AXXESS Forté 1 Streaming Amplifier Review
Axxess is a rising name in high-performance audio, proudly crafted by Audio Group Denmark. This innovative collective is renowned for its commitment to premium sound reproduction and cutting-edge technology, boasting an impressive portfolio that includes exotic, high-end brands like Aavik and Børresen. Their products can be likened to the Formula 1 of audio, combining Scandinavian design elegance with meticulous engineering, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in hi-fi performance.
With the Forté line, Axxess takes on the challenge of making exceptional amplification more accessible without sacrificing the signature precision and musicality that Audio Group Denmark is celebrated for.
Before we begin, I’d like to thank my friends at Alta Fedeltà, an audio store in Calco, Italy, just 25 kilometers from Milan, for sending the Forté 1 for today’s review. With eight demo rooms, over 140 brands in their catalog, more than 45 years of experience in the industry and a top notch customer service. Alta Fedeltà is a landmark for audio and hi-fi enthusiasts across Italy. If you’re in the area, don’t hesitate to stop by and ask for Alfredo—you’ll feel right at home. Please visit www.afmerate.com for more info.
The amplifier arrived in a beautiful double-layered packaging of excellent quality, complete with white gloves and a protective cover for the Forté 1. The remote control is small but crafted entirely from metal, with outstanding build quality. I have to be honest with you—whether it’s made of metal or plastic doesn’t make much difference to me. In fact, during winter in Germany, I actually prefer plastic since it doesn’t stay cold! For me, what’s important is that it feels comfortable in hand, is responsive, and intuitive.
On the first two points, the Forté 1 remote excels. However, it falls short on intuitiveness. For example, there are these letters ASRD on the remote, which, as far as I can tell, aren’t functional with the Forté 1, perhaps they’re intended for other models. Surprisingly, pressing the center button turns the amplifier off. I didn’t expect this and feel they could have included a symbol to make it clearer. That said, adjusting the volume, arguably the most important function, is exceptionally smooth, with a speed and precision that ranks among the best I’ve ever experienced in an amplifier.
Aesthetically, the Forté 1 might be polarizing, but I find it absolutely stunning. I love its modern lines, the large red volume indicator on the gorgeous dimmable display, and the design details like the “X” patterns on the sides. It looks like it’s carved from a single block of aluminum, with the gleaming glass display perfectly integrated on the front. The materials and finish are truly top-notch ,simply beautiful.
One aspect I particularly appreciate is its light weight, just 7.9 kg (17.4 lbs). This makes it effortless to move, which is a big deal for me since I often shift equipment around multiple times a day. While this might not matter much to everyone, it’s a huge convenience in my workflow.
However, I do think the feet could have been better designed, perhaps made of rubber for more stability. Its light weight sometimes makes it feel a bit less stable. If they preferred to stick with metal feet, they could have used just three instead of four, as brands like Primare (another notable Scandinavian name) often do, ensuring better stability on all types of surfaces.
OVERVIEW Forté 1
I won’t go into too much detail about the technology inside, like the Tesla coils and other intricate components, besides all this informations are easily accessible online. Instead, I’ll focus on my personal experience and impressions.
As you’ve seen in the thumbnail, I called it a Class D amplifier, but I’d love to call it AI-powered—and I’ll explain why later on!
Taking a quick look at the specs and comparing the Forté 1 with its bigger siblings, the Forté 2 and Forté 3, we notice that the power output is essentially the same across the line: 2x100W into 8 ohms. However, I’ll tell you right now—it sounds like 200 watts, likely thanks to the high current it’s capable of delivering. What differentiates the Forté models internally is the number of Tesla coils used in their design.
The Forté 1 is a streaming amplifier, meaning it includes an internal DAC and streaming capabilities. Here's a quick breakdown of the inputs it offers:
Digital Inputs:
1 x Toslink Optical
1 x BNC S/PDIF
1 x USB-B (unfortunately, just one)
Analog Inputs:
1 x Line RCA (I would’ve loved to see at least two!)
These features make it versatile, but there’s definitely room for improvement in the analog input selection, where I would have liked to see at least 2 inputs.
On the front panel, there’s a large volume knob that immediately brings to mind much more expensive products, like those from Dan D’Agostino, thanks to its finely crafted details. Its movement is exceptionally smooth, linear, and fluid—truly a pleasure to use.
