Missing tube integrated for Klipsch Forte III?


2 weeks ago i acquired and set up the forte iii's in my 25x35 basement (8ft ceilings).  i paired it with a gorgeous yamaha as-2100 - man that amp is beautiful and solidly built.    granted, both the forte's and that amp aren't really broken in yet BUT (i hate) i am missing that low end bass presence that i hear so much about from tube people.   they all talk about "bass slam."   it's not that the yamaha doesnt deliver, but i'm just not feeling it as a slam.   i understand the primaluna evo 300 uses EL34 tubes and are supposed to be highly musical, dynamic, and able to slam.   reading all those reviews leaves me tempted to try to tube route.   thoughts?   looking for real low end at low volumes with great detailed resolution up top (but not too bright).   i do love the build quality and aesthetics of the yamaha - would be hard to see that go on a trade.   
mjb87062017
Forte III is not a low end machine. Mapman made a very good suggestion to add subs.

tuberist
516 posts
05-17-2020 12:57pm
Forte III is not a low end machine. Mapman made a very good suggestion to add subs.

tuberist, I'll tell you, their not bad.. really.. They may not, LOL,
SLAM, whatever that means, go deep enough? Maybe?
But they measure pretty well, the bass is not bloated, nor is it lacking. Compared to most, in that range, 802 and a few other,
They can reach right down there, with pretty good authority.

If you want, Boom Boom, in the room room... different, question..

OP was asking about Valve, Amps, and EL34s for god sakes.. hee hee
Got to get the guy on the same page first..BASS and EL34 don't really go together with the word SLAM!

But they play pretty good down to 40 hz or so.
Very Klipsch. like.. It's a horn...
But OP,  knew that going in, right?.
Klipsch is horn loaded. and, a loudspeaker,
in every conceivable way. Get them close to the back wall
really.. I've actually tinkered with this speaker,
nephew has a pair. Don't pull them out from the wall.
Won't image well, but that is the factory preferred way
2-12"

Regards


 Report this
    
With my Heresy IV speakers I am using Tung-Sol 7581a tubes in my Primaluna Dialogue Premium. Find they have almost the minds of the El34 but stronger low end with the extra watts. Used KT88s,  EL34s, and KT120s previous but the 7581a is the keeper for me.

Not likely a fix for the lack of bass though. Subs or a different speaker.
Considering the big listening space of OP, I also recommend adding subwooffer.

If he want to use tube amp, then I recommend used Rogue Cronus Magnum II with kt120 tube which has lot of power and good extension to the top.

Thomas
I think that the triode (6550, KT88s, etc) amps are going to be better top to bottom if you want a more linear/accurate tube presentation. If want a warmer and thicker presentation then the pentode (EL34 EL84) amps will be better.

I far prefer the triode amps but I like a more neutral presentation and would tend to alter the presentation with tubes or cables as needed. I think it is easier to make a neutral amp warm than to make a warm amp neutral. 

The Fortes never struck me as a very subtle speaker so some of the more sublime and nuanced amps might find these qualities lost on the Klipsch. I think that there is a good synergy between Klipsch and tubes. I cant stand S.S. on Klipsch speakers, but have not heard them driven by really high end S.S.

I believe that the Fortes have a rear firing woofer. If this is the case, I cant imagine putting them close to a wall would be a good idea.