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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
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,360 posts
 

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. 

sns
3,003 posts
 

I've used Prima Luna Dialogue Four, custom built 300B SET monoblocks and Coincident 845 SET amp with my Klipschorns which has impedance drop to around 3 ohm at 100hz, sensitivity is higher at 104db. I've also  auditioned Music Fidelity M2SI and Denafrips Hyperion amps, both class a/b solid state.

 

All have handled the impedance drop just fine. I do prefer tubes with Klipschorns, and expect all Heritage line better with tubes. As for sound quality, my favorite amp with the Klipschorns is the 300B's, sweetest sound which compliments Klipsch inherent qualities best. The one issue I could see in running 300B amps is handling your impedance curve, my 300B's monoblocks each have power supply equivalent to what one would normally see in stereo 300B, so no issues for me. 845SET should be no problem, and the push pulls fine as well.

bigtex22's avatar
bigtex22
83 posts
 

McIntosh MA252 tube integrated would pair beautifully.

saki70 OP
907 posts
 

sns ;

That is good to know , thank you . 

 

Thank you all .

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,479 posts
 

I'm using a pair of Quicksilver Mid Monos to drive my Forte IV and they sound fantastic.   40 watts PP ,  they are EL34 based but can use any EL34 / 6l6 variant 

They have a 4 ohm tap but I drive them off the 8 Ohm tap and they don't break a sweat.   I will soon be replacing the Quicksilvers with a 8 watt 300b amp,  the Forte are so to easy to drive 

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