jwash Posted August 7, 2011 Share Posted August 7, 2011 I am looking for some used ones. What do I need to look at and follow up on when I go and look at them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
denti Posted August 7, 2011 Share Posted August 7, 2011 We're in the same boat. I'm aiming to get my hands on a pair of these, too. I'd also like to hear what I should look/listen for when I go to check out pairs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cal Blacksmith Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 Pretty much like all speakers. If possible, take an amp and audio source with you so you don't have to depend on the seller for this. You may not need what you brought but it only will help you if the seller does not have anything to drive them with. Bring music you are familiar with, a good full range piece to hear all 3 speakers working. Look that the cabs are in good shape, visual marks take away from value, how much is up to you. Make sure each speaker is working, while playing, hold your ear up to each one or use a toilet paper tube over your ear to isolate each speaker to hear them working. Listen for buzzes or crackles. Look at the grills and passives, these are out of production and while Klipsch will have some parts in stock, other parts like the grills etc will only be available if someone is parting out their speakers or you make them yourself. Push them hard when you take the test listen if you can (but not into overdriving the speakers or distortion) I found flaws in the pair of KG 5.5s I bought for my son that way, the glue had come loose on the cab and the backs started to rattle. This gave me a price reduction as they need repair. The fix was simple, open them up, take out the drivers and insulation, glue corner blocks inside the cabs in all the corners to add renforcement and reassemble after the glue was dry. You likely will want to replace the tweet dia with Bob Crties Ti units, they make a BIG difference! The crossovers and caps will probably need to be freshened up also but they should sound good as they are. If they are not properly positioned by a wall, the passive driver in the back won't add much but when properly setup, the Fort'e is one hard rockin speaker. I have a pair of F1s with old Xovers and Ti tweets and they sound GREAT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
denti Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 I'm just curious. What was the original list price for the Forte and Forte II speakers? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djk Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 They started around $1080 a pair. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
venaka Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Hey guys I will try post piks later, but I have the chance of getting some Forte's in oiled walnut. The gentleman says that they are mint with no marks but is asking 575.Is this the an ok price. .I feel like its an epray price in a way. Thanks, and sorry for Hijacking, but it kind of relates to the main question. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cal Blacksmith Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 I paid $450 for my black painted Fort'es in about a 8 condition around 7 years ago. Mint Fort'es, in OW to my way of thinking are worth $575 but I have not looked to buy for many years and I am out of the price currency. Then again, I paid $500 for my OO Cornwall IIs in a 9.9 condition, delivered about 4 years ago and that was a pretty darn good deal, nearly droolworthy at the time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ski Bum Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Hey guys I will try post piks later, but I have the chance of getting some Forte's in oiled walnut. The gentleman says that they are mint with no marks but is asking 575.Is this the an ok price. .I feel like its an epray price in a way. Thanks, and sorry for Hijacking, but it kind of relates to the main question. The walnut is more rare, unless I'm mistaken, but $575 is pretty rich. I'd check 'em out, but haggle a bit if I were you. Are they stock, or have they been upgraded? I paid $425 for mint oiled oak forte's earlier this year. Sold a pair of oak clr in about 6-7/10 for $325 at that time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
denti Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 So am I getting a bum deal at $600 a pair with upgrades all around and owner re-finished cabs? Going to see/hear them tonight, and the guy seems dead set on the price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
venaka Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Yea, Ive searched all alround the web and many with patience of course, have gotten these for under 400 Mint! I think im gonna hold off, if any one in florida wants a mint pair pm me and ill give you the info Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ski Bum Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Denti and venaka- The prices I listed were for bone stock forte ii's. If any of the speakers you're each considering contain upgrades, they may yet be a decent deal. Figure low $400 range for mint cabs, refinished or not, but otherwise stock; add for whatever has been done (typically sonicaps in the crossover and Crites tweeter diaphragms...a full blown Crites crossover w/ new autoformers and everything costs $300 or so, so be sure to have the seller fully disclose what has been done to them). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldmako Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 I paid 400 for stock Fortes (not II's). Mint, Walnut. Didn't have the nerve to try and haggle with him as they were perfect, with all original boxes, papers etc. Just like buying them from the store! All that being said, I think that 575 is a bit rich. I base that on two years of watching them on here, Craigslist, eBay and other web sites. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldtimer Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Maybe it's a bit rich, but if you want speakers right now, they will be the best 575 speakers you've ever had. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
venaka Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Probably but I Im in no rush. I just saw a chorus go for under 4 a month ago, called a little to late. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gnatnoop Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Maybe it's a bit rich, but if you want speakers right now, they will be the best 575 speakers you've ever had. agree, i wouldn't let a great pair slip away for the amount of dollars you might pay to fill up your truck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrod Posted August 10, 2011 Share Posted August 10, 2011 Where are the guys looking for Fortes located? I may be looking to get rid of my OO Forte IIs in outstanding condition. If you are anywhere near Ohio, drop me a PM and we can discuss price. I would be willig to let mine go for under $575, that is for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
venaka Posted August 10, 2011 Share Posted August 10, 2011 Wow, you drive a tank!? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
venaka Posted August 10, 2011 Share Posted August 10, 2011 looks like the guy might take my offer of 475..but im in southern florida anyways Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrod Posted August 10, 2011 Share Posted August 10, 2011 Wow, you drive a tank!? I love my Outback, thing really is a tank. It prefers snow over asphalt, dirt over gravel. A necessity in NE Ohio! Plus, it gets right at about 32mpg, an added bonus! Good luck w/ your purchase, let us know how it goes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockhound Posted August 10, 2011 Share Posted August 10, 2011 You will not be disappointed I bought a set earlier this summer for 500.00 and have not looked back absolutely love em. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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