About The Klipsch Forte IV Floorstanding Speakers
First introduced in 1985, the Forte quickly established itself as the most popular Klipsch model. The elegant design and outstanding performance made the Forte a standout among its competitors. In 2017, Klipsch re-introduced the Forte as part of the Heritage speaker series. The new Forte IV features updated cosmetics and the latest advancements in acoustic engineering, while maintaining the original charisma that made the Forte so popular.
High Efficiency, High Performance Loudspeaker: The Forte IV hosts a three-way design utilising a 304.8mm (12") woofer and horn-loaded midrange and tweeter. The Forte IV incorporates an all new K-702 midrange compression driver, featuring a polyimide diaphragm for exceptional detail and dynamics. The K-702 midrange is mated to a modified Tractrix® horn — featuring Klipsch's patented Mumps technology for even polar response of mid frequencies, giving you more consistent sound throughout the listening area. The titanium diaphragm high-frequency driver has an all-new wide dispersion phase plug for providing exceptionally even high-frequency dispersion for a wider, more accurate sweet spot.
Passive Radiator Yields Full Range Performance: The Forte IV's well-extended bass is aided and abetted by the use of a rear-mounted passive radiator. A mammoth 380mm (15") sub-bass radiator at the rear operates on acoustic pressure generated by the active woofer for greater bass output and extension.
Crossover Network: The Forte IV has been completely revoiced from its predecessor, utilising premium componentry in an all new high-fidelity network — minimising electrical degradation throughout the circuitry — for truer to life sound with best in class efficiency and power handling. The new network draws from the classic three-way steep slope design of the legendary Klipschorn and La Scala speakers.
Bi-Amp Input Panel & Binding Posts: The Forte's premium, aluminium input panel accommodates large, high-quality speaker cables. Strong, versatile and quality binding posts provide the capability for bi-wiring or bi-amping.
Book-Matched Wood Veneer: Klipsch only uses book-matched wood veneers for the Heritage series. The veneer leaves are kept in order as they are delicately sliced from the timber and precisely arranged to provide a mirror image at the splice joint — like turning the pages of a book. This gives each speaker an aesthetically appealing and consistent appearance that is treasured more than any other cut of wood veneer.
Matched Pairs: Every pair of Heritage series loudspeakers is grain-matched, using wood veneer panels that come from the same timber. Each cabinet is carefully matched so that each speaker in the pair is practically indistinguishable from the other. The speakers move seamlessly together through the factory, and each finished product is inspected and labelled with sequential serial numbers, ensuring that your Heritage series speakers leave the factory as a meticulously crafted set.
Built To Last: While each and every component of the Forte IV is built to last, Klipsch has always recognized the unique and critical role of a loudspeaker's cabinet in the sound reproduction process. From the craftsmen in Hope, AR to the engineers in Indianapolis, INDIANA, USA, Klipsch has always put an extraordinary emphasis on cabinet design. The Forte enclosure is assembled using only the highest-grade adhesives and fasteners. This is a speaker you will hand down from generation to generation.
Our Take On The Klipsch Forte IV Speakers
Klipsch, being Klipsch, call the Forte IV a 'compact' horn loaded speaker which is simply hilarious when you consider it has a 12" active woofer on the front and a 15" passive radiator on the rear. Still, some of Klipsch's other speakers do make the Forte IV's look rather diminutive so I guess they have a point. So this speaker is never going to disappear in your room, unless you live in a cathedral. But I don't think buying the Forte IV is about trying to be subtle. It's probably more about being outrageous and, as Klipsch politely point out, they've been pissing off the neighbours with their horn loaded speakers since 1946. Klipsch Forte IV - go big or go home.
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: High Efficiency 3 Way Floorstanding Speakers with horn loaded midrange & high frequency drivers & a rear facing 15" passive radiator
- Frequency Response: (+/- 3 dB) 38Hz - 20kHz
- Sensitivity: 99dB @ 2.83V / 1m
- Power Handling: 100 Watts Continuous, 400 Watts Peak
- Maximum SPL (Sound Pressure Level): 116dB Continuous
- Nominal Impedance: 8 Ohms Compatible
- Drivers
- High Frequency Driver:1 x K-100-TI 25.4mm (1") Titanium diaphragm compression driver on a K-79T horn
- Midrange: 1 x K-702 44.5mm (1.75") Polyimide Compression Driver mated to a K-703-M horn
- Low Frequency Driver: 1 x K-281 304.8mm (12") Fibre-composite cone woofer
- Low Frequency Passive Driver: 1 x KD-15 381mm (15") Passive cone radiator
- Crossover Frequency
- High Frequencies: 5,200Hz
- Midrange Frequencies: 650Hz
- Enclosure Material: MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) covered with fine real wood veneers
- Book-Matched Real Wood Veneers
- Veneer leaves for the left and right speakers are crafted from the same piece of timber
- Precisely arranged to provide an aesthetically pleasing "mirror" image at the splice
- Speaker Grille: Removable grille cloth
- Speaker Cable Connectors: Dual binding posts with jumpers. Can be single wired, bi-wired or bi-amped
- Handmade in Hope, Arkansas, USA
- Available Finishes: Satin Black Ash, American Walnut, Distressed Oak & Natural Cherry
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 423 x 908 x 330mm
- Weight: 32.7 kg each
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 10 Years
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE