NOPE
How come someone say anything about reliability of equipment when demoing it for few weeks or months !!!!
Are your comparisons to the Maria amp in its in tuned or flat configuration? Thank you.
I meant how did the Maria compare when set to flat? Thanks!
The Maria amp tuning can only be changed by Daniel Hertz. I can’t change it on the fly unless I had all of the tunings. The Maria flat tuning is super flat, dull sounding. All amps are “tuned” or “voiced” so to speak. This amp is almost perfection with Borrenson X1 speakers and lacks noting with them. The Maria was tuned for the Ambers. Software and a windows computer is required to change the hertz tuning. One drawback imo. I like the way Buchardt does it, via usb stick and downloadable tunings.
Thank you for clarifying. I am really looking forward to your upcoming review of Axxess Forte 1 and X1 speakers! Thanks
I will stick with my $200 1970 Sansui 4000 and Zu speakers... ;-)
So you watch a review and only comment to brag about your ancient dollar store system?
@@michaelwright1602 why even comment here if you’re satisfied with low end gear. Don’t understand.
Did I miss the Price?
5k I think
Yes you did - $5500.00
Your observations about Spotify vs Tidal are SPOT ON. Spotify is fatter sounding, more energetic and more "alive" sounding and more colored. Tidal is more laid back and probably more accurate sounding tonally.
Seems like a great value for what it provides.
Hmmm🤔
To make your videos more compelling, why don’t you mike up your gear so we can hear the differences that you’re trying to describe.
By what metric do you claim 5500 dollars affordable, you live in a fantasy world sir😮
Best regards from Berlin😎💙💛💪
If i wanted class d at 5500 usd, id buy a lyngdorf , or something. At luxxman accuphase naim supernait etc prices i wont even put this in my dream equipment list 😅
Just a quick follow up a couple of days later: the “future” is being reinvented every day, and there’s no “proofing” against obsolescence.
Sponsored - with love from Denmark 🇩🇰 😅
I wonder if this will become standard issue in Tesla cars in future?☮️🇦🇺
these are $10k in australia--- it isnt worth 10k, it doesnt sound like its 10k and they would cost about 100 bucks to make, this hifi gear is aimed at the wallets of audiophooles
Im not sure what your listening on but this is just a plain hilarious comment.
oh wow he still does the zooms lol
Great looking amp. Sounds like it needs very careful speaker partnering
Love the Hasselblad 907x 100c!! 😀
Until next week..😄😄😄😄😄😄
Nice review! However, still too expensive for this dirt poor Danish-American.
Thank you for watching!
For 5,500.00 bucks . Way out of my price range!
Too bad I’m allergic to Class D 😕
I tried out the Axxess Forte 3. And yes, it still sounds like class D.
My Gryphon Diablo 120 a/b amplifier sounds more natural.
I don't get this Axxess hype
@@henriksrensen3220 So you compare an integrated amplifier, with no built in streamer, which is way more expensive and has more power to a way cheaper all-in-one solution and come to the conclusion that you like the more expensive, bigger amplifier with no streaming technology inside better. And thus you don't get the Aavik/Axxess hype.
You should have compared the Aavik U-280 to the Gryphon, not the Axxess.
There’s a new Benadryl for those Class D allergies. 🤧 😂
@@henriksrensen3220 some say class D has improved over time. what does D sound like that you don't like?
That is to bad. Your missing out
$5,500??? In what universe is that “affordable”?
(The average rent in the US is $1,747 as of 2024, so $5,500 represents three months entire rent!)
i stream from laptop to USB DAC headphone amp, a lot cheaper and sounds awesome.
You're the only person I ever heard besides myself say that Spotify (had Spotify for years) sounds better than Tidal.. I A/B them to death.. Tidal is a little tizzier which fools people into thinking they're getting more information.. I ultimately liked "Amazon Unlimited" better than both of them and you catch a break if you're a prime member...
Channeling your inner Abbie Hoffman?
Meh. Heard it at shows but I was not convinced.
Could You elaborate?
Nobody in Denmark would give a penny for this - the general opinion is, that it's overpriced trash.
I have compared Axxess Forté 1 to Naim Uniti Nova, Hifi Rose RS520 and Cambridge 150 Evo. Axxess was the clear winner.
So either you like it, or you don't, but to call it overpriced trash is just a trash opinion.
@@votive3946 I would say lively, detailled and organic.
For instance, when you compare it to the Hifi Rose, the bass with the Hifi Rose has less definition and is resonating more, the midrange also has some unnatural thickness. The Axxess has a tighter and less annoying bass, the midrange has more air and sounds more realistic and emotionally involving.
I would not say it is a warm amplifier, but also not very analytical, mostly neutral and lively but with a certain comfort in the sound that makes it easy to listen to for a longer time.
The Forté 2 adds a bit more body to the midrange and bass, without losing articulation. The background is also more silent which allows the echoes to fade away deeper into the soundstage. The Forté 3 gives another step like this.
I highly recommend to just take a listen to it and compare it to another amplifier and base your opinion on that instead of all these people here just spitting out their opinion without having listened to the thing they think they have an opinion about 😊
@@Like_Whut So Forte 1 is thinner sounding than RS520? How would You compare it to Uniti Nova ? ( I have it )
If 9k€ to 18k€ is not exotic for you, i applaud 😂🎉
$5000 is not exotic money? Allrighty then…
Not in 2024, no sir. Walk into any high end HiFi shop. You will find $20k amps, $30k DACs, $23k streamers, $200k speakers. So yea, in today’s high end HiFi money this is a steal. This is a high end piece, not a mass produced Yamaha. These kind of pieces are always exotic money ($10,$20,$50k) and this one is not. It’s not a perfect amp but none are :) none.
$8000 Canadian before taxes and duty.
*Promosm* 😎
How out of touch are you when you call this "accessible" and "mid tier price"?? Come off it m8.
5K for an amp. LoL.
👀
$5000 isn't stealing. it's $3000 too much
So amps you reviewed earlier are inferior! Who is paying you?!
Why has he smoothed his face? Weirdo.
High end…pfft
Not high end sound
How do I block this guy?
But why does it have to look like a gay biker?
Did you say class D?