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Klipsch Forte IV Review (video)

hardisj

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For those who may be interested, here is my objective and subjective review of the Klipsch Forte IV. Klipsch tends to get a bad report from me but this offering from them is one that is closer to neutral than any others I have tested. It’s mostly a “it’s ok” take from me but it’s nowhere near as bad as the Heresy IV I recently re-reviewed.


Klipsch Forte IV Review || A Klipsch speaker I could *maybe* live with.
 

ernestcarl

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Yeah, it's looks fine and the low distortion levels is quite nice to have. The in-room measurements is pretty darn impressive and looks so easy to EQ... guess these are probably perfectly okay to be placed as-is without stands as well. Although, I can't say I like the monolithic vintage "mini fridge box" aesthetic of these monitors -- eh, reminds me too much of my parents' speakers of yesteryear. :p
 

Blumlein 88

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I thought the best speaker they made were some KG2's from 80's and 90's. Two way with an 8 inch woofer and passive radiator.
 
OP
hardisj

hardisj

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I’d love to get the Cornwall IV and/or the even a set of K-horns. If anyone out there has a pair and isn’t far from north Alabama, let me know.
 

sweetchaos

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Any of the EQ gurus want to give these a shot?
@pierre already generated his PEQ profile, see:

Code:
EQ for Klipsch Forte IV computed from ErinsAudioCorner data
Preference Score 3.7 with EQ 5.4
Generated from http://github.com/pierreaubert/spinorama/generate_peqs.py v0.13
Dated: 2021-10-03-06:40:23


Preamp: -2.4 dB


Filter  1: ON PK Fc  6291 Hz Gain -4.52 dB Q 3.37
Filter  2: ON PK Fc  1359 Hz Gain -3.31 dB Q 4.29
Filter  3: ON PK Fc   522 Hz Gain +2.41 dB Q 5.19
Filter  4: ON PK Fc  2292 Hz Gain +1.78 dB Q 3.91
Filter  5: ON PK Fc 14055 Hz Gain -2.90 dB Q 1.30
Filter  6: ON PK Fc  3382 Hz Gain -0.90 dB Q 6.00
Filter  7: ON PK Fc  9131 Hz Gain -0.57 dB Q 6.00
Filter  8: ON PK Fc   353 Hz Gain +1.72 dB Q 6.00
Filter  9: ON PK Fc  5306 Hz Gain +0.56 dB Q 1.37

Tagging @Maiky76 as requested.
 

dougi

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Yeah, an improrvement on the Heresy definately. Not great value in Oz at $11999 for the IV compared with $9490for the Forte iii. Both way over the US$ price of $5000.
 

Sheriff1972

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@pierre already generated his PEQ profile, see:

Code:
EQ for Klipsch Forte IV computed from ErinsAudioCorner data
Preference Score 3.7 with EQ 5.4
Generated from http://github.com/pierreaubert/spinorama/generate_peqs.py v0.13
Dated: 2021-10-03-06:40:23


Preamp: -2.4 dB


Filter  1: ON PK Fc  6291 Hz Gain -4.52 dB Q 3.37
Filter  2: ON PK Fc  1359 Hz Gain -3.31 dB Q 4.29
Filter  3: ON PK Fc   522 Hz Gain +2.41 dB Q 5.19
Filter  4: ON PK Fc  2292 Hz Gain +1.78 dB Q 3.91
Filter  5: ON PK Fc 14055 Hz Gain -2.90 dB Q 1.30
Filter  6: ON PK Fc  3382 Hz Gain -0.90 dB Q 6.00
Filter  7: ON PK Fc  9131 Hz Gain -0.57 dB Q 6.00
Filter  8: ON PK Fc   353 Hz Gain +1.72 dB Q 6.00
Filter  9: ON PK Fc  5306 Hz Gain +0.56 dB Q 1.37

Tagging @Maiky76 as requested.
Fab thanks. Will give this a shot on my Forte IV this weekend. What an awesome forum!

Just need to figure out how to get this data into Roon...
 
Last edited:

Sheriff1972

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@pierre already generated his PEQ profile, see:

Code:
EQ for Klipsch Forte IV computed from ErinsAudioCorner data
Preference Score 3.7 with EQ 5.4
Generated from http://github.com/pierreaubert/spinorama/generate_peqs.py v0.13
Dated: 2021-10-03-06:40:23


Preamp: -2.4 dB


Filter  1: ON PK Fc  6291 Hz Gain -4.52 dB Q 3.37
Filter  2: ON PK Fc  1359 Hz Gain -3.31 dB Q 4.29
Filter  3: ON PK Fc   522 Hz Gain +2.41 dB Q 5.19
Filter  4: ON PK Fc  2292 Hz Gain +1.78 dB Q 3.91
Filter  5: ON PK Fc 14055 Hz Gain -2.90 dB Q 1.30
Filter  6: ON PK Fc  3382 Hz Gain -0.90 dB Q 6.00
Filter  7: ON PK Fc  9131 Hz Gain -0.57 dB Q 6.00
Filter  8: ON PK Fc   353 Hz Gain +1.72 dB Q 6.00
Filter  9: ON PK Fc  5306 Hz Gain +0.56 dB Q 1.37

Tagging @Maiky76 as requested.
Fab thanks. Will give this a shot on my Forte IV this weekend. What an awesome forum.

