The level of production value is fine; you manage to keep things equally laid back and professional, which helps to set you apart. Keep doing you, man.
Forte just plays music with ease and will give you high dynamics when you want it. Horn speakers are different and not for everyone but always remember no speaker can satisfy everyone.
Sean! Great job, it’s a funny review in that it’s a rave, and you’re hedging. Two things I would say about any great speaker are: they’re hard to place perfectly and they’re fussy about amplifiers. Forte III is fussy about placement and revealing of electronics.
Agree with you Steve, how long did he have the forte's ? did he play with placement ? amplification ? How much time did he spend/live with these speakers? From your channel Steve, I know you had them about a year, so you know the nuances, Z Reviews had them about a month, I'm just starting to live with them , so far will be keeping them forever, they are a wow.
@@l.m.372 I'd say whoever lived with them the longest, Steve ,on his channel had them for a year, how long did zero fidelity? Gotta go with the person who knows them longer.
@@kingjohnny7215 Their rooms are different but more importantly their ears. So the rhetorical question is....Who has better ears ? ps don't forget preference
Original Fortes since 87. My Dad bought them for 800 bucks and gave them to me about 15 yrs ago. Glad I’ve kept them because I sure couldn’t pay 4K for the new ones. The originals never sounded sibilant to my ear. Keep up with the great content.
Have you replaced the capacitors in the crossovers? The original electrolytics are pretty tired by now. Critesspeakers.com can help you out with parts or whole new crossovers. The titanium tweeter domes are a pretty common upgrade too.
Took me from January to August 2019 to get what I believe is now the proper placement for my speakers. Coupled with the burn in period between, I have since achieved and since exceeded the delight I had hoped for in my purchase. Good luck with yours.
I've owned several sets of Klipsch speakers over the years. They take a long time to completely break in. The bigger the speaker, the longer the break in. They are also very sensitive to a cold amp. So, give them 40 or 50 hours of medium volume play (when brand new), and make sure the amp is good and warm before doing any critical listening. If you hook these up to a cold amp right out of the box you're going to hear harsh highs sloppy mids and lack luster bass, BUT! give them a good break in, let your amp warm up for 30 minutes and they sound FANTASTIC!!
Ed Jackson - I have a pair of the Forte II's I bought new in 1990, I paid retail, $1,100. I leave my Carver m500-t, amp on all the time. They still sound good to me. I can't believe the price they get for the III's but I would love to demo them at home.
@@bobidderis3880 Yes, I actually am, but I have plenty of solid state equipment also. They all benefit from a little warm up time. This is pretty common knowledge. My boss back in the 80s would never let us demo cold equipment to a customer. Of course I thought he was crazy at first, but eventually was able to hear what he was talking about. The more sensitive the speakers, the more noticeable it is.
Top notch review. Your product reviews are some of the best I’ve ever heard, in that your descriptions of components, spkrs, etc. are just plain excellent in how precise you are. I know you say that you don’t have any type of script, but your thoughts are extremely well said nonetheless. You’ve got a gift, dude! Many thanks for reviews I can actually take to heart. 🎶 🔊 🙂
Very good to have you back! I have not heard the Klipsch Fortes (in any iteration). I have a late-80s pair of Klipsch Chorus IIs - my first "serious speakers" I was able to afford. At first, I loved them. Then I started to notice things about them that slowly began to change my opinion of them: The midrange just sounded like a winter storm after a while. The top end sounded fatiguing and the low end, while very plentiful, was not very tight. I guess I noticed all of this when I kept switching between rock and jazz. But as I say, I was sort of a newcomer. I had been told that "in order to get good bass sound, you had to place these speakers up close to the wall). Well... I pulled them out from the wall a couple of feet and toed them in a bit, and yeah! The sound definitely improved. Sometimes I wonder if my hearing is screwy though... I'm 56 years old and played in rock bands, etc. I still cannot get the high end to sound revealing enough without it getting fatiguing to me.
Replacing the caps in the crossover would probably do wonders for your Chorus IIs. Adding an L-pad to the mids while you're in there would give you some control. Usually lowering the mids a little will bring out sparkle and bass. Pretty cheap stuff if you do it yourself.
You nailed it. Spent an afternoon listening to these and the La Scala . They are not a Vandersteen, Focal, or Spendor, but WOW! What fun! I really enjoyed them.
@@awdadwadwad1723 Klipsch have a particular flavor of sound. Very different from those brands I mentioned. That is OK. I do not see them less than or better. Only different. Like a Maggie is different from a Wilson. However, if you are comparing this generation to those of yesteryear. They are not the same animal. Gone is the "Hootiness" (Not a real word) that I did not care for. I simply enjoyed them for what they are.
I bought a pair of Forte' II's in 1990, I play them everyday, I paid $1,100. After almost 30'years they still sound great to me. I would love to try a pair of broken in 3's in my home just to see if I could hear a difference, then send them back.
Your review is spot on, very spot on actually! I listened to them for about 2.5 hours at a Heritage dealer, and while they’re good, they ultimately were too forward for my taste, and hell they were on a 50 watt tube amp so I would’ve thought that would have added some warmth. Nope. They do rock, but at the price of being a little bright, forward, and do I say a little harsh... ultimately I passed on these, and that was when they were 3600 for a pair, prior to Klipsch’s price increase. Just not enough refinement for me, I would’ve like a little less forward ness, more warmth, and smoother top end, but that’s me, good speakers, just good for someone else besides myself. Good review, spot on!!
I hear you. There isn't anything that can be done about the refinement aspect of the sound. The forwardness however, can be adjusted via positioning. With a few simple adjustments, you can get these speakers to sound pretty smooth. Even rolled off and dull in certain circumstances.
Everything from the Klipsch Heritage Line has a very dynamic, lively sound that is rather unique and singular in this world of dome tweeters and direct radiators. The resale value and long term values also hold up remarkably well. The latest models have tractrix horn lens designs and titanium diaphragms in the tweeter and midrange - they sound considerably smoother than the older Klipsch drivers.
Excellent review. I feel like your review above all others of this speaker tells me what to expect. I feel I have a much better understanding of what they are about. To me it seems like these are a good candidate for someone who has a reference system and wants a second system that while is still very good is mainly for fun. A change of pace from the reference system.
This Is basically why I am looking at them and never thought I ever would. Current system great soundstage and excellent separation IMO but wonder what a fun musical forceful reproduction could be like. Plus I want any excuse to buy an r8 tube amp:D
Great perspective. I have always had to work on getting the most out of my speakers, including some internal mods like bracing, parts, tilting upward, etc. The good news you gave us is these Forte IIIs sound really good from top to bottom. Thanks for the review!
Been listening to forte ii since kid. You're right. Fortes needs room to breathe. Must spread them apart widely and toe it in slightly. I put mine about a feet from sidewall and 3ft from wall behind the speaker. It sounded absolutely alive. Like my whole front wall is a large concert stage. Watching movies with these is an incredibly amazing experience. Movie become so alive with this speakers! They're quick and loud. The dynamic of it is stunning even at high volume. Its like the sidewall inside my theater room completely disappeared! And I'm right there sitting in the very center of the movie action.
