[Recommendation? Am I under powering my KG4's and Forte II's?]

On 3/9/2024 at 11:28 PM, Scott Grammer said:

Hi. I work on vintage audio gear for a living, so I thought I'd try to give you a little more solid answers to your questions. As for the bulb going out, most likely it just burned out. There is a fuse for that lamp, however, but I doubt you'll find it blown. It's marked "Fm3" on the circuit board. You'll find three fuses on the main circuit board, two parallel to each other and one at a right angle to them. That one at a right angle is the fuse you're interested in. It's a 500mA (or 1/2 amp) fast-blow fuse. As for the meters not working, there's nothing in common between the lamp and the meters, and the meters are literally powered by the signal going to your speakers, so I'm at a loss as to why they would not work if the amp is playing. There are a pair of 47 microfarad capacitors in the meter circuits that, if they have become leaky enough, could cause the meters to stop working, but it seems unlikely. It may just be that you don't use enough amplifier power at your normal listening levels to make the meters swing.

 

And that amp should be more than powerful enough for such sensitive speakers, unless you have a really large listening room and like to listen really, really loud. Still, if the amp has never been serviced, now would be a good time to take it to someone experienced with vintage audio gear and let them give it a check-up. And if you decide to check on that fuse, PLEASE unplug the unit from the AC power first.

 

Scott.

@Scott Grammer thank you, Scott. very detailed and helpful information. I appreciate it! 

[Recommendation? Am I under powering my KG4's and Forte II's?]

1 hour ago, YK Thom said:

Both of your speakers are very efficient and are 8 and 6 ohms.  I can't see it as under powered. I found the spec sheets for each of them, although you may already have them. I agree with Peter P, this is a failure within your vintage receiver. With any luck a minor issue, perhaps fuse. If not you may have take it in for servicing and /or purchase a new unit. There are so many good ones on the market available opening up a whole new rabbit hole. A nice unit like this would be worth having repaired IMO.

 

 

 

forte-brochure.pdf 630.23 kB · 0 downloads KG-4-Spec-Sheet.pdf 321.72 kB · 0 downloads

awesome. thank you for your input and the spec sheets. I'll do some research and look into getting it repaired. 

[Recommendation? Am I under powering my KG4's and Forte II's?]

9 minutes ago, Peter P. said:

By "the bulb went out" I mean that it simply stopped lighting up today. And the needles aren't moving at all either. The unit still powers up and, plays fine as I tested it. It's powering as normal through the speakers. Yes i've seen the bulb is replaceable and even fuses, but I'm not sure of what I will get myself into. I was mostly wondering if i can use a stronger amp to push the speakers or if i was using an appropriate power source. I'm not eduacated enough with ohms, watts to make a good decision. LOL. - Just need some opinions.

 

9 minutes ago, Peter P. said:

 

What does "the bulb just went out" mean?

 

The amp is rated for 40W/ch into 8 ohms. What's the resistance rating for your kg4's and your Forte 1's?

It should be on the back of the speaker. Since you've been operating your speakers for many years

without an issue, I'd conclude it's not the amp being underpowered or the output impedance going too

low, all channels driven.

 

It could merely be a component failure due to the age of your amp, which was manufactured in the late 70s.

Repair might be the affordable solution assuming parts are available.

 

You could take the cover off and see if there is an internal fuse. If so, replace the fuse and see what happens.

 

 

 

 

IMG_0947.HEIC IMG_0949.HEIC IMG_0948.HEIC

[Recommendation? Am I under powering my KG4's and Forte II's?]

I am currently using a Kenwood KA5700 Integrated Amplifier to power all 4 of my speakers (a pair of KG4's and Forte II's). Has worked fine for a few years but the bulb just went out. So might replace the unit all-together.

 

Question 1: Is that amp sufficient or is it under-powering my speakers?

Question 2: Is there a modern amp anyone can recommend that is strong enough to power all 4 speakers? 

 

Thanks!

[Fair price for Klipsch KG 4.2 ?]

