Klipsch speaker choices

Edit: To make one of my statements more specific and accurate regarding tweeters and midrange compression drivers and horns in the Heresy and Forte being the same, that is specifically for the Heresy I - III and the Forte I models.  Forte II use a different midrange horn and passive radiator, which some prefering the I vs. the II sonically.  The Forte III, as I understand it are slightly modified II's.  

If you like DIY projects, try a pair of Forte I's with Bob Crites crossovers, (or consider ALK crossovers), Crites titanium tweeter diaphragms, and an earlier (1970s in my case) Heresy midrange compression driver/diaphragm which were of higher construction/sound quality.  All were individual improvements to add depth and clarity while removing some of the "edgy" sound you may be referring to.  Total investment for the speakers in excellent oak cabinets was right at $1000 a few years ago, besting anything I've heard in that price range.  Pre amp and power amp (35 watts) are tubes, which have always provided a warmer sound than solid state for these high efficiency speakers.  At least have a tube pre amp in the chain.

(BTW, I also dampened the horns and did A/B comparison with mono source and heard no appreciable difference - just be sure the horns have there gaskets and are screwed tight to the baffle.)

This provided very good near field listening up to moderately loud listening in an open floor plan listening area with typical curtains, upholstered furniture, etc.  As others have said, the Forte's larger cabinet will provide a noticeably deeper bass than the Heresy and the passive radiator system they use is very good for tight bass, even compared to other speakers their size.  Tweeter and midrange compression drivers and horns are the same for Heresy and Forte with some crossover differences due to woofer crossed over higher in Heresy.

Then moved these modified Fortes to a 13' x 21' dedicated listening room with pine walls, drywall ceiling and some rugs on the floor.  Much more shrill and "edgy," with a smeared bass and loss of instrument placement, especially as the volume was turned up, compared to the first room mentioned.  Room treatments (absorption) including bass traps in all corners, first and second reflection points on wall and ceiling treatment above listening area now has them sounding better than ever with rich tones, open sound stage and all that.  The reflection point panels made the most difference taming the "edgy" sound.  And they sound great with everything from classical, jazz, blues, to well recorded rock (well recorded/engineered etc. being key here).

So room treatments can make a very big difference for any speaker depending on what type of room setting you have, so can be the best starting point.  Good luck finding what you're looking for.

mrdecibel, I have appreciated your input over the years while looking for ways to improve my sound system, even beyond speakers, so thought I'd add some clarity on the dampening mod.  I understand some horn and speaker combinations can yield better results for the same mod.  Long throat metal horns like the Altec 811b or RCF H3709 can benefit from dampening (and if using an 811b and the cabinet extends past the sides of the horn, be sure to use foam on the cabinet like Altec did on the Model 19). 

As mentioned, I replaced the Forte I midrange compression driver with the earlier Heresy's, and at that time I also purchased the Heresy horns, model K-701.  The driver was a construction quality and sonic improvement.  However, I was surprised that the earlier K-701 horns lacked much of the outside molded webbing for structural support compared to the late 1980s versions in the Forte I (and I assume Heresy speakers of that timeframe.)  Tapping them showed a marked difference in ringing and sustain with the webbed horns obviously being better damped. 

So I kept and applied damping material to the webbed horns. Also, as mentioned, made sure the horn gasket was in place and the horn properly tighten to the baffle, something far more important.  

For me, with this speaker, the other earlier performed mods were more noticeable improvements.  The "no appreciable difference" would have been based on that.  It may have also been because of additional work on the cabinets, like having them properly sealed, etc., had also already been done.

However, I appreciate that the damping material could play a large roll in the results.  I used 1/4" Dynamat dense foam sound deadener because I had very good results when used to quite interiors of classic cars.  All of the horn's outside surface area, including in between the webbing, was covered.  How does that compare to your method?

As far as the sound of Klipsch speakers, or any high efficiency horn loaded speaker combination like older Altecs, part of the enjoyment is the particular sound and dynamic range they give.  If that's what the original poster prefers, great, then follow that path and include tubes electronics to make the most of it.  To each their own, but remember that most albums of any type of music in the 1960s and 1970s were mixed listening through 2-way monitors with horns by Altec, and were good enough for The Beatles and Mr. Martin.  (Not trying to start a debate of point source studio monitors vs. loudspeaker).