Bought my Forte 3's cosmetically damaged off of Ebay for half-price. These have been a journey for a novice audiophile who had to feel his way along in the dark. I now have them singing the way I want but it took months of trying different things. Here is what I finally ended up with: Rotel's latest pre-amp and power amp Yamaha CD C600 with Wireworld Supernova 7 borosilicate fiber Toslink cable from Yamaha to Rotel Preamp Monoprice Stage Right XLR's from preamp to power amp Audioquest Rocket 44 bi-wire speaker cables with the stock silver bananas changed out with gold plated The Supernova 7 glass Toslink was perhaps the least expected and most startling upgrade to sound. Compared to the Yukon RCA's from the Yamaha were superior. These also tamed the Rotel's infamously trebly and sharp Sabre DAC. This DAC chip mow sounds detailed but less forward in what were already forward speakers. Tried the pangea XLR's but they were too rolled off. Tried Yukon XLR's but they were also too rolled off. Tried the Yukon unbalanced RCA's from preamp to power amp - too rolled off. Not disssing the Audioquest stuff - it was clearly superior to the stock RCA's The Supernova 7 Toslinks were spectacular through the Rotel amps but less so through some other lesser sound stations using the same Yamaha Cd C600 but linked to Mid-fi Onkyo amps.(A-9010.) Definitely preferred the bi-wire Audioquest speaker cables. Tried the 33's first, but ultimately arrived at the 44's. There seemed to be more overall balance sonically.
Great review Sean! I was actually thinking you might be the one review to give these a little less than high praise, but it’s very cool to know that they live up to the hype. I’m still waiting to get my ears on some. I also appreciate your notes about the equipment pairings. I’ve heard they tend to need a little more power, so I’m glad you found the same. Hopefully I can check these out at some point.
Truth be told, I was about ready to give up on them. Either the review was going to be mediocre at best, or I'd have just sent them back without a review. Thankfully, I found the right spot that allowed me to hear em' strut their stuff.
NETnews You are right, Sean is a great, no nonsense reviewer, but let’s not forget about his buddy, Ron from New Record Day. Also John Darko is also excellent.
@@sidvicious3129 I agree both John D and Sean rock. They lean more to stereo audio which I like. There are some great reviewers for HT which lean mostly to that topic though touch on musical performance.
I am lucky enough to live 45 minutes away from an authorized Klipsch dealer in Portland. I have seen and listened to the amazing sound the speakers are able to produce. It just blows my mind how two speakers can completely engulf you, where it sounds like you have a surround system yet it was only a 2.0 system. I want to buy them I even got a second job and the wife works yet the wife just doesn't agree with me to purchase them they are expensive for the average Joe. I may just settle with the HP-3 Klipsch headphones and the amplifier. I've read a few comments stating that they sound like the Klipsch horns with certain music.
Headphones will never sound like full size speakers.. but it depends on what you're looking for. I spent thousands on headphones and gear,, and for me the more I spent on much more expensive gear,, I kept chasing the sheer presentation size and the holographic effects and separation,, and a good 500 dollars speakers set can outmatch my $2k headphones any day. Save your money,, and listen and compare sounds before you commit. Best of luck!
Very nice review Sean, as usual. I really liked the alternate locations for the review - previous videos where you’re just in front of a table are way blander. Keep doing the alternates. On a side note, although you didn’t have a comparably priced/sized speaker, I think a review of the differences compared to the Buchardt S400, as one of your favourite speakers, is warranted. After all, Buchardt say that by selling direct we save 50-60% or something - that would put it in the same price class as the Forte. And although they may sound totally different, would love to see a comparison of those.
Every consumer direct company makes that claim. When you look at the real cost of running a hi-fi business, it all leverages out quite evenly. Hence why traditional businesses are still alive and well, and are totally unthreatened by the consumer-direct guy.
No doubt, but if they claim it, then comparisons to alternatives costing twice as much are valid IMO. Plus I think it would still help people understand the diffs between a big floor standing horn speaker, and a great small bookshelf speaker, and the differences they can expect.
@@rlowes - I see where you're coming from. I don't think that kind of a comparison has a place in a review - but its an idea worth entertaining for a stand-alone vid.
Which do you prefer between the forte lll and Harbeth Super HL5 Plus. I much preferred the Harbeths when I Demi’s both with a Primaluna Dialogue HP Integrated amp
Strangely enough your friend Steve Gutenberg was just discussing this very subject on his daily vlog today 9-9-19 regarding it can take time to evaluate or get your speakers to sound just perfect for your own ears. I had exactly the same issues with my new Mission SX2 large stantmount speakers it took at least 2 weeks before I started or things just started to click onto place oddly enough the first few days to 1 week I was also not impressed and they realy did not sound all that great but I was told give them more time tbey need to bed in.. Irony 2 years on they are finest speakers Iv ever ever owned so far... And they still surprise 😲 me from time to time and thats 2 years on. Anyway as ussal great channal great reviews all the best from London - UK 🇬🇧
Sean, I have spent some time with the Forte iii and the word Fun is what you come away with. I don’t find them as detailed as my Vandersteens, but there is just something about them. With rock in particular they excelled. They are a speaker that doesn’t require gobs of power, but they will make you pay attention and if I had the room for them, I would’ve bought them.
@Zero Fidelity Have you listened to any Magico speakers. They have an "entry level" offering with the A3 at $12,000 USD. This is alot of money but it is an incredible offering in this price range. I just picked up a pair of magico s1mk2 which is quite possibly one of the best two way speakers available. Magico speakers are also designed and made in USA the enclosures are extruded aluminum in the srange and carbon fiber on the m series. To say they are well built would be an understatement.
Gratz on the new speakers! Had a set of S1's at Casa Del Zero for awhile. Real good stuff. I haven't had a chance to check out the A3. I'm sure Magico would rather punch themselves in the d*ck before sending something my way to review, but I certainly wouldn't be opposed to it should the opportunity present itself.
Growing up around the original Forte (metal horns/ear bleeders) and modding many sets of forte II (tractrix 1, but still a phenolic tweeter): the III are a JUMP in improvements over the I or II. Smoothed out all the weaknesses. The new titanium drivers and crossover are FAR superior. Listen to Eagles farewell tour 1. Makes many other boutique speakers- including more expensive boutique speakers sound toy-like and weak. Klipsch need space. FWIW: These thrive with more power than a SET amp. A 25 watt tube amp is minimum. A SET will not power them properly, regardless of the math.
mark evans I would also like to hear his opinion between the two...I’m sure it will mostly be in the midrange though and I too have the rf711 and been thinking about upgrading 👍🏻
So I can tell you a few things. First, both the RF-7 II's and the Forte III's are equally a pain in the booty when it comes to placement. Just a mm here or there can mean the difference between bad sound and great sound. Secondly, I think the Forte III's are better speakers in most regards. Particularly when it comes to tone. Lastly, the RF-7 II's do have some advantages. I feel like they are a tad easier to drive, have a notably punchier sound, and lay down a more realistic sense of scale due to the height of the drivers.
Thanks for great review. I guess At this price point, there is nothing bad or good about sound . it just our preference like what kind sound signature we want and also depends on synergy with rest of components.
@ Zero Fidelity . Btw I am enjoying Kinki studio with elac adante . They sounds dam good. Listening music as whole music no more distractions by lows, mids or highs or warmer sounding. Also I am able to enjoy all kinds of music now. As always you’re great hifi reviewer who talks to the point . Thank you
The new Forte III is "Audiovox Klipsch" which features a physically smaller and more shallow horn lens than the original Superior Forte II. The Forte III midrange is a design more like a waveguide than a horn unlike the original Forte II which had a larger, deeper tractrix horn that simply sounds much better than the new Audiovox/Klipsch offering. The msrp of the Klipsch Forte II when it ceased production in 1996 was $1000 a pair. Audiox which purchased Klipsch in 2011 sells the Forte III for $4000 a pair - this is what they are doing to make up their expensive purchase price of the Klipsch company from the Klipsch family. Hear it for yourself, compare a side by side playing of the Forte II (the second incarnation featuring the first and best generation tractrix horn) and play the new Forte III and you'll see the Forte II is a MUCH nicer and Superior sounding speaker. I have done this so do this comparison for yourself and hear what I'm saying. Company hype vs reality often conflict dramatically.
