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 .

saki70

Showing 5 responses by russ69

Just about any amp will work with those. However it would help if we knew how big your room is and how loud do you want to play. And when you say amp do you mean a separate power amp using a preamp to drive it?

If an integrated amp serves your needs I’m really hot on the Rogue Sphinx right now. 100wpc should get the job done in most cases and it’s a sweet sounding amp. It is way better sounding than it’s price suggests.

I run a PrimaLuna Dialog Premium with my Heresys, works very well.

Actually the Forte's were for another system with a Primaluna Dialogue Premium

So, how does it sound?

I don't think that I am allowed into this hobby without trying something

else

The grass isn't always greener across the street. 

For me, PL gives me the spit on the microphone but not the sizzle as as the spit hits the mike.

Try some Gold Lyon KT88s. 

That is an amp that I have been considering , except for the biasing thing . I am not able to do that .

Learning to bias an amp (at least in this case) is VERY easy. You just need a cheap multi meter and a small screw driver. I'm no electrical genius by a long shot but if you can turn on a multimeter you can bias this tube amp.