From my understanding (what I have heard elsewhere) is the CW IV is a much better sounding speaker than the III. Most reviewers have said the new mid makes for a large improvement. I too have read from some fanboys of the line that the crossovers are not the best. Improvements are available and easy to install.
I really wanted the CW IV. The price ($2K more than the III) was tough to swallow and I instead ordered a built pair of the Cornscalla type 2 from Crites. This is an interesting speaker, was nearly $4,000 less but decent enough to try instead. I have a set of ALK Universal crossovers on order that I will install in the future to see if I can ring out more HF out of them, but the Bass is substantial as is the massive Mid Horn. If these do not work out for my room, I'll likely start looking at the Forte III or elsewhere. The Cornwall and Cornscala take up plenty of floor space as well.
I really wanted the CW IV. The price ($2K more than the III) was tough to swallow and I instead ordered a built pair of the Cornscalla type 2 from Crites. This is an interesting speaker, was nearly $4,000 less but decent enough to try instead. I have a set of ALK Universal crossovers on order that I will install in the future to see if I can ring out more HF out of them, but the Bass is substantial as is the massive Mid Horn. If these do not work out for my room, I'll likely start looking at the Forte III or elsewhere. The Cornwall and Cornscala take up plenty of floor space as well.