I thought that I liked my Forte III until I compared them to the Tannoy Legacy Cheviot and ended up with the Cheviot. I'd like to hear your thoughts on the Tannoy.
A hardon...damn you are more relaxed lol. Great review again. I had forte’s a few years back. Some music sounds great other music not so much even with an equally well recorded source. But I liked them.
I’ve had them for two years now and I love them. I’m surprised you say they don’t produce much bass because my experience has been quite different. I have them about ten feet apart in the corners of the room about four inches from the wall on both sides. They thump real well.
That's something a lot of people miss with (most) Klipsch speakers - they're meant to _use_ the wall, not to be moved away from it. Heck, the Klipschorns don't have a complete bass horn unless you put the into a corner.
I'd need to have the latest version of the DI here to say for sure. What I can tell you is that the DI is going to have some advantages: The sound if the DI will be more objectively linear (flatter frequency response), the bass is stronger and tighter, you'll get a fuller range sound with better scaling due to height, and the treble will be more forgiving. The Forte III will give you a better sense of detail and refinement, a more forward and lively sound, more density within the midrange, and a bit more of a dynamically expressive presentation.
Zero Fidelity Thank you Sean for taking the time to answer my question, much appreciated. Your gut feel and what you can remember from the DI’s is exactly what I was looking for. I trust your hearing and judgment. And you have a relatable way to explain things. I purchased my DI’s heavily based on your opinion and I am very satisfied; haven’t looked back since. Thank you! With your quick description, to my taste, I think I’ve made the right choice with DI’s. Maybe will give the Forte’s a go one day just to try the iconic Klipsch’s 🙂 Keep up the awesome work man!
Eric Leport, I returned my newly purchased Forte III’s and went with the upgraded Tekton Double Impacts based primarily on Sean’s review of the first gen DI’s. The Forte’s were just too forward sounding with my system in my listening room. I made the right decision, though the Forte’s do rock but the DI’s are more refined. Cheers!
Way out of my budget but they are a beautiful beast no doubt about it!! Sean, did you try the Whaferdale Lintons? I'm saving to purchase the Lintons and would love to know your opinion.
Am a Horn lover and travelled the world when working, Bought Casta Horn C, in Milan , took a year to get to me 10 years now and from the Forte to then Casta’s more refinement and never, I mean never horny , paid $14,000 and now are double in price. I am shocked by this. Cheers and heart fell video
I have a question. I have a Yamaha rx-a2070 but I'm going to upgrade to an 11.2 reciever. I'm looking at the Yamaha rx-a3080 but I never had a denon.so I also have been looking at the denon avr-x6500h. My question is which one do you suggest I get?
Hello Friend. I'm about to buy a pair of speakers for my Stereo Amplifier Onkyo M-5000R and Cd Player Marantz, I don't know which one will give me better sound if the Klipsch Forte III or the RF-7III? Can you help me choose which one will give me the best high-end stereo sound? Thank you.
I would guess no. The original L100s used all paper drivers, the L100 Classic ($4000, so competes directly with the Forte III) uses a dome tweeter of some sort. They typically give a very different presentation than horns. I heard a pair of L100 Century with a full Marantz tube setup in an apartment that was owned by a Grammy-winning sound engineer and they did sound quite fantastic.
Always entertaining and always fun! Not a big fan of this brand. $4K, they must have a huge habit! Just looking at them and knowing what I know about equipment manufacturing, they are making a serious profit. That’s okay because that is what the definition of a business is, but value for the money? No, I will pass and spend my $4K somewhere else and let someone else have themselves a ball. I would rather have the Harbeth’s or something more defined. This hobby is, hopefully, about having fun! Opinions vary! Find what turns your knob and be happy!😊👍🏻
Love my heresy 3's and they certainly work well with my sugden A21 sig (20 watts), most of the tube sound with none of hassle of tubes. As you found/I it does take a little volume to get the bass cones moving though.
I had the exact same question before buying new spkrs. I decided to go with the Pendragons, and I’m thrilled with my choice. That’s just my personal opinion though.
Hey buddy amazing video as always it’s interesting how all the speakers on the way out of my budget I wanted to ask you for a little advice if you don’t mind I have a little under three grand that I’m looking to get for a set of speakers I was wondering at that price point while would you recommend the room that I have them set up for or should I say would like to set up for is about 18 x 22 thanks for any advice and help that you can give me
Zero Fidelity I eventually plan on upgrading my gear at the moment I have a Yamaha integrated amp my apologies for not remembering the model number at the moment it’s an older model it’s about 10 years old and I do have eight old vintage pioneer SX 1250 which is kind of vintage but she still sounds and plays strong. I also have them playing with a set of BMW DM602 and for watching TV I have a pioneer elite with a set of 5.1 canton speakers. My set up is kind a old and I’m looking to start a second room but I’d like to buy everything new for this room the room is about 18 x 22 and the ceiling is about 11 to 12 feet As far as music I love a little bit of everything but primarily I love classical and jazz and occasionally classic rock but I can listen to all day to Hans Zimmer and Vangelis. Occasionally I still love the freestyle club music and so on but at the moment that’s what I love to listen to is more classical and jazz
@@felixlaboy1453 For $3K, you won't be able to get better than a set of Ascend Sierra Tower with RAAL ribbon tweeter upgrade. They are internet direct so really these would be $6K at dealers. Amazing sound, the ribbon tweeter is the best next to diamond ones that are much more expensive. Thank me later.
Hi Sean, I love Klipsch speakers but which one is best? Should I pay $6,000 to get a cornwall 4 or $4,000 for the forte 3 ,does $2,000 different worth it?and McIntosh will be good for Klipsch ,I try to spend about $ 15,000 grand to listen to music,not a hight end “sound” and I need your help,thanks
Yup, your positioning looks very close to my own. Grills on, pretty close to the front wall(7" at the closest corner),minimal toe in That was the spot I plopped them down when I got them, then I spent 6 months adjusting. Then one day I just up and moved them more than I ever had in one go, sat back and marveled at the sound, later seeing the old tape marks that they landed on exactly I seem to recall your room being somewhat small, I found that the further back I get, the better they sound. I also built custom risers, an exact copy of the stock ones, but 7.5" taller. That was the biggie! And it still leaves the tweeter a couple inches below ear level. And while I wouldn't want it to be my only amplifier, I can report that they sound pretty damn good with only 3 watts. I never would have believed it until I learned to trust the VU meters on the big Yamaha. I can't even use the remote on that one if the DAC is at 0dbfs.
I always struggle with the word "fun" to describe speaker sound. I feel like i can have "fun" with almost any speaker depending on the sound. I think you used the word "refined" as the opposite of "fun" in the review. Can you tell me what some "refined" speakers would be so i can get a feel what a "fun" speaker is not?