Additionally, the Forté 1 features a 6.3 mm headphone output. Having just received the new HIFIMAN Arya Unvailed for review, I decided to connect them directly to the Forté 1. Normally, I’d start with something simpler or easier to drive, but I didn’t have much time and went straight for the new Aryas.
To my surprise and delight, the Forté 1 not only delivered all the power and dynamics I was looking for but also showcased excellent musicality, rhythm, and a rich, engaging sound. It drove the HIFIMAN Aryas effortlessly and The experience was such a joy to listen to that I genuinely didn’t want to stop.
SETUP
On first power-up, after a few seconds of pre-set initialization—which I find quite cool—the Forté 1 immediately surprises with its pitch-black silence. Not just the amplifier, but even the tweeters on the speakers are utterly silent. There’s absolutely no hiss, no hum—complete silence.
You know, I’ve recently been quite disappointed to discover that my Naim Supernait 3, which cost me $5,000 btw (Similar price with forte1), exhibits an audible hum from its large toroidal transformer and a faint hiss from the tweeters. You might say, “Mad, your power supply is a bit dirty.” Sure, it is—but let’s be honest, most common households have imperfect power. From this perspective, the Forté 1 is truly remarkable.
From the front display, you can adjust balance and even monitor the amplifier’s temperature. It always runs cool; even after hours of use, I’ve never seen it exceed 28°C.
As I mentioned, the Forté 1 is an all-in-one streaming amplifier. Unfortunately, its smart app is only compatible with iPads and iOS devices—not Android or iPhones—which is a real limitation. And sadly, I don’t own an iPad. Moreover, it only supports Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect. Since I no longer use Tidal and would never use Spotify’s MP3-quality streams for testing, this is quite a drawback. Spotify, it’s about time you switch to lossless streaming as promised—we’ve been waiting long enough!
This lack of broader streaming compatibility is a major limitation that Audio Group Denmark should address in future updates, at least by adding support for Android and iPhones.
Or At least an Ipad for free when u purchase a Forté amp😊
As a workaround, I used an external streamer, and what better choice than the excellent Eversolo A6? If you haven’t seen my review of it, I highly recommend checking it out.
EXTERNAL DAC YES OR NO?
My initial tests after the break-in period focused on comparisons with and without an external DAC, as the Forté 1 already integrates a DAC. I connected one of my best DACs, the SPL Diamond, which in a previous comparative review showed an almost embarrassing superiority with its expansive soundstage reconstruction, muicality and high-level microdynamics.
That said, I must admit that the Forté 1’s internal DAC is already excellent. Personally, I found it difficult to discern any significant differences between the internal DAC and the external one. This leads me to conclude that you absolutely don’t need an external DAC with the Forté 1. In fact, I’d advise against it—it’s an unnecessary expense, and skipping it will save you a lot of money. This is a significant point in favor of the Forté 1.
LOAD DEPENDENCY?
For my tests, I paired the Forté 1 with a wide variety of speakers, ranging from mid-level models like the recently reviewed DALI Rubikore 2 to higher-end options, including the Buchardt S400 MKII, the Magnepan LRS+, and even premium models like the stunning Sonus Faber Serafino Tradition in white.
Starting with the Rubikore 2, a speaker known for its detailed and lively highs and a neutral low end, the Forté 1 impressed me by never sounding fatiguing or overly clinical. On the contrary, it enriched and added more warmth to the soundstage while preserving the strong character of the Rubicon 2. This demonstrates the amplifier's remarkably neutral tonal balance, allowing the speakers' natural qualities to shine. Finding the right pairing for the Rubicon 2 hasn’t been easy (as you may recall from my review), so I was thrilled with how well the Forté 1 performed here.
Moving on to the Buchardt S400 MKII, a benchmark speaker in its price range with a neutral sound signature and extended highs and lows, but more restrained compared to the Rubicon. Surprisingly, the Forté 1 displayed slightly thin and bright highs in this pairing, which made the overall sound feel less ideal to me. Perhaps this is due to some load dependency caused by the Class D design—I can’t say for sure—but it was the only speaker in my tests where this anomaly occurred.
