Forte F 44 Preamplifier with Remote, Rare

**Please click here to check out our newly launched SkyFi Audio website with additional items for sale**

This is the first time we've had a Forte preamp come through the shop, so we thought we would make a video showing you some of the unique features, like the motorized volume and source selector controls (check out our video review at the bottom of this listing to see this working live).

This is the Forte F 44 preamp, ranked somewhere in the middle of Forte's offerings. The company is no longer around but was a solid brand and did very well in the 80's and 90's.

All designed and built here in the USA.

This is a line level preamp meaning it does not have a built in phono section. So those of you who want to use a turntable would need to resort to an external phono preamp.  This does have the proper input(s) available (High Level via HL1 / HL2) for connecting your external tube or solid state phone preamp.

Quite simple and elegant in operation it has just the things you'll actually need - a "level" knob which is your volume control, a balance control, a record input selector knob, and finally the source input selector knob.

It is remote controllable, although it does not use *any* elaborate digital circuity for this remote control functionality.  It actually utilizes a motorized action for both the source selector and the level control.  This ensures the signal path isn't degraded by a bunch of additional circuity.

While other preamps sometimes have a motorized volume control, we rarely (if ever) recall seeing this on other preamps.

It's about a 1U rack size, buy while it looks like it has rack mounts there are no holes drilled into the ears.  On the back you'll see both balanced and unbalanced  inputs and outputs.

There's a single set of XLR balanced inputs, a plethora of analog RCA line level inputs, three RCA line level outputs, and a single set of XLR balanced outputs to connect to your amplifier. There's a Forte data bus connection which was proprietary, allowing you to control other Forte equipment via your F 44. 

Condition is very good - we don't see a single scratch, dent, or scrape on it.  We would rate it about a 9 out of 10 for physical condition (We reserve a 10 for pieces that were essentially never used without a fingerprint to be seen).

The remote is not in the greatest condition, there is some wear on it, and it's missing the rear battery door cover.  We'll try to source one for you before you buy.

This was fully tested in our lab and listening room where it passed with flying colors.  Really not a single issue - the power supply is strong, all capacitors are super healthy, and all the potentiometers are free from any noise, scratchiness, or contamination. 

This is a wonderful preamp and very tough to match in the price range that we're asking.  Due to simplicity in design it should pretty much work for another 20-30 years without any issues.

Specifications:
Frequency response:  1Hz to 200kHz
Total harmonic distortion:  0.005%
Signal to noise ratio:  100dB (line)
Output:  3V (Pre out)
Dimensions:  17 x 2.5 x 9.5 inches
Weight:  5lbs
Accessories:  Remote Control

Click here for a PDF copy of the Owner's Manual

Thanks for looking and please click here if you would like to receive a list of the equipment we receive from time to time.  We promise not to bombard you with junk email.

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PURCHASING FROM SKYFI

This item will be professionally packaged and insured for safe transit to your home. 

Please click here for detailed specifics regarding our specialized packing process that separates us from the rest.

If we don’t have the original manufacture's packaging, we use heavy duty double ply corrugated boxes with Instapak expanding foam custom inserts.  In many cases this has proven to be better than the original packaging.  We also use high quality fiber reinforced tape to seal our packages.  Lightweight items will be bubble wrapped and shipped in a high-quality box. 

This item is available for pickup in Ridgewood, NJ or Union Square, NYC (with convenient parking in the building).

NJ Residents or anyone picking up without a resale certificate will need to pay NJ Sales Tax.

Use the Buy It Now button and we will cover the PayPal fees.

Thanks for looking and be sure to call or text 646.852.2073 with any questions. 

Please also click here to visit our Audiogon store to see the rest of the items we have for sale.

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WHO WE ARE 

SkyFi Audio is a small startup business specializing in the purchase, reconditioning, and reselling of select high-end audio equipment.  We only buy equipment the we admire and are passionate about. No mid-fi, no gimmicks, no junk. 

Each piece of equipment is cosmetically restored and fully tested in our well-equipped lab by an engineer with 30+ years of experience in the HiFi world. If it does not meet or exceed the original manufactures specifications, it will not be sold.  We are very selective about the equipment we purchase, focusing on mostly analog, high-build quality, American, and European built units.

Through our sister company, which is an authorized dealer for McIntosh, Audio Research, Sonus Faber, ClearAudio, Pro-Ject Audio Systems, and Sony ES, we have access to OEM parts, service, and support.  If you are local and looking for new equipment from the above-mentioned manufacturers, please drop us a line as we can arrange both sales and professional installation in the tri-state area.

PURCHASING GUIDELINES

We do not accept or review any offers that do not go through the official Audiogon system. We have too many items for sale and it’s nearly impossible to keep track of offers outside of the official system. Please don’t message, email, or text any offers. 

If you do not see a “Make an Offer” button, it means we are not considering any offers on that item.   

PAYMENTS

We prefer working through PayPal which allows you to use a credit card or bank transfer. We do not charge extra for any payment fees if you purchase the item at the asking price.  You can also send us a personal check (which will need to clear before shipping), certified check, money order, or wire transfer. International clients without access to PayPal should use a bank wire transfer. 

If you are picking up an item we do not accept PayPal.  You must pay in person with cash, certified or bank check, or wire transfer.  If you make a PayPal payment and are picking up the item, it will be returned. 

TRADE IN POLICY 

We accept trade-ins of equal or lesser value under certain conditions.  Simply ask and let us know the exact model, condition, and the accessories that are included (such as the original box, remote, cables, manual, etc.).  We will only consider high-end equipment from mainstream manufacturers such as McIntosh, Mark Levinson, Audio Research, Krell, etc. and will typically pass on displays, projectors, receivers, dated surround processors, and mid-fi equipment of any type.  We will offer a fair value for your equipment, but keep in mind we are running a business and will need to be able to resell the equipment at a profit after investing a great deal of time and resources in testing, certifying, repairing, cleaning, and packaging the incoming equipment.  If you are looking for top dollar we suggest attempting to sell it directly to an end user on your own.

SELL US YOUR GEAR (Working or Broken)

We will also purchase your used or broken gear and arrange pickup if you are in our local market. Just drop us a note for a quote but be sure to include the condition and what is included. 

HOW TO VISIT US                                                                                                        

We are currently operating from a residence in Ridgewood, NJ.  You are welcome to make an appointment if there is a piece of equipment you would like to see in operation before or after purchase.  We have a well-equipped, dedicated listening room with tons of equipment of all makes and models.  We are not a store, so please don’t make an appointment if you are just curious as to how a speaker or piece of equipment sounds.  In essence, no tire kickers please.

If you are in NYC and cannot make it out to Ridgewood, we can arrange pickup in Union Square (14th Street) after the purchase.   You can call or text 646.852.2073 with any questions or to schedule an appointment.  We can also arrange to install, calibrate, and tune the gear in your listening room if you are local to the area.  This is super useful when purchasing large speakers or heavy amplifiers.  It is also great for ensuring your new turntable is setup correctly in its final resting place.  

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