It's true. You can have fun with just about any speaker. Especially when you're around good company. The descriptor is more in reference to the presentation of the speaker itself. It's more about recreating the sense of a live musical event with big scale, dynamic power, and projection. In the real world, the musical experience would never register as giving the listener a 'flat' frequency response. Hence why many people refer to speakers like Klipsch as being 'fun' as opposed to accurate or refined. Refined would be... hell.. just pick almost any European speaker for the same amount of money. Its like comparing an American muscle car to a European sports car. There is no right or wrong here. Just a preference.
I wonder how these would compare to the new JBL L100's and my Monitor Gold 200's I just got a few months ago with their new nomex drivers. All are in the 4-5k range.
Price not withstanding, the Forte III is better in every single way in terms of raw performance. The only advantage the RP600M has is that it's a very easy speaker to position within a room.
Forte's are 8x the price ... and 8x the size. Hardly comparible. Forte's are also part of the 'Heritage' range which impart a powerful, yet easy, clarity. RP600s use newer/rubberized tractrix - great small-mid speaker but Forte's are big beasties ... and the Cornwalls are a step up again! Edit: The natural progression of the RP600s (Bookshelves - or Monitors, that's what the M stands for) is into the RP floorstanders(F).
Klipsch heritage series...JBL synthesis series....Tannoy legacy series are simply the very best speakers on this planet!...wait...also the incredible Magnat Transpuls 1500 are amazing...15 inch woofer great sound great look for less than 1000 euro/dollars!
Klipsch table. Place bet. RPS 51M @ 1/2 price BlackMonday, white chips. Low odds and small payout with AVR and living room HT, there's no bad win. RPS 600 M, on sale @ original price of $439, thanks for sharing info on late summer discounts, red chips.
What size room would be optimal for the Forte's? or does that matter as much these days? I used to sell Altec Lansing back in the day, their model 19 in our show room which was not that large got loud but just seemed like a harsher type of sound. I sold a pair to a gentleman and took them out to his place to set them up for him, he had a very good sized living room and was running some Mc Intosh equipment . I have to admit it completely changed my perspective of the Altec's sound , listening to Jackson Browns The load out -stay was quite impressive, the model 19 had a 15# bass driver and in our sound room there did not seem to be a lot of slam however listening to them in that larger room the speaker produced that impressive bass slam I had expected there to be.
Unless you're in a closet or a massive room with tall ceilings, I'd say they are pretty versatile in terms of the kinda rooms that they play well in. And yeah man, those big Altecs needed SPACE to breathe!
Hi Sean, many thanks for another great review. I bought a Parasound Hint on your recommendation. Did you match the Parasound with the Forte III's in your review? IF so, did you find the Parasound had a bit too much grunt for the high sensitivity of the Hint? I see you used it in the Cornwall Review. I'm wrestling between a pair of the Forte's and JBL L100's. Thanks - your opinion is greatly valued!
Nice video, I like the new setting. Btw, I noticed you used the wire instead of the bridges. What are your thoughts? I didn't notice a day or night difference but more like it sounded more connected? Maybe some more detail. My speakers are really revealing just like the fortes.
Honestly man, I didn't pick up on any differences. Granted, I only used some vintage Western Electric wire... not proper jumpers. Maybe I'll have a chance to do so at some point in the future.
@@ZeroFidelity hmm weird. I just use some normal speaker wire. Could be that the fortes just don't benefit from them. The speakers I used to test it are 19 years old. Could be that maybe oxidisation on the copper stock bridges degraded the sound maybe. Weird.
@@damianzaninovich4900 He measures sensitivity in the proper standard fashion unlike Klipsch. While they are fairly sensitive, it gives a false impression by how much.
It seems counterintuitive, but after years of experimenting on placement of the forte 3, 45 degree tow in and preferably at least 7 inches off the floor. Just my observations.
The level of production value is fine; you manage to keep things equally laid back and professional, which helps to set you apart. Keep doing you, man.
Forte just plays music with ease and will give you high dynamics when you want it. Horn speakers are different and not for everyone but always remember no speaker can satisfy everyone.
Sean! Great job, it’s a funny review in that it’s a rave, and you’re hedging. Two things I would say about any great speaker are: they’re hard to place perfectly and they’re fussy about amplifiers. Forte III is fussy about placement and revealing of electronics.
Steve Guttenberg Audiophiliac, right you are, Steve!
Interesting. Sean states around 12:40 that the Forte IIIs are completely fuzz free when it comes to amp matching. So... who is right here?!
Agree with you Steve, how long did he have the forte's ? did he play with placement ? amplification ? How much time did he spend/live with these speakers? From your channel Steve, I know you had them about a year, so you know the nuances, Z Reviews had them about a month, I'm just starting to live with them , so far will be keeping them forever, they are a wow.
@@l.m.372 I'd say whoever lived with them the longest, Steve ,on his channel had them for a year, how long did zero fidelity? Gotta go with the person who knows them longer.
@@kingjohnny7215 Their rooms are different but more importantly their ears. So the rhetorical question is....Who has better ears ? ps don't forget preference
Great pace, and clear information, concise. You are a class of your own. Thank you.
I have watched all the other reviews and own the Klipsch Forte III. And this is the most accurate review so far, both thumbs up!
Don't worry about production value, keep them simple and fun, thanks.
You talk straight from the heart, you're a no bullshit reviewer
Original Fortes since 87. My Dad bought them for 800 bucks and gave them to me about 15 yrs ago. Glad I’ve kept them because I sure couldn’t pay 4K for the new ones. The originals never sounded sibilant to my ear. Keep up with the great content.
Have you replaced the capacitors in the crossovers? The original electrolytics are pretty tired by now. Critesspeakers.com can help you out with parts or whole new crossovers. The titanium tweeter domes are a pretty common upgrade too.
@@BigFarm_ah365 I have not re-capped them yet but had looked at Crites' website for just that reason. Am considering both upgrades, thanks!
Took me from January to August 2019 to get what I believe is now the proper placement for my speakers. Coupled with the burn in period between, I have since achieved and since exceeded the delight I had hoped for in my purchase. Good luck with yours.
I had a pair of forty 2 and I love them but had to sell them. the person I sold them to still has them to this day Klipsch makes great speakers
You are right, I have a pair of KLF20 Klipsch speakers and they sound amazing!!!
I've owned several sets of Klipsch speakers over the years. They take a long time to completely break in. The bigger the speaker, the longer the break in. They are also very sensitive to a cold amp. So, give them 40 or 50 hours of medium volume play (when brand new), and make sure the amp is good and warm before doing any critical listening. If you hook these up to a cold amp right out of the box you're going to hear harsh highs sloppy mids and lack luster bass, BUT! give them a good break in, let your amp warm up for 30 minutes and they sound FANTASTIC!!
Ed Jackson - I have a pair of the Forte II's I bought new in 1990, I paid retail, $1,100. I leave my Carver m500-t, amp on all the time. They still sound good to me.
I can't believe the price they get for the III's but I would love to demo them at home.
That’s insane. It’s not a car. Should be able to just turn your system on a let them play and it should sound good on a warm or cold amp.
@@cato12 maybe they're talking about tube amp.
Forte III, Hafler p400 power amp, mastersounds radius 4 mixer, vinyl. Sounds the same cold as it does warm. C'mon son!
@@bobidderis3880 Yes, I actually am, but I have plenty of solid state equipment also. They all benefit from a little warm up time. This is pretty common knowledge. My boss back in the 80s would never let us demo cold equipment to a customer. Of course I thought he was crazy at first, but eventually was able to hear what he was talking about. The more sensitive the speakers, the more noticeable it is.
