Klipsch Forte IV ... what amp ?

No , I am not asking for a particular amp style and brand here . Although I am not refusing any suggestions either !

What I would like to know first is what characteristics to look for in an amp to drive these speakers (Forte 4’s) to full performance .

Such characteristics as :

1.) What is needed to handle the low impedance of 4 ohms ?

2.) While the sensitivity is listed at 99 dbs. it is considered to be closer to @ 96 dbs,

3.) What about negative feedback ?

4.) Will the 12" woofer and 15 " rear radiator need special attention also ?

5.) Do the horns require special consideration ?

I feel that these considerations will go further to getting it right than , " hey , just get a tube amp and enjoy " .

Thank you & Be Safe .

saki7003-15-2022 3:48pm

coachpoconnor Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 382 posts 03-23-2022 at 01:53pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I've just recently sold a set of Forte lV's and replaced them with Cornwall lV's. The Forte's require a lot more effort with placement, because of the 15" passive radiator and different room treatment arrangement. As far as amplification, I'm using a First Watt SIT-3 combined with a Supratek Sauvignon which is a 6sn7 preamp. I think this combination is wonderful and has more than enough power/current for me. In the future I plan to buy a Coincident 300b tube amp to go along with the Coincident Statement pre I have now and experience that flavor. I am also using a 10 ohm 5 watt resistor on the speaker terminals, like Nelson has suggested. For me, this combination has overcome the "Horn Shout" people commonly associate with Klipsch speakers. (I also have GIK room treatment) Besides experimenting with Speaker isolation/Bars/Brass spikes/Iso-acoustics in the future, I plan to put Dynamat on both Horns... on the suggestion of Mr. Decibel and Don Sachs. (Boston Audiophile Video)
coachpoconnor Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 382 posts 03-23-2022 at 02:16pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Forgot to add that Coincident has a new 300B amp coming out in June. From my understanding it is a single box design, not a dual mono like the Frankensteins.