As for the Magnepan LRS+, opinions are often divided. Some claim they’re relatively easy to drive, while others, like me, believe you can never have too much power with Magnepans. I’ve even driven them with SPL M1000 Mono Blocks (700W per channel) and pushed them to their limits. Despite not having the character, especial on Midrange of SPL Monoblock with Forté 1, however, I was pleasantly surprised that it showed no signs of struggling, delivering clean, controlled sound with powerful, tight bass. Even at high volumes, the sound remained effortless and dynamic at -25db so with still head rooms available. Truly impressive! But now lets move to SQ.
Despite the lively and slightly sharp yet highly refined treble of the Sonus Faber Serafino Tradition, the Forte 1 preserved these characteristics without altering their essence. It’s not an amplifier that softens or rolls off the highs, yet at moderate volumes, it delivered an admirable performance. Even during prolonged listening sessions, it managed to avoid causing fatigue, making it a well-suited companion for these speakers.
THE LISTENING
The Forté 1 delivers a highly refined sound that is immediate and easy to appreciate, with a remarkable sense of lightness that makes each note feel as if it’s floating effortlessly through the air, filling every corner of the room. It has an elegant, delicate fluidity, yet it knows how to be articulate, dynamic, and explosively powerful when the music calls for it.
What stands out to me is the touch of grain and harmonic richness it imparts on vocals and instruments, painting a transparent soundstage that extends impressively in both depth and width. While it may initially come across as a calm amplifier, it’s astonishingly capable when pushed, showing no signs of strain even with demanding loads. One of my favorite aspects is its performance at high volumes—it remains unconstrained and dynamic, offering powerful yet composed bass. At lower volumes, it’s equally impressive, delivering a penetrating, full-bodied bass that feels solid, defined, and lifelike.
The treble is refined—not the airiest, but extended and carefully tuned to avoid fatigue. This is a sound that prioritizes harmony and musicality over sheer detail. That said, I wouldn’t have minded hearing a touch more nuance in instruments and vocals, which might be more pronounced in the higher-tier Forté 2 or Forté 3 models.
Its effortless, flowing presentation is anything but typical for a switching amplifier, and it’s made me seriously reconsider the potential of this technology. It’s almost paradoxical, combining a crispness with a slight softness when reproducing male and female vocals. These never feel overly forward but are perfectly balanced between the speakers, with excellent imaging.
The Forté 1 also has rhythm, speed, and precision, handling the intricate percussion of Ezra Collective or the rapid articulation of Oscar Peterson with ease. Rarely does an all-in-one amplifier at this price point achieve such a high level of musicality.
Nala Sinephro - Space 2
This is one of the first jazz albums by Nala Sinephro that I’ve listened to, and I absolutely adore it. However, the bass in this track has never impressed me it tends to sound boomy on almost every system, even on some of the most high-end setups. Surprisingly, the Forté 1 managed to clean it up and render it softer, more refined.
The saxophone stands out with its lovely vibrato, offering an airy and intimate presentation. The cymbals are sharply defined and fully textured; there’s no roll-off here, just a beautifully metallic sound with excellent contrast. What impressed me the most was the piano, it flows effortlessly and is an absolute pleasure to listen to, delivering a truly relaxing experience.
Mind Heist - Zack Hemsey
The Forté 1 delivered an exceptional performance with this track, showcasing its remarkable ability to handle dynamics with precision and authority. The opening sequence, with its subtle instrumentation, was presented with clarity and balance, allowing the tension to build naturally. When the bass drops, the Forté 1 unleashed an impressive depth of sub-bass tight, controlled, and impactful without ever becoming overwhelming or muddy. The dynamic shifts were handled with finesse, effortlessly transitioning from quiet, suspenseful moments to the explosive peaks, maintaining composure and detail throughout. The sound-stage felt expansive and immersive, making the listening experience not just powerful but deeply engaging. This track truly highlighted the Forté 1's ability to combine refinement with raw energy on my Sonus Faber Serafino Tradition.
This hauntingly beautiful track is a perfect showcase for vocal reproduction, with Iggy Pop’s iconic voice taking center stage. The Forté 1 brought his deep, gravelly tone to life with impressive clarity and excellent intelligibility. Compared to other amplifiers, the vocals felt more colorful, crisp, and airy, adding an engaging lightness that made them stand out in the mix.