Top notch review. Your product reviews are some of the best I’ve ever heard, in that your descriptions of components, spkrs, etc. are just plain excellent in how precise you are. I know you say that you don’t have any type of script, but your thoughts are extremely well said nonetheless. You’ve got a gift, dude!
Many thanks for reviews I can actually take to heart. 🎶 🔊 🙂
Excellent review, excellent video! As always! Love your input, and the passion you have for your calling! Thanks brother!!!
Very good to have you back! I have not heard the Klipsch Fortes (in any iteration). I have a late-80s pair of Klipsch Chorus IIs - my first "serious speakers" I was able to afford. At first, I loved them. Then I started to notice things about them that slowly began to change my opinion of them: The midrange just sounded like a winter storm after a while. The top end sounded fatiguing and the low end, while very plentiful, was not very tight. I guess I noticed all of this when I kept switching between rock and jazz. But as I say, I was sort of a newcomer. I had been told that "in order to get good bass sound, you had to place these speakers up close to the wall). Well... I pulled them out from the wall a couple of feet and toed them in a bit, and yeah! The sound definitely improved. Sometimes I wonder if my hearing is screwy though... I'm 56 years old and played in rock bands, etc. I still cannot get the high end to sound revealing enough without it getting fatiguing to me.
Replacing the caps in the crossover would probably do wonders for your Chorus IIs. Adding an L-pad to the mids while you're in there would give you some control. Usually lowering the mids a little will bring out sparkle and bass. Pretty cheap stuff if you do it yourself.
The only home audio channel on RUclips with no BS. Change my mind.
You nailed it. Spent an afternoon listening to these and the La Scala . They are not a Vandersteen, Focal, or Spendor, but WOW! What fun! I really enjoyed them.
They aren't bad, but still would take any from that list before Klipsch.
@@awdadwadwad1723 Klipsch have a particular flavor of sound. Very different from those brands I mentioned. That is OK. I do not see them less than or better. Only different. Like a Maggie is different from a Wilson.
However, if you are comparing this generation to those of yesteryear. They are not the same animal. Gone is the "Hootiness" (Not a real word) that I did not care for. I simply enjoyed them for what they are.
I bought a pair of Forte' II's in 1990, I play them everyday, I paid $1,100. After almost 30'years they still sound great to me. I would love to try a pair of broken in 3's in my home just to see if I could hear a difference, then send them back.
Your review is spot on, very spot on actually! I listened to them for about 2.5 hours at a Heritage dealer, and while they’re good, they ultimately were too forward for my taste, and hell they were on a 50 watt tube amp so I would’ve thought that would have added some warmth. Nope. They do rock, but at the price of being a little bright, forward, and do I say a little harsh... ultimately I passed on these, and that was when they were 3600 for a pair, prior to Klipsch’s price increase. Just not enough refinement for me, I would’ve like a little less forward ness, more warmth, and smoother top end, but that’s me, good speakers, just good for someone else besides myself. Good review, spot on!!
I hear you. There isn't anything that can be done about the refinement aspect of the sound. The forwardness however, can be adjusted via positioning. With a few simple adjustments, you can get these speakers to sound pretty smooth. Even rolled off and dull in certain circumstances.
Everything from the Klipsch Heritage Line has a very dynamic, lively sound that is rather unique and singular in this world of dome tweeters and direct radiators. The resale value and long term values also hold up remarkably well. The latest models have tractrix horn lens designs and titanium diaphragms in the tweeter and midrange - they sound considerably smoother than the older Klipsch drivers.
Excellent review. I feel like your review above all others of this speaker tells me what to expect. I feel I have a much better understanding of what they are about. To me it seems like these are a good candidate for someone who has a reference system and wants a second system that while is still very good is mainly for fun. A change of pace from the reference system.
This Is basically why I am looking at them and never thought I ever would. Current system great soundstage and excellent separation IMO but wonder what a fun musical forceful reproduction could be like. Plus I want any excuse to buy an r8 tube amp:D
Thank you. Horn speakers by JBL, model 4365 and 4367. Appreciate you give your feedback
Like most here, I’ve heard a lot of reviews on the Forte’s for years and it’s cool to have your take on them. Great vid as always 👊🏼
Great review. I like your hat. its iconic at this point.
Just a long-term ploy to get a big sponsor! :D
@@ZeroFidelity great idea. Time to copy
Great perspective. I have always had to work on getting the most out of my speakers, including some internal mods like bracing, parts, tilting upward, etc. The good news you gave us is these Forte IIIs sound really good from top to bottom. Thanks for the review!
Been listening to forte ii since kid. You're right. Fortes needs room to breathe. Must spread them apart widely and toe it in slightly. I put mine about a feet from sidewall and 3ft from wall behind the speaker. It sounded absolutely alive. Like my whole front wall is a large concert stage. Watching movies with these is an incredibly amazing experience. Movie become so alive with this speakers! They're quick and loud. The dynamic of it is stunning even at high volume. Its like the sidewall inside my theater room completely disappeared! And I'm right there sitting in the very center of the movie action.
Bought my Forte 3's cosmetically damaged off of Ebay for half-price. These have been a journey for a novice audiophile who had to feel his way along in the dark. I now have them singing the way I want but it took months of trying different things.
Here is what I finally ended up with:
Rotel's latest pre-amp and power amp
Yamaha CD C600 with Wireworld Supernova 7 borosilicate fiber Toslink cable from Yamaha to Rotel Preamp
Monoprice Stage Right XLR's from preamp to power amp
Audioquest Rocket 44 bi-wire speaker cables with the stock silver bananas changed out with gold plated
The Supernova 7 glass Toslink was perhaps the least expected and most startling upgrade to sound. Compared to the Yukon RCA's from the Yamaha were superior. These also tamed the Rotel's infamously trebly and sharp Sabre DAC. This DAC chip mow
sounds detailed but less forward in what were already forward speakers.
Tried the pangea XLR's but they were too rolled off.
Tried Yukon XLR's but they were also too rolled off.
Tried the Yukon unbalanced RCA's from preamp to power amp - too rolled off.
Not disssing the Audioquest stuff - it was clearly superior to the stock RCA's
The Supernova 7 Toslinks were spectacular through the Rotel amps but less so through some other lesser sound stations using the same Yamaha Cd C600 but linked to Mid-fi Onkyo amps.(A-9010.)
Definitely preferred the bi-wire Audioquest speaker cables. Tried the 33's first, but ultimately arrived at the 44's. There seemed to be more overall balance sonically.
Wow 👏 a lot of work
Someday. Thank you Sean, you the man!
Truly illuminating review! Makes it c-l-e-a-r that they need experimentation with placement, and on/off with the front grill.
Sean, I trust your reviews, and I’m going to buy the Klipsches after a series of very ‘refined’ Nordic speakers!
He has returned. 😎🤘 Welcome back brother.
TY!
Great review Sean! I was actually thinking you might be the one review to give these a little less than high praise, but it’s very cool to know that they live up to the hype. I’m still waiting to get my ears on some. I also appreciate your notes about the equipment pairings. I’ve heard they tend to need a little more power, so I’m glad you found the same. Hopefully I can check these out at some point.
Truth be told, I was about ready to give up on them. Either the review was going to be mediocre at best, or I'd have just sent them back without a review. Thankfully, I found the right spot that allowed me to hear em' strut their stuff.
Nice job man! Appreciate the work and thoughts, thank you!
