Klipsch Cornwall -A major step up from the Forte in bass and imaging- Can be had for a song used-Slightly large cabinet for HT though -Hard to beat at current price point! |
Also put on your short list:
Chorus II (bigger brother to the Forte II)
KLF-20 or 30
RF-7
Any of these will give you plenty of bass. |
If you like Klipsch-be sure to check out the mods/cross-overs available from Bob Crites (google it). |
Forgot to mention that my room is pretty small. I don't have room for a surround setup or anything, and the cornwalls might be too big.
I guess this raises the question of room acoustics. The way I have it set up now, the far wall is only about 12 feet from the speakers, with much more room on the width. Also, they'll be on hardwood floors. How should this impact my decision? |
Check out the Heresy-compact, dynamic and efficient. |
Agree with the Cornwall suggestion - won't cost too much more used, and will be a significant upgrade on the Forte and Chorus in every respect |
I owned the Forte II's and had a room slightly larger than yours, about 15 ft, and found that the Forte II's could virtually overpower a small room like yours, if played at high volume. The sound of the Forte II's is on the bright side and in your face. I think they were a great speaker in it's price range, very hard to beat! If anything, I would consider the Forte II, but maybe you might be better off with the smaller Heresy. The Chorus and Cornwalls are just too much for smaller rooms. |
Have to agree on the KLF20's or 30's - my son had the 20's and now has the 30's. Personally I think the 30's are too much for his room. Also I am far from a Klipsch lover but my son loves loud and in your face. That being said I still recommend both of those speakers for someone starting out AND listening at moderate levels. At high levels I personally think all Klipsch are extremely fatiguing. Just a lot of speaker for little money when you keep the levels low to moderate. |
Sorry I replied before I saw you room size. Either would be too much. |
Since you have a smaller room, you should then consider the Forte I and Chorus I, which are both front-ported. You might also consider the KLF-10, as it has a smaller footprint.
Ther Heresy is a solid recommendation as well. |
I have the Forte II's with the excellent Bob Crites upgrades - diaphragms and crossovers. Mine are not bright in my room with my tube gear. Putting them close to the wall and especially in corners really loads the room with bass and makes them sound fuller, something I like. I also supplement with a subwoofer. With high-efficiency horn speakers you need to think about how much gain your system has. My preamp has a very good volume control and it makes all the difference for quiet listening. IMO they are very dynamic and realistic with the right upstream components. Most vintage Klipsch are affordable relative to audiophile stuff, and horns in general are amenable to DIY. |
Hmm I could potentially rearrange my room if I find some Forte II. I really just want to give them a shot, I've heard such good things. But I'll keep my eyes peeled for the heresy and KLF 10s as well. I currently have some non-descript Sony receiver/cd player that I plan on upgrading after I get some speakers. Any recommendations on affordable electronics to pair with any of these suggestions?
And I'll ask again what impact hard wood floors have on these speakers. I live in a 3rd floor apt and am concerned about the sound carrying downstairs, though the apt has thus far proved pretty sound proof. |
Also, how's the bass on the Heresy? |
I have some Cerwin Vega CLS 215's. I think for $800 new to your door(a1components), you CANT beat them. Your going to hear some comments here, but they dont own or havent heard them, I assure you. There do some things as good as Ive heard. Is your room closed in with a door, or is a wall or two open?
You will have to get them off the floor a little, and break in is along time also, but as a past owner of ML's, Magnepans, Paradigms, Definitive,Gallos, +more, these are a insane value at $800. Specially if you already like & listen to horns. You wont need a sub, and this is just about the pinnacle of home theater speakers(I use 4qty) you could use.
These arent the ideal hi end audiophile speaker some seek for, but they make great music & have a nice sound after there harsh break in period. If you just want to enjoy music and have fun, these are great! |
I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Klipsch Quartet. Made in the same style as the Forte II and Chorus II, but with a smaller woofer and cabinet. My listening room sounds like it's about the same size as yours, and my Forte IIs sound awesome. I use them with a modified EL84 P-P tube amp. The soundstage is large and deep, but they're not in your face. I believe that you need to match the amp, speakers and room for optimal sound.
I upgraded my Forte IIs with Bob Crites' crossover repair kit, Titanium tweeter diaphragms and internal wiring. If you can solder, you can perform these upgrades yourself and save a lot of money. |
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The Chorus II is a very good choice.
For a couple of great reasons:
1.) The 101db sensitivity will give more volume with less power.
2.)The bass is not excessive, but is adequate in movies,
and music. Although not as deep, it is smoother.
3.)Big Sound closer to the Belles sound.
Of course, if you did get a Velodyne 18" HGS
it sure would not hurt at ALL. |
Try covering the wood floor , between the speakers and your
listening position , with thick area rugs .
Sometimes bass can be controlled by the speakers involvment with the floor . Raising the speaker off of the floor with air between it and the floor , as with speaker stands , can reduce the amount of bass . And sometimes filling in that space , known as beards , can increase the bass .
Also putting absorbing material on the walls , next to and slightly forward of the speaker side , can reduce the highs a bit and give the illusion of more bass . This can take the form of a blanket or heavy coat for trial and error .
It will really depend on the sound when you get it set up and can determine what you want to add or subtract from that sound . Room treatments can get quite involved...and quite exspensive !
Good luck . |
