Klipsch Forte III--Pleasantly Surprised


First off, I have to say that I always had significant bias against Klipsch speakers. I thought maybe some of the Heritage Series were possibly decent, but in no way audiophile grade.

I recently bought a pair of Forte’s in distressed white oak. They look super vintage and the grills are very tasteful. My impetus for the purchase was I moved to a house this past spring that has a dedicated music room for me, and I wanted to experiment seeking a bigger sound as the room is large (25 long x 15 wide x 10 foot high ceilings). My system is the following:

Winter: Primaluna Dialgoue HP Premium Integrated,
Summer: Schitt Freya, NAD M51
Constant Year Long: Bluesound Node 2, NAD M22 DAC, Manley Chinook Phono Pre, Technics 1200 GAE Turntable, AudioTechnica ART9 Cartridge.

I’m really enjoying the Forte IIIs out of the boxes. I haven’t even tried them out with with tube amps (only tube pre) yet. I thought they would be fatiguing and have tons of bass. The treble spectrum (midrange northbound) is sweet and doesn’t sound cupped. The bass is perfectly integrated but not as prominent as I’d expected. The soundstage is seamless and they are not fussy about positioning.

The other thing that surprised me was how much of the NAD M22 juice I can use. I thought that I’d never move volume much due to the whopping power of the NAD M22--not true. So this is making me curious--what will happen when I hook up my 300B tube integrated? I think it has 8W per side. Will I miss the NAD’s power? That’s going to be fun experiment.

And, it’s going to be super interesting to try the Primaluna integrated with them. I can’t wait to see if I like my KT150s or EL34 variants better.

I’m not going to give some glowing review because it’s too soon and I’ve learned some speakers may sound so so with one system and great with another and even more so with different rooms. There is, however, a big takeaway for me personally: I can use reviews as guides but you have to try stuff out in your room with your stuff to really know. I recently sold a near mint pair of KEF LS50s because my $500 Wharfedale Dentons just sang better with my Creek integrated in the specific room they are in (downstairs system). And that doesn't say anything about the KEFs--they are still amazing boxes.  



128x128jbhiller
I listen to a pr the other day. Was driven by the new Anthem pre and amp. I didn't notice any of the always talked about brightness of Klipsch. Was listening to some jazz and the brushes were so crisp and clean with great attack. But I noticed that imaging was not too great. A song I know for some drum hits 2 ft outside the speakers were coming directly from the speakers. The room was fairly medium sized and speakers seemed to be in a good place. Is this how they are or could it have just been the room ?
Man, this thread is killing me and possibly my wallet. I’ve always been a fan of the Fortes going back to the 80s. I’m debating swapping out my early 90s KEF Reference 2s for a pair. My family room setup is modest:
-Yamaha AVR1060 (as preamp and for HT amps)
-Parasound Halo A23 (driving mains)
-Node 2
-Pro-Ject Debut Carbon
-HSU VTF-3 MKII sub

What else in that price range should I be looking at new or used? Being a family room setup it has to pull some light HT duty too (currently 5.1.2). I like mostly classic rock, jazz, old school R&B amongst some newer stuff. My room is about 22’ish x 25’ish with an open side to the kitchen area. The Forte IIIs are my first choice if I make the change.

Thanks.
My dealer carries the Klipsch Heritage series in his store. W/the Forte III he likes to partner w/a Prima Luna Integrated. Sounds fantastic. But on slow day when I was there he fooled around w/some amps to match up w/the Forte. From his home he brought in his own Shindo Montille amp. Jaw dropping. Beat anything he hooked up. Some of the best sound I ever had.
I love the Klipsch Heritage line.  Not a polite, refined sound but big and brassy.  Great for jazz and hot vaocals.

The Forte II/III is a great speaker, but IMO the Chorus just sounds better.  A little larger and weighs a LOT more than the Forte, there aren't many for sale on the used market.  But they are worth the wait.
There is a pair of Forte II's near me for $550..............hmmm. They maybe worth a punt as i have never heard, actually any Klipsch other than the Klipschorn.