While the presentation was thoroughly enjoyable, a touch more body and nuance in the midrange could have rendered the vocals slightly more natural and grounded. Even so, the performance remained captivating, striking a fine balance between detail and musicality.
Ezra Collective - Ajala
Ezra Collective is one of my favorite modern jazz bands, and their latest album always gets me moving. With the Forté 1, the warmth of the kick drum’s bass was simply delightful, delivering a rhythmic foundation that was both engaging and rich. The amplifier showcased incredible speed and precision on the percussion, while offering stunning separation across all the instruments.
What truly surprised me was the infectious sense of rhythm and musicality the Forté 1 brought to the track, it made the song come alive. The timing and pace were so impeccably tight that it felt as though the Forté 1 was setting the beat itself, like a Swiss watch, practically perfect!
Danza Alta sobre "La Spagna" & Hopper Dancz Routi Bouilli
In this track, transparency and depth are an absolute must, but equally important are dynamics and the precise placement of instruments within the soundstage. The Forté 1 delivered a performance that was nothing short of captivating. Each instrument was presented with remarkable clarity, making it easy to distinguish individual layers while retaining a cohesive sense of the ensemble.
The dynamics were exceptional, effortlessly capturing the ebb and flow of the music, from the subtle textures of the softer passages to the more vigorous, energetic sections. Instrument positioning was spot on, with every element finding its rightful place within an expansive and immersive soundstage.
Suite bergamasque, L. 75: III. Clair de lune - Seong-Jin Cho
Classical piano is where the Forté 1 truly shines. The amplifier captured the piece’s emotional depth with exceptional refinement, delicacy, and precision. Its masterful handling of timing showcased the Forté 1’s ability to articulate even the subtlest shifts in intensity and tone.
What stood out most was the balance between articulation and resonance. The amplifier delivered a natural warmth that filled the room while rendering each note with crisp clarity and emotive depth, drawing me further into the music.
The sustain and decay of each note were beautifully presented, creating an immersive soundstage that gave the impression of the piano being played right in front of me.
This performance underscored the Forté 1’s unique ability to combine technical sophistication with emotional engagement, making it an ideal companion for classical music enthusiasts.
COMPARISON
In the sound demo section of my channel, you’ll find a comparative test between the Forté 1, Naim Supernait 3, and McIntosh MC312 amplifiers. The setups used were as follows:
First Setup – Forté 1 paired with the Eversolo A6 streamer, total cost approximately €26,000.
Second Setup – Supernait 3 combined with the SPL Diamond DAC and Eversolo A6, totaling around €29,000.
Third Setup – MC312 matched with the Cambridge Audio Edge NQ, a €32,000 setup.
Many listeners reported no audible differences, which may be partially attributed to YouTube's compression. Interestingly, even when analyzing the lossless audio files, available for Gold Patreon members, I found only subtle differences between the systems. This truly highlights how far modern audio technology, particularly Class D amplification, has evolved.
My Ranking of the Three Setups:
3rd Place: Naim Supernait 3
I genuinely appreciate the Supernait 3's musicality, especially its creamy, dense mids that bring a lovely richness to the listening experience. However, it falls slightly short in bass definition and transparency compared to the Forté 1. One advantage of the Supernait 3 is its forgiving nature—it makes even non-audiophile recordings sound enjoyable, which is a big plus for a more versatile listening experience.
2nd Place: Forté 1
The Forte 1 continues to impress with its speed, precision, and refined presentation, particularly in the bass region, where it outshines both competitors with its tight and impactful delivery. While it adds some coloration to voices and instruments, it excels in providing a dynamic and engaging performance. Its balance of musicality and detail puts it very close to the McIntosh MC312, which is remarkable given the significant price difference.
1st Place: McIntosh MC312
The MC312 earns the top spot for its overall balance and nuance. Its performance is smooth across the frequency spectrum, with more subtlety and less coloration in vocals and instruments compared to the Forté 1. Additionally, it adapts better to various speaker models, consistently delivering a linear and neutral sound. While it lacks the speed of the Forté 1, it compensates with a more cohesive and natural presentation.
Pros of the Forté 1
Excellent Sound Quality:
Refined, dynamic, and engaging performance with tight, impactful bass.