Came across a pair of Klipsch KG 4.2 being sold by a reputable guy. Dark oil finish. Wood in excellent condition. Lots of pics verifying condition, original tags. What would you consider to be a fair offer for them? My current setup is some Forte II's in amazing condition and some beat up, but good sounding KG 4's. Running them with a Kenwood KA-5700 integrated amp. 

[$100 for Klipsch Forte II's ??]

These are still going strong. KG4's are a bit beat up (got for $125), but the Forte II's I scored for $100 are flawless. What would be a good price to pay for some KG4's to replace these and is the Crites upgrade an easy DIY project (for me, the inexperienced)? 

[$100 for Klipsch Forte II's ??]

On 10/21/2019 at 1:52 PM, hugeroost said:

where in Texas bro, Roost is in SE Texas

Good ol San Antone!

[$100 for Klipsch Forte II's ??]

2 hours ago, kink56 said:

Gee wilicers, I have a chance to buy some K-horns in Rosewood, for $1.98, do you think it would be a good deal?  Gosh I don't know what to do. 

Work him down. That’s a ripoff 

[$100 for Klipsch Forte II's ??]

2 hours ago, tigerwoodKhorns said:

How did you hesitate on this?  You could have lost the deal.

I'm new to vintage audio. I just googled them for about 20 seconds and took the chance on making an offer. Figured i couldn't lose, then I wrote in the forum hoping i was scoring. 

[$100 for Klipsch Forte II's ??]

4 minutes ago, WillyBob said:

did ya hold a gun on him to make him feel better?  that's a steal

 Well, seeing as he had a “come and take it” sticker on the back window of his F150 truck, I avoided brandishing  a firearm. This is Texas ya know! 😂

[$100 for Klipsch Forte II's ??]

1 minute ago, dtel said:

You should have hugged him, then ran.  They look great, you can beat them with a hammer all over the wood and I would still pay $100. 

 

Haha....thanks for your help...anyone and everyone feel free to recommend a song I should play through these babies. I'll be playing em all night! 

[$100 for Klipsch Forte II's ??]

The story is that he bought them when he was in the Navy over in japan. Had them shipped back and he’s downsizing to a smaller home. 🙌🏼

[$100 for Klipsch Forte II's ??]

Well, they’re as solid as can be and sound fantastic. I’m running them with a Kenwood KA5700. I’m a happy man. 

[$100 for Klipsch Forte II's ??]

4 minutes ago, dtel said:

Not a good deal it is a STEAL, your stealing them, hurry.

 

Even if they are really rough looking, the parts are worth much more.

 

Thank you! I'll post a pic when I get them...if the guy follows through....hoping for the best. 

[$100 for Klipsch Forte II's ??]

Meeting a guy in an hour and a half to buy the Forte II's for $100? I just got a pair of beat up (exterior) KG4's and they sound great. How are the Forte II's in comparison and is this a good deal? What should I look for when I meet him? Only one pic provided but the pair looks from the pic.

[Klipsch KG4 paired with Kenwood KA-5700?]

On 9/26/2019 at 11:57 AM, oros said:

Feed them with a good push pull triode switchable  EL 34 amp, and you are in for a very pleasantly surprising listening experience.

 

Is there a particular budget EL34 amp you'd recommend? Mostly punching some 70's 80's hard rock through the KG4's.

[Vintage Integrated Amps w/Fortes]

I might purchase the Kenwood KA-5700 myself...asking price is $150? Thoughts on that price and how it will go with Klipsch KG4's? 

[Klipsch KG4 paired with Kenwood KA-5700?]

Thoughts on this pairing? Is it a decent pairing with the KG4's?

 

I can buy the Kg4's for around $100 as they are a little beat up on the outside, missing badges and will need refinishing. One of the woofers may need repair and/or eventual replacement.

The Kenwood  KA-5700 is going for $150. Seems to be in good working order.

 

I only have more modern equipment and not sure what I'm getting myself into.

 

Any and all thoughts would be appreciated.