Great video we appreciate it! this was not an easy task going through these monsters!
Excellent review. Id like to see you review Cornwall IIIs
Now there is Cornwall 4s Ed. $6K but with the new horn design, shaped ports and other improvements.
Sean, how would you compare the Forte III with the similarly-priced Tekton Double Impact that you reviewed last year?
See my response to Eric Leport. :)
Ahhh!, a 15 min. Fun, straight to the point review, thanks.
Sean is the best audio reviewer on youtube, hands down. All substance no bullshit.
NETnews You are right, Sean is a great, no nonsense reviewer, but let’s not forget about his buddy, Ron from New Record Day. Also John Darko is also excellent.
@@net_news I especially like the Audiopheliac (SP?) as well.
@@sidvicious3129 I agree both John D and Sean rock. They lean more to stereo audio which I like. There are some great reviewers for HT which lean mostly to that topic though touch on musical performance.
@@dksculpture yes Steve is amazing too!!
I am lucky enough to live 45 minutes away from an authorized Klipsch dealer in Portland. I have seen and listened to the amazing sound the speakers are able to produce. It just blows my mind how two speakers can completely engulf you, where it sounds like you have a surround system yet it was only a 2.0 system. I want to buy them I even got a second job and the wife works yet the wife just doesn't agree with me to purchase them they are expensive for the average Joe. I may just settle with the HP-3 Klipsch headphones and the amplifier. I've read a few comments stating that they sound like the Klipsch horns with certain music.
Headphones will never sound like full size speakers.. but it depends on what you're looking for. I spent thousands on headphones and gear,, and for me the more I spent on much more expensive gear,, I kept chasing the sheer presentation size and the holographic effects and separation,, and a good 500 dollars speakers set can outmatch my $2k headphones any day. Save your money,, and listen and compare sounds before you commit. Best of luck!
JD M
Very pricey which is a dealbreaker. Most people who can afford these probably will buy them for fun, not for serious listening
Very nice review Sean, as usual. I really liked the alternate locations for the review - previous videos where you’re just in front of a table are way blander. Keep doing the alternates.
On a side note, although you didn’t have a comparably priced/sized speaker, I think a review of the differences compared to the Buchardt S400, as one of your favourite speakers, is warranted. After all, Buchardt say that by selling direct we save 50-60% or something - that would put it in the same price class as the Forte. And although they may sound totally different, would love to see a comparison of those.
Every consumer direct company makes that claim. When you look at the real cost of running a hi-fi business, it all leverages out quite evenly. Hence why traditional businesses are still alive and well, and are totally unthreatened by the consumer-direct guy.
No doubt, but if they claim it, then comparisons to alternatives costing twice as much are valid IMO.
Plus I think it would still help people understand the diffs between a big floor standing horn speaker, and a great small bookshelf speaker, and the differences they can expect.
@@rlowes - I see where you're coming from. I don't think that kind of a comparison has a place in a review - but its an idea worth entertaining for a stand-alone vid.
Fair enough.
Which do you prefer between the forte lll and Harbeth Super HL5 Plus. I much preferred the Harbeths when I Demi’s both with a Primaluna Dialogue HP Integrated amp
For me, it's the Forte III's. Now choosing between the Harbeth Monitor 30's and Forte III's would require a bit more thought.
Zero Fidelity was really surprised. I wanted to love the Forte lll so much but it just didn’t do it for me like the Harbeth did
Great review man! I really like the "classic" look of those speakers. Cool looking acoustic treatment behind them.
Strangely enough your friend Steve Gutenberg was just discussing this very subject on his daily vlog today 9-9-19 regarding it can take time to evaluate or get your speakers to sound just perfect for your own ears. I had exactly the same issues with my new Mission SX2 large stantmount speakers it took at least 2 weeks before I started or things just started to click onto place oddly enough the first few days to 1 week I was also not impressed and they realy did not sound all that great but I was told give them more time tbey need to bed in.. Irony 2 years on they are finest speakers Iv ever ever owned so far... And they still surprise 😲 me from time to time and thats 2 years on. Anyway as ussal great channal great reviews all the best from London - UK 🇬🇧
Sean, I have spent some time with the Forte iii and the word Fun is what you come away with. I don’t find them as detailed as my Vandersteens, but there is just something about them. With rock in particular they excelled. They are a speaker that doesn’t require gobs of power, but they will make you pay attention and if I had the room for them, I would’ve bought them.
@Zero Fidelity Have you listened to any Magico speakers. They have an "entry level" offering with the A3 at $12,000 USD. This is alot of money but it is an incredible offering in this price range. I just picked up a pair of magico s1mk2 which is quite possibly one of the best two way speakers available.
Magico speakers are also designed and made in USA the enclosures are extruded aluminum in the srange and carbon fiber on the m series. To say they are well built would be an understatement.
Gratz on the new speakers! Had a set of S1's at Casa Del Zero for awhile. Real good stuff. I haven't had a chance to check out the A3. I'm sure Magico would rather punch themselves in the d*ck before sending something my way to review, but I certainly wouldn't be opposed to it should the opportunity present itself.
Growing up around the original Forte (metal horns/ear bleeders) and modding many sets of forte II (tractrix 1, but still a phenolic tweeter): the III are a JUMP in improvements over the I or II. Smoothed out all the weaknesses. The new titanium drivers and crossover are FAR superior. Listen to Eagles farewell tour 1. Makes many other boutique speakers- including more expensive boutique speakers sound toy-like and weak. Klipsch need space.
FWIW: These thrive with more power than a SET amp. A 25 watt tube amp is minimum. A SET will not power them properly, regardless of the math.
I know it’s been awhile, but how did you like them vs your Klipsch RF-7 IIs ?
I am curious as well. I love my RF7 IIs which many do not.
mark evans I would also like to hear his opinion between the two...I’m sure it will mostly be in the midrange though and I too have the rf711 and been thinking about upgrading 👍🏻
So I can tell you a few things. First, both the RF-7 II's and the Forte III's are equally a pain in the booty when it comes to placement. Just a mm here or there can mean the difference between bad sound and great sound. Secondly, I think the Forte III's are better speakers in most regards. Particularly when it comes to tone. Lastly, the RF-7 II's do have some advantages. I feel like they are a tad easier to drive, have a notably punchier sound, and lay down a more realistic sense of scale due to the height of the drivers.
@@ZeroFidelity Another "z" reviewer recommended that the Forte III be raised up ~6-8" for best sound.
Thanks for great review. I guess At this price point, there is nothing bad or good about sound . it just our preference like what kind sound signature we want and also depends on synergy with rest of components.
That's a great way of putting it. :)
@ Zero Fidelity . Btw I am enjoying Kinki studio with elac adante . They sounds dam good. Listening music as whole music no more distractions by lows, mids or highs or warmer sounding. Also I am able to enjoy all kinds of music now. As always you’re great hifi reviewer who talks to the point . Thank you
@@kvrhifi Thanks! I'm glad you're still loving that combo!
Love the LTA amp! I just bought the MZ3 pre-amp and love it.
I have the Klipsch RF7 III WOW!
How would you compare the parasound hint 6 to the Marantz pm 8006?
