Klipsch Forte IV ... what amp ?

Hi All,

I posted this earlier in the thread: "...The Forte's were very harsh with the DNA-500. Really don't really know why, but not a good match...".

To set the record staright:

I reinserted the DNA-500 amp with my Forte's and was suprised. They do not sound at all like what would lead me to post the ealier comment.

Sound staging, dynamics, and a "like live" sound are all present now. And the hiss is pretty much gone.

Don't know if it is my hearing getting used tio the speakers or the speakers are breaking in...

Anyway, the DNA-500 sounds good,

Hi All,

I bought a pair of Forte IV's about two weeks ago.

My system is PS Audio Memory player, EVO B4B DAC, Don Sachs DS2 and CJ 17LS2 preamps.

My other speakers are Thiel CS5i's so I have a McCormack DNA-500 on hand.

The Forte's were very harsh with the DNA-500. Really don't really know why, but not a good match.

I inserted my CJ LP66S, which is 60 wpc into 8 ohms. Much better sounding, most of the harshness is gone. And 60 watts could blow me out of my listening room (16 x 35 with speakers at one long end, listening spot about ten feet away, so half the room is behind me).

I have been reading everything I can find about the Forte's and amps. Lots of people seem happy with less than 100 wpc - tube and ss.

My opinion is that they would sound great with the right 30 wpc or less. Maybe Pass, First Watt, etc.

Read somewhere that horns do not like amps with a lot of negative feedback so you have to be careful with ss. Not a problem with tube amps, I believe. I am no expert.

I am finding the speakers hard to place in my room. The bass seems a bit tighter  and more nuances with the speakers about 14 to 20 inches from the front wall. Closer might give a bigger bass but it is not as refined to my ears.

They Fortes seem to be need volume to get a wide soundstage. Nothing I have tried provides a good depth of soundstage. Still playing with the toe in. 

Like the livliness and dynamics. 

FWIW

Saki70, share your journey as you try different amps.

Dsper

Saki70, I had two Prima Luna preamps - a Prologue and then traded up to the Dialogue Premium.

Ended up deciding that they were just not lively enough in my system with the Thiels and sold the Dialogue.

The interesting thing is that I was in an audio store listening to Dali speakers and a solid state amp about a month ago and I asked to hear the speakers with a Prima Luna EVO 300 or 400.

I was amazed at how similar the amp sounded to my old Dialogue preamp. For me, PL gives me the spit on the microphone but not the sizzle as as the spit hits the mike. My ears and my gear - YMMV.

My only point is that you owe it to yourself to listen to as many amps/preamps as you can. Different brands do not sound alike.I am fortunate to live in the Indianapolis area and there is a high end dealer that puts up with me and has let me audition used gear in my home. Hopefully, you can find a place like that where you are.

Thanks for listening,

Dsper

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@russ69 For me, PL gives me the spit on the microphone but not the sizzle as as the spit hits the mike. Try some Gold Lyon KT88s.

Interesting thought. I am running Penta KT88's with the CH LP66S amp

I have two preamps, a Don Sachs DS2 and a CJ 17LS2. When I run the DS2, I get a horn treble at high volumes that is hard on the hearing; but the ultimate amount of aliveness is there. When I run the CJ 17LS2, I tame that treble edge at high volume but lose the last bit of liveness.

Not sure what I need to do. The Forte's provide some great dynamics, slam, and soundstage at higher volumes; the treble edge is killing me.

Wondering if some Quicksilver monos is the answer or maybe Pass/Fest Watt..

Thanks for listening,

Dsper

Hi All,

Been runing a First Watt F7 for about three weeks now with my Forte iv's. Paired with a Don Sachs DS2 preamp, PS Audio Memory Transport, and Mojo B4B DAC.

To my ears, listening at low 70 dbl ten feet from speakers: seems like more detail and tonal texture with F7 compared to CJ LP66S or McCormack DNA 500 amps. Sounstage seems wider, can exceeed the outside of speakers if it's on the cd. Dynamic and has taken the too hot edge off the Klipsch treble.

My opinion: The Forte iv"s are good speakers if you pair them wth good equipment.

Thanks for listening,

Dsper