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Klipsch Forte vs. Forte II

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Posted on November 6, 2009 at 19:11:19
Big Dave
Audiophile

Posts: 2663
Location: Tucson, AZ
Joined: March 18, 2002
 I've always kind of lusted after the Klipsch Forte speakers, and I see them advertised occasionally, but I don't have a clear understanding of the difference between the original version and the Forte II. Is there a lot of difference? Any reason to choose one over the other?


"Music is the medicine of a troubled mind." -- Walter Haddon, 1567
I sold them in retail in the late 80's, posted on November 8, 2009 at 05:19:20
Victorymoto
Audiophile

Posts: 549
Location: Southeast
Joined: September 11, 2004
 As mentioned in an earlier response the Forte II used an early version of Klipsch's tractrix horn. It also increased the size of the passive radiator on the back of the speaker from 12 to 15 inches. With the grill on they were visually identical.

to my ears the original was one of the most pleasant sounding speakers I've ever heard. It certainly had it's own warm sonic signature and some people judged it harshly for that reason but I thought it was absolutely beautiful to listen to. I recall that it mated very nicely with Adcom equipment from the same era.

the Forte' II briefly ruined me for Klipsch speakers. I was very dissappointed with it. I suppose the Klipsch folks measured an improvement somewhere but it was harsh and cold sounding by comparison and I hated it. Oddly enough a year after the Forte'II Klipsch added a slightly smaller speaker to the Klipsch line called the Quartet that used the same mid and tweeter and I thought it had a very nice sound albeit not as nice as the original Forte'.

Ebay often has Forte' and Forte II's for sale that go around 500 - 600 dollars a pair in good condition. Last time I checked their was a pair of Quartets on Audiogon.

Agree, posted on November 8, 2009 at 17:53:53
djk
Manufacturer

Posts: 3886
Joined: June 17, 2000
 As a former Klipsch dealer I would also agree, the Forte sounds better than the Forte II; The Chorus II sounds better than the Chorus.

I would also add the Cornwall II sounded better than either of the Chorus versions, and the Forte sounded better than the Cornwall II (if you had enough power, it was less efficient).

All products were stock, except the driver connections were soldered direct (the push-on clips removed), this improves detail and imaging by a considerable amount.

Very interesting post. Questions . . ., posted on November 8, 2009 at 16:30:43
JoshT
Audiophile

Posts: 2833
Location: Eastern Massachusetts
Joined: July 4, 2000
Contributor
  Since: July 22, 2000
 It seems that folks generally say that one should get the Chorus II over the Chorus, but the Forte over the Forte II, and that the Quartet was equally as good as the Chorus II and Forte for smaller rooms.

I have KLF 20s in my HT, which I have had for 10 years now, and I'd like a change.

I'm thinking of Chorus IIs, Fortes or Cornwalls (probably used Cornwall I or IIs, as the new IIIs are a bit pricey). Part of me is leaning towards the Cornwalls, just because they are officially part of the original "Heritage" line, but I've recently heard some say they actually prefer the sound of the Chorus IIs over the Cornwalls.

Any recommendations? Though I have enjoyed the KLF 20s, most people seem to think they were, at best, a lateral move from the Chorus II/Forte.
___
"If you are the owner of a new stereophonic system, this record will play with even more brilliant true-to-life fidelity. In short, you can purchase this record with no fear of its becoming obsolete in the future."
all things being equal and with deep pockets..., posted on November 10, 2009 at 12:32:16
Victorymoto
Audiophile

Posts: 549
Location: Southeast
Joined: September 11, 2004
 Go for Cornwall II's restored with BobCrites crossovers.
That is probably the best Klipsch ever! At least to my ears

RE: I sold them in retail in the late 80's, posted on November 8, 2009 at 12:21:56
Pat D
Audiophile

Posts: 7558
Joined: June 20, 2000
 I was very impressed with the original Forte when I heard them at a Klipsch demonstration at my dealer's store. After the presentation, it was suggested we listen to the speakers and since no one took the lead, I suggested some recordings which the dealer had that I knew.

I was less impressed with the Forte II, although I didn't really listen to it all that much so I cannot be sure.

I agree with you about the Quartet, nice but not like the original Forte.

"Probability is the very guide to life."---Cicero
The Chorus II looks really similar, posted on November 7, 2009 at 10:12:55
Paully
Audiophile

Posts: 4167
Location: West Virginia
Joined: February 15, 2004
 Just another option as the Chorus gets overlooked a lot and can sometimes be had for the same price as a pair of Heresy's and it is certainly a better speaker (for me).

the Forte ii had tractrix horns, a newer horn geometry that..., posted on November 6, 2009 at 23:11:14
jonbee
Audiophile

Posts: 1609
Location: Seattle
Joined: June 26, 2001
 was designed to reduce the throat distortion and coloration common in exponential horns. I think all Klipsch afterwards used the tractrix design, as well as other makers.

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