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Advice for Amp to Drive Klipsch Forte IVs

I just got back into hifi after being away for many many years. My first system, when I was 18-19 was a Kenwood KA-9100 amp, KT-615 tuner, Denon TT, Klipsch Heresy speakers and Teac reel to reel. Loved that setup in a small room. That was 1979-80. I’m now almost 60...LOL...and I’ve got time and money.

Just earlier this year I bought some KLIPSCH Forte IVs, a Denafrips Pontus II DAC, CXN V2 and a small Reisong tube amp while I got on the list for a set of Decware amps. I decided I couldn’t wait and have decided to go SS.  

 I listen to down tempo, Trip-Hop, Jazz and a little of this and that in a fairly small space. ...maybe 15x30.

I’m considering the Pass Labs INT-25 or maybe a Luxman L-550ax ii.

 I do not have the opportunity to demo either of these but have read wonderful reviews and have watched some nice videos about each. 

 I wanted to get some thoughts on this set up. A brand new Luxman goes for about the same price as a demo INT-25.

daodao
daodao OP
5 posts
 

Again… Thank you everyone for the great advice and suggestions. Let’s call this thread done and complete.

 

adversam
73 posts
 

Hi, I've been testing the Forte IV with many amps... Rega Io, Audio Reveal junior, Musical Fidelity Ms6i, Primaluna Evo 300, Pegaso P50A, Unison Research Simple Italy and Leben CS300f. The PL was very impressing, the sound was very balanced and coherent and the bass realistic and fast, extremely engaging. But... the small Leben literally killed it. The bass was unbelievable for a 15 watt amplifier, powerful, visceral, fast. The colour of the midrange so sweet and plenty, plenty of details. I literally listened things that I didn't feel with the other gears. Don 't know how the Leben sounds with different speakers but with the new Heresy Klipsch models the sinergy is absolutely incredible. Did the same tests with the Cornwall IV and with them the CS300f was breathtaking. I'd recommend in general to look for tube amps with a few watts, in my opinion that's what the new Klipsch models really ask for.

drbarney1's avatar
drbarney1
179 posts
 

If you can get someone to guide you if you have never done it before, don't rule out building a 45 SET tube amp. Bottlehead.com has some kits and they support you. A 45 is more than enough for sensitive horn speakers such as Klipsch.

clhs04
62 posts
 

Use a big triode (GM 70 /  211  / 845) tube amp or integrated.

Line Magnetic comes to mind instantly but also consider NAT Audio

richdirector's avatar
richdirector
269 posts
 

Like @adversam I tried my tannoy (arden not Cornwall) with my Leben cs300xs as well as luxman 550ax2... The leben was amazing esp the midrange but lacked a bit of bass control that the luxman a class had control of easily but still retaining the space and ease of tubes. Not sur if this will transfer to similar but different klipsch. If first watt weren't so expensive in UK I would have been very tempted 

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