Elegant and delicate tonality with harmonic richness in vocals and instruments.
Wide and deep soundstage with great imaging.
Performs well at both high and low volumes.
Innovative Technology:
High-current Class D amplification delivers speed, precision, and power without compromise.
Internal DAC of excellent quality, comparable to high-end external DACs.
Runs cool even after extended use, with temperatures rarely exceeding 28°C.
Design and Build Quality:
Stunning modern aesthetic with premium materials, such as the machined aluminum chassis and smooth volume knob.
Lightweight and easy to handle (7.9 kg / ~17.4 lbs).
Display with adjustable brightness adds practicality and elegance.
Flexibility:
Supports both streaming and analog/digital inputs (Toslink, BNC S/PDIF, USB-B, RCA).
Powerful headphone output capable of driving demanding headphones effortlessly.
All-in-one design eliminates the need for external DACs or preamps for most setups.
Value for Money:
Competes with significantly more expensive separate setups like the McIntosh MC312 and Naim Supernait 3.
Cons of the Forté 1
Streaming Limitations:
App is only compatible with iPads and iOS devices, excluding Android and iPhone users.
Limited to Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect, no support for other streaming platforms.
Load Dependency ?:
Slightly bright highs with certain speakers, suggesting less ideal pairing with some models.
Limited Inputs:
Only one analog RCA input and one USB-B input, some users may desire more connectivity options.
Stability Issues:
Lightweight design can make the amplifier less stable, especially on uneven surfaces.
THE VERDICT
The comparison clearly demonstrates how much value the Forté 1 offers, holding its ground against amplifiers that are significantly more expensive. While the McIntosh MC312 narrowly takes the lead in terms of overall refinement and neutrality, the Forté 1 comes surprisingly close in performance, especially considering its innovative technology and relatively accessible price point.
There's a particular delicacy to its nature that simply isn't expected in its category, it combines elegance and grace with an unexpected capacity to produce powerful dynamics and energy. Because of this balance, it can easily handle a variety of musical forms and is equally skilled at recreating delicate, complex passages as it is at producing loud, room-filling sound. It differs from its rivals due to this special fusion of strength and nuance.
If you’re seeking an amplifier with speed, musicality, and a touch of harmonic richness that brings your music to life, the Forté 1 is a strong contender. It stands as a testament to how far Class D amplification has come, proving exceptional sound quality that is no longer limited to traditional designs.
Here’s a scoring breakdown for the Forté 1 based on its attributes:
1. Design and Build Quality: 9/10
The Forté 1 stands out with its elegant, minimalist design and premium finish. The volume knob offers a smooth, luxurious feel, reminiscent of amplifiers in much higher price brackets. While its aesthetics may not appeal to everyone, the craftsmanship and durability are undeniable.
2. Sound Quality: 8.5/10
The Forté 1 delivers exceptional clarity, tonal balance, and refinement across genres. Its ability to blend power and delicacy is remarkable, and it creates an engaging, musical experience. While there’s room for more nuance in certain passages, especially with vocals and acoustic instruments, its overall sound quality is highly impressive for the price.
3. Features and Functionality: 7.5/10
The built-in DAC and streaming capabilities add significant convenience, but the app's limited compatibility (iOS only, no Android) and restricted support for Spotify and Tidal Connect are notable drawbacks. A broader range of streaming services and more input flexibility would elevate its versatility.
4. Versatility: 7.5/10
The Forté 1 performs well with a wide range of speakers, from compact monitors to power-hungry models like the Magnepan LRS+. However, minor pairing quirks with certain speakers, such as the Buchardt S400 MKII, slightly reduce its versatility.
5. Ease of Use: 7.5/10
While straightforward to operate overall, the remote control and front display buttons lack intuitive design, making the user manual a necessity for first-time users. A more user-friendly interface would enhance its accessibility.
6. Value for Money: 9/10
The Forté 1 offers a level of sound quality and refinement typically reserved for far more expensive systems. Competing with setups costing significantly more, it represents outstanding value for those seeking high-end performance without the premium price tag.
7. Innovation: 8.5/10
The Forté 1’s use of Tesla coil technology and its "AI-like" responsiveness to dynamics push the boundaries of traditional Class D amplification. However, the innovation could be furthered with automatic Room Correction functionality.