The new Forte III is "Audiovox Klipsch" which features a physically smaller and more shallow horn lens than the original Superior Forte II. The Forte III midrange is a design more like a waveguide than a horn unlike the original Forte II which had a larger, deeper tractrix horn that simply sounds much better than the new Audiovox/Klipsch offering. The msrp of the Klipsch Forte II when it ceased production in 1996 was $1000 a pair. Audiox which purchased Klipsch in 2011 sells the Forte III for $4000 a pair - this is what they are doing to make up their expensive purchase price of the Klipsch company from the Klipsch family. Hear it for yourself, compare a side by side playing of the Forte II (the second incarnation featuring the first and best generation tractrix horn) and play the new Forte III and you'll see the Forte II is a MUCH nicer and Superior sounding speaker. I have done this so do this comparison for yourself and hear what I'm saying. Company hype vs reality often conflict dramatically.
Glad to see you found a way to get excited about these speakers. You listed quite a few amps. Which did you enjoy most running them?
I thought that I liked my Forte III until I compared them to the Tannoy Legacy Cheviot and ended up with the Cheviot. I'd like to hear your thoughts on the Tannoy.
Would love to hear those. I'm not big into the FYNE speakers that I've heard so far, but some of those big ole Tannoys are difficult not to love.
A hardon...damn you are more relaxed lol. Great review again. I had forte’s a few years back. Some music sounds great other music not so much even with an equally well recorded source. But I liked them.
I’ve had them for two years now and I love them. I’m surprised you say they don’t produce much bass because my experience has been quite different. I have them about ten feet apart in the corners of the room about four inches from the wall on both sides. They thump real well.
That's something a lot of people miss with (most) Klipsch speakers - they're meant to _use_ the wall, not to be moved away from it. Heck, the Klipschorns don't have a complete bass horn unless you put the into a corner.
Cool review! Hope you can check out the new Heresy IV. It’ll be cool to hear your opinion.
Great review, would be cool for a Diy copy , straight shut the front door, and turn up some 70's rock.
Thanks Sean great review!
I have a set of double impacts and I wonder if these are in the same league and type of sound?
I would love to know that too
I'd need to have the latest version of the DI here to say for sure. What I can tell you is that the DI is going to have some advantages: The sound if the DI will be more objectively linear (flatter frequency response), the bass is stronger and tighter, you'll get a fuller range sound with better scaling due to height, and the treble will be more forgiving. The Forte III will give you a better sense of detail and refinement, a more forward and lively sound, more density within the midrange, and a bit more of a dynamically expressive presentation.
@@ZeroFidelity "better sense of details and refinement"? So do I understand that the DI's are shouts more than the Forte's?
Zero Fidelity Thank you Sean for taking the time to answer my question, much appreciated. Your gut feel and what you can remember from the DI’s is exactly what I was looking for.
I trust your hearing and judgment. And you have a relatable way to explain things. I purchased my DI’s heavily based on your opinion and I am very satisfied; haven’t looked back since. Thank you!
With your quick description, to my taste, I think I’ve made the right choice with DI’s. Maybe will give the Forte’s a go one day just to try the iconic Klipsch’s 🙂
Keep up the awesome work man!
Eric Leport, I returned my newly purchased Forte III’s and went with the upgraded Tekton Double Impacts based primarily on Sean’s review of the first gen DI’s. The Forte’s were just too forward sounding with my system in my listening room. I made the right decision, though the Forte’s do rock but the DI’s are more refined. Cheers!
Way out of my budget but they are a beautiful beast no doubt about it!! Sean, did you try the Whaferdale Lintons? I'm saving to purchase the Lintons and would love to know your opinion.
Thanks great review
Based on the specs it seems mysterious to me that they only go down to 38 herz. Giant driver in big box makes you expect lower extension.
They chose not to. the bass is more defined and linear than attempting to dive deeper.
They dig down to 38Hz. That said, it sounds like they lose serious acoustic power below 50Hz.
@@ZeroFidelity I don't think I'm being a jerk for expecting more for $4k.
@@scottlowell493 yeah PWK wanted low distortion!
@@anonmouse956 you’ll get a sub anyway so don’t worry about it. They’re incredible.
Am a Horn lover and travelled the world when working, Bought Casta Horn C, in Milan , took a year to get to me 10 years now and from the Forte to then Casta’s more refinement and never, I mean never horny , paid $14,000 and now are double in price. I am shocked by this. Cheers and heart fell video
I have a question. I have a Yamaha rx-a2070 but I'm going to upgrade to an 11.2 reciever. I'm looking at the Yamaha rx-a3080 but I never had a denon.so I also have been looking at the denon avr-x6500h. My question is which one do you suggest I get?
Hello Friend. I'm about to buy a pair of speakers for my Stereo Amplifier Onkyo M-5000R and Cd Player Marantz, I don't know which one will give me better sound if the Klipsch Forte III or the RF-7III? Can you help me choose which one will give me the best high-end stereo sound? Thank you.
Production ..... It's algood ... It's what you've got to say .... not where you say it , Great reviews as normal ... Thanks Man 😎😎😎😎
Awesome review Sean! 👍
Is the sound reminiscent of the JBL L100? I wonder.
I would guess no. The original L100s used all paper drivers, the L100 Classic ($4000, so competes directly with the Forte III) uses a dome tweeter of some sort. They typically give a very different presentation than horns.
I heard a pair of L100 Century with a full Marantz tube setup in an apartment that was owned by a Grammy-winning sound engineer and they did sound quite fantastic.
All Klipsch speakers new or old prefer a ton of headroom, they thrive on it!
What are the acoustic panels behind the speakers? I like the look. Details PLEASE!
Always entertaining and always fun! Not a big fan of this brand. $4K, they must have a huge habit! Just looking at them and knowing what I know about equipment manufacturing, they are making a serious profit. That’s okay because that is what the definition of a business is, but value for the money? No, I will pass and spend my $4K somewhere else and let someone else have themselves a ball. I would rather have the Harbeth’s or something more defined. This hobby is, hopefully, about having fun! Opinions vary! Find what turns your knob and be happy!😊👍🏻
Well, if you're going to keep up with Steve, you have to review the Cornwalls now!
Just make it 5 x longer and more in-dept, Steve can get away with 3-4 minute "reviews" :)
Agreed about speaker placement
Love my heresy 3's and they certainly work well with my sugden A21 sig (20 watts), most of the tube sound with none of hassle of tubes. As you found/I it does take a little volume to get the bass cones moving though.
Is the Heresy III sweet sounding on vocals?
I have that same t-shirt... Great review, btw
Hey Sean, any chance a Klipsch heresy iv review comming up? Would love to hear your take about those vs the older forte iii. Love your videos!
Please do the hated Bose 901!
I am considering to buy the Forte III , do you think a 25m2 room is enough space for listening them ?
Best regards .
Hi Sean! I don't know if you still have the Mastersound Box...did you try this combo?
Forte 3 vs Tekton Pendragon 🤔 whats better
I had the exact same question before buying new spkrs. I decided to go with the Pendragons, and I’m thrilled with my choice. That’s just my personal opinion though.
IMO, I also don’t think it’s a matter of better, just different.
I prefer the Tekton Double Impact over the Klipsch Fortelll. Im a bit of a bass head lol
@** But is the forte $4k good? Idk if they are...
Hey buddy amazing video as always it’s interesting how all the speakers on the way out of my budget I wanted to ask you for a little advice if you don’t mind I have a little under three grand that I’m looking to get for a set of speakers I was wondering at that price point while would you recommend the room that I have them set up for or should I say would like to set up for is about 18 x 22 thanks for any advice and help that you can give me
I have no idea what to recommend. Would need to know a lot more detail about your listening habits, gear, expectations, tastes, etc.
