Will Klipsch Forte IV's Work In A Smaller Room?

big_greg

6,748 posts

"Sure, they could "work", but why do you "need" high sensitivity speakers and why is something so big your first choice?  How much do you care about imaging and soundstage, and how will you control the bass?

It would be helpful to know what electronics you’re using and what type of sound you like - warm, detailed, neutral..."

I need the high sensitivity since the speakers will be powered by 8wpc monobloc SET amps. I didn’t choose the size, they are the one speaker that fits my budget, which I really liked after demoing them. The Klipsch Heresy was a very nice speaker, and might is a bit smaller, but the Forter IV’s just offered more of everything.

And of course I care about imaging and soundstage. As to how the bass would present itself, that’s one of the key reasons why I am asking if they will fit in the room. 

As far as the type of sound I prefer, I want detail, but with some warmth. I am particularly fond of Sonus Faber (not counting their budget offerings). However, they make nothing anywhere near the needed sensitivity, and everything I would choose would be far beyond my $4k budget. 

davidhrc

6 posts

09-23-2025 at 01:38pm 

"I also like high sensitivity speakers. A more right-sized option would be the Triangle Comete 40th anniversary bookshelf speaker with matched stands. The Audiophiliac and British Audiophile gave positive YouTube reviews. Also the ZU DWX is very efficient and smaller than Forte. "

David, a very nice recommendation. I am fond of Triangle speakers, and the 40th Anniversary Cometes, and Antals, are lovely speakers.. However, with my SET amps only able to provide 8wpc, the Cometes just aren't sensitive enough. 

ditusa

2,218 posts

09-23-2025 at 09:06pm 

@nightfall, see here

Mike

Yes, that was the opening discussion I posted a while back seeking recommendations to consider. From that came the suggestion of the Klipsch Heresy’s, and demoing those, as I mentioned earlier lead me to the Forte’s. I checked out quite a few speakers that were recommended and the Forte’s seemed to satisfy me the most. The question is whether, regardless of how well they perform, would they do so in a room my size. For that reason, I started this new, and specific discussion hoping for feedback from owners, or those otherwise familiar with the Forte IV’s.

In  a perfect world, I would buy the Volti Razz speakers in a minute, and they would work perfectly in my room, but even used, they are nowhere near my max $4k budget. They run at least $5k used, and you could add $400-500 for shipping depending on distance. 

The Forte’s IV's are speakers that I could afford, and enjoy. The question is, simply, whether my room will allow them to perform well. 

Forte speakers love SET amps, it will sound sublime! That room isn't that small and you should be able to get the speakers far enough apart. Forte's really don't need to be out in the room, they work great 12-18in off the back walls. 

@nightfall Wrote:

The Forte’s IV's are speakers that I could afford, and enjoy. The question is, simply, whether my room will allow them to perform well. 

Maybe this will help see here! 😎

Mike