My previous Forte 3's from some years back were about 18" from rear wall and were not accompanied by subs (I didn't own any.) I found the rear passive bass driver to be rather enchanting, and they image better than the Cornwall 4's but did not have the gravitas and space filling presence of the Cornwalls. The Forte 4's are probably a step up from the 3's.
To all Klipsch Heritage fans
Likely going to purchase Klipsch Forte IV. Would opt for Cornwall IV but space may or may not be a factor. If not, then it’s the Corns.
Two part question: if I have to opt for the Forte IV I’ll be happy. Question is: how many folks out there find placing these 1’ or less from the front wall satisfying? I’ve seen a ton of YouTube videos and most people claim they had to pull them out a good 3-4 ft out; however, the majority of those reviewers had bare wood floors, no wonder, the bass must have very boomy. I have thick carpet so I know it will tame it down significantly. I prefer to set them up along the long wall so I have little wiggle room to pull them out; on the other hand, placing them along the short wall will give me 3-4 ft of play from the rear wall.
Question two; The Cornwall IV. I can get these only if I opt for my system and tv along the short wall. What say anyone regarding Klipsch Cornwall vs Crites Speaker CS Style B Cornwalls? I’ve got no problem putting wood veneer on them myself. The Crites crossovers look impressive and higher end than Klipsch (sorry Klipsch, but it does). Thoughts welcome. Cheers and thanks.
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Any big horn design will require the ability to control driver delays. The main klipsch engineer is on the right track these days. The other lofi horn sales guys are just adding more lipstick on the pig. Interview with Roy Delgado https://youtu.be/rIGb9GEKoKU?si=Mukwu5o4Bt4unXid
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have Forte speakers, with a 200wpc vintage amp, they will almost never be a boomy speaker. Sadly they do not have good punch/slam as they are short throw high SPL woofers, they produce tight accurate bass. That being said, they do like to be at least 10in off the back wall. Have messed with mine for over 2 years, and have settled on 24in off the back wall with 2 subs to add punch/slam. Again, they do not lack bass, you just really can't fee it unless you are running around 95+ db. As they will be "new" speakers, swapping out the crossovers will give you almost nothing. The Crites XO's are made to give the house sound, if you go with the "gold" upgrade it will change the highs quite a bit. Forte's do not need help there. The Forte is very good at filling a room with sound, they have awesome sound stage, and imaging. They do not need a ton of power to sing. But they are really revealing, they will let you know if there is any noise in your system, or you have a bad recording. |
I can’t comprehend why any informed audiophiles continue to buy Klipsch Heritage speakers when these days, there are so many far superior options from a multitude of factory-direct brands. Arendal, Philharmonic, Ascend, Clayton Shaw, MonAcoustics, heck, even Tekton, make significantly better products for similar or less money. Once upon a time the Klipsch Heresy was a decent buy at <$2000/pair, but that was mostly because of its uncommon efficiency and WAF. You could squat them relatively close to a wall, power them with a modest tube amp, and get “musical” sound at low SPLs that you didn’t have to judge critically because they were relatively cheap after all. Now they are absurdly overpriced considering you can get Tekton Lore Reference Bes for half the price, and Philharmonic BMR Towers for just a little more. I get that most don’t pay full MSRP for Klipsch Heritage (for good reason), but still…
Their Cornwall and LaScala have almost no (older models—zero) internal bracing or panel damping, they’re simply lined with loose foam, which only works to damp internal reflections. Their cabinets are so noisy I just don’t understand how anyone takes them seriously beyond their ability to play loud background music. Yes they are dynamic, but so are the $1200/pair PA speakers down at the local pub, and those probably sound better too be honest. Sorry if this offends anyone, but I really don’t understand the continuing affinity for these antiquated designs, especially in 2026. |
@helomech My modified Lascalas bring me so much listening pleasure. You do not need to like them, but I certainly do. Have you ever heard a good set of them? They do "what I want" from a speaker, work extremely well in my room, and work with any amplifier I have driven them with. My best, MrD. |
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