Zero Fidelity I eventually plan on upgrading my gear at the moment I have a Yamaha integrated amp my apologies for not remembering the model number at the moment it’s an older model it’s about 10 years old and I do have eight old vintage pioneer SX 1250 which is kind of vintage but she still sounds and plays strong. I also have them playing with a set of BMW DM602 and for watching TV I have a pioneer elite with a set of 5.1 canton speakers. My set up is kind a old and I’m looking to start a second room but I’d like to buy everything new for this room the room is about 18 x 22 and the ceiling is about 11 to 12 feet
As far as music I love a little bit of everything but primarily I love classical and jazz and occasionally classic rock but I can listen to all day to Hans Zimmer and Vangelis.
Occasionally I still love the freestyle club music and so on but at the moment that’s what I love to listen to is more classical and jazz
@@felixlaboy1453 For $3K, you won't be able to get better than a set of Ascend Sierra Tower with RAAL ribbon tweeter upgrade. They are internet direct so really these would be $6K at dealers. Amazing sound, the ribbon tweeter is the best next to diamond ones that are much more expensive. Thank me later.
divertiti Hey Thank you you very much for the advice. I’m going to look them up.
Masterpieces
Hi Sean, I love Klipsch speakers but which one is best? Should I pay $6,000 to get a cornwall 4 or $4,000 for the forte 3 ,does $2,000 different worth it?and McIntosh will be good for Klipsch ,I try to spend about $ 15,000 grand to listen to music,not a hight end “sound” and I need your help,thanks
Yup, your positioning looks very close to my own. Grills on, pretty close to the front wall(7" at the closest corner),minimal toe in That was the spot I plopped them down when I got them, then I spent 6 months adjusting. Then one day I just up and moved them more than I ever had in one go, sat back and marveled at the sound, later seeing the old tape marks that they landed on exactly I seem to recall your room being somewhat small, I found that the further back I get, the better they sound. I also built custom risers, an exact copy of the stock ones, but 7.5" taller. That was the biggie! And it still leaves the tweeter a couple inches below ear level.
And while I wouldn't want it to be my only amplifier, I can report that they sound pretty damn good with only 3 watts. I never would have believed it until I learned to trust the VU meters on the big Yamaha. I can't even use the remote on that one if the DAC is at 0dbfs.
I always struggle with the word "fun" to describe speaker sound. I feel like i can have "fun" with almost any speaker depending on the sound. I think you used the word "refined" as the opposite of "fun" in the review. Can you tell me what some "refined" speakers would be so i can get a feel what a "fun" speaker is not?
It's true. You can have fun with just about any speaker. Especially when you're around good company. The descriptor is more in reference to the presentation of the speaker itself. It's more about recreating the sense of a live musical event with big scale, dynamic power, and projection. In the real world, the musical experience would never register as giving the listener a 'flat' frequency response. Hence why many people refer to speakers like Klipsch as being 'fun' as opposed to accurate or refined. Refined would be... hell.. just pick almost any European speaker for the same amount of money. Its like comparing an American muscle car to a European sports car. There is no right or wrong here. Just a preference.
You should review the Klpsch RF-7 III's
Have you ever heard the JBL studio 590? If so what do you think of it?
I wonder how these would compare to the new JBL L100's and my Monitor Gold 200's I just got a few months ago with their new nomex drivers. All are in the 4-5k range.
Great review as always. How do they compare to the RP-600Ms?
Price not withstanding, the Forte III is better in every single way in terms of raw performance. The only advantage the RP600M has is that it's a very easy speaker to position within a room.
Forte's are 8x the price ... and 8x the size. Hardly comparible. Forte's are also part of the 'Heritage' range which impart a powerful, yet easy, clarity. RP600s use newer/rubberized tractrix - great small-mid speaker but Forte's are big beasties ... and the Cornwalls are a step up again!
Edit: The natural progression of the RP600s (Bookshelves - or Monitors, that's what the M stands for) is into the RP floorstanders(F).
Klipsch heritage series...JBL synthesis series....Tannoy legacy series are simply the very best speakers on this planet!...wait...also the incredible Magnat Transpuls 1500 are amazing...15 inch woofer great sound great look for less than 1000 euro/dollars!
will the Cornwall IV be a big step up in terms of SQ?
You always do a great job and in your opinion do you think those speakers would be good for home theater or just only for music?
They'll be perfect for mixed use. The trick will be finding a matching center.
Zero Fidelity Thank you very much and did they give you a discount code?
I love my Forte II's with Crites Xovers. So many people comment on how good they sound.
Klipsch table. Place bet. RPS 51M @ 1/2 price BlackMonday, white chips.
Low odds and small payout with AVR and living room HT, there's no bad win.
RPS 600 M, on sale @ original price of $439, thanks for sharing info on late summer discounts, red chips.
What size room would be optimal for the Forte's? or does that matter as much these days? I used to sell Altec Lansing back in the day, their model 19 in our show room which was not that large got loud but just seemed like a harsher type of sound. I sold a pair to a gentleman and took them out to his place to set them up for him, he had a very good sized living room and was running some Mc Intosh equipment . I have to admit it completely changed my perspective of the Altec's sound , listening to Jackson Browns The load out -stay was quite impressive, the model 19 had a 15# bass driver and in our sound room there did not seem to be a lot of slam however listening to them in that larger room the speaker produced that impressive bass slam I had expected there to be.
Unless you're in a closet or a massive room with tall ceilings, I'd say they are pretty versatile in terms of the kinda rooms that they play well in. And yeah man, those big Altecs needed SPACE to breathe!
thanks good to know .. a lot has changed with technology..
Where did you get that t-shirt?
"Let's take care of the elephant in the room..."
Sean stands up.
(Before you freak out, look at his shirt.)
Hi Sean, many thanks for another great review. I bought a Parasound Hint on your recommendation. Did you match the Parasound with the Forte III's in your review? IF so, did you find the Parasound had a bit too much grunt for the high sensitivity of the Hint? I see you used it in the Cornwall Review. I'm wrestling between a pair of the Forte's and JBL L100's. Thanks - your opinion is greatly valued!
Nice video, I like the new setting.
Btw, I noticed you used the wire instead of the bridges. What are your thoughts? I didn't notice a day or night difference but more like it sounded more connected? Maybe some more detail. My speakers are really revealing just like the fortes.
Honestly man, I didn't pick up on any differences. Granted, I only used some vintage Western Electric wire... not proper jumpers. Maybe I'll have a chance to do so at some point in the future.
@@ZeroFidelity hmm weird. I just use some normal speaker wire. Could be that the fortes just don't benefit from them. The speakers I used to test it are 19 years old. Could be that maybe oxidisation on the copper stock bridges degraded the sound maybe. Weird.
Finally a reviewer who admits the Klipsch speakers aren't as sensitive as specs claim.
You mean 1 watt won't blow your ears out? Ive been lied to?
@@Audfile You must mean 2.83 volts. 😊
Stereophile always measures Klipsch and Tekton sensitivity well below their published specs. John Atkinson tells it like it is.
@@damianzaninovich4900 He measures sensitivity in the proper standard fashion unlike Klipsch. While they are fairly sensitive, it gives a false impression by how much.
I bought the rp160’s and tried to power them with a cheap three watt tube amp. Big mistake. Love Klipsch though.
It seems counterintuitive, but after years of experimenting on placement of the forte 3, 45 degree tow in and preferably at least 7 inches off the floor. Just my observations.