Managed to input the filters into Roon. Play time!
 

eddantes

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Ok - can I ask a very stupid question?

I look at that FR and PIR and I ask myself... Why not add a high shelf and just take down everything from 130 and on up by at least 3db maybe more? It just seems like if the mid and tweeter were in the 88-89db range the whole thing would just work better with the passive and woofer now contributing on a more matching level...

Is that really dumb? I mean 89db is still quite reasonable... Dumb, right?
 

Angsty

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I’ve had my eye on the Forte since I was reading the “Stereo Review” measurements by Julian Hirsch a long time ago. There never really seemed to be a right time for me to buy them after I got another big pair of “monkey coffins”. I’m coming around to them again now and may give them a go. I will soon have an open room!
 

pimogo

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@pierre already generated his PEQ profile, see:

Code:
EQ for Klipsch Forte IV computed from ErinsAudioCorner data
Preference Score 3.7 with EQ 5.4
Generated from http://github.com/pierreaubert/spinorama/generate_peqs.py v0.13
Dated: 2021-10-03-06:40:23


Preamp: -2.4 dB


Filter  1: ON PK Fc  6291 Hz Gain -4.52 dB Q 3.37
Filter  2: ON PK Fc  1359 Hz Gain -3.31 dB Q 4.29
Filter  3: ON PK Fc   522 Hz Gain +2.41 dB Q 5.19
Filter  4: ON PK Fc  2292 Hz Gain +1.78 dB Q 3.91
Filter  5: ON PK Fc 14055 Hz Gain -2.90 dB Q 1.30
Filter  6: ON PK Fc  3382 Hz Gain -0.90 dB Q 6.00
Filter  7: ON PK Fc  9131 Hz Gain -0.57 dB Q 6.00
Filter  8: ON PK Fc   353 Hz Gain +1.72 dB Q 6.00
Filter  9: ON PK Fc  5306 Hz Gain +0.56 dB Q 1.37

Tagging @Maiky76 as requested.
Quick question on using generated PEQs.

I apologize if this sounds obtuse, but are custom PEQs transferable for speakers? I thought the room played a big part in this and since we all have different rooms even if the speakers are the same, is a one setting fits all truly achievable?

I've added this to roon to experiment w/ my fortes but had that lingering question.
 

sweetchaos

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I apologize if this sounds obtuse, but are custom PEQs transferable for speakers? I thought the room played a big part in this and since we all have different rooms even if the speakers are the same, is a one setting fits all truly achievable?
You can use speaker PEQ profiles for anything above the schroider frequency. Below the schroider frequency, you still need to measure your room’s response using a measurement microphone and correct for it specifically.
 

pimogo

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interesting! explains why all those frequencies were mid-range and up. is this because higher frequencies aren't impacted by a typical room environment? for adjusting lower frequencies, i presume i should go down the UMIK / REW route. i'll have to read a bit more before i can undertake such an endeavor. any resources out there i can turn to?

many thanks for your response.
 

bryan0101

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I'm going to resurrect this thread.
I ordered the Forte IV without audition based entirely on this review+measurement (as well as my desire to use tube gears). And it has been a revelation.
After testing more, I dumped the idea of the tube amp.
With a pair of Rythmik F12G sealed subs, a nice tube preamp, and a pair of AHB2, the setup is unbelievable. Smooth, precise, powerful, unbelievably dynamic, imaging like a mofo.
In my chain at this point, it's crazy that the speakers itself is the cheapest component.
My question is:
If there is anyone looking into the schematic of the Forte IV crossover, and if there are companies/individuals looking to modify/upgrade the crossover. Just recapping it would probably take it to another level I believe.
 

AwesomeSauce2015

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My question is:
If there is anyone looking into the schematic of the Forte IV crossover, and if there are companies/individuals looking to modify/upgrade the crossover. Just recapping it would probably take it to another level I believe.
Just changing out the components with ones with identical values won't impact the sound (unless one of the current components is broken / way off).
If you want to improve your sound, my recommendation would be to get some kind of EQ on your subwoofers and mains.
Set up a proper crossover, and correct for the room modes.
After that, it would be speakers that need upgraded.
 
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