weisshai Posted December 11, 2005 Share Posted December 11, 2005 Greetings, I recently became a first-time Klipsch owner (have a pair of Forte IIs in transit), and as this forum suggests, I do have some (perhaps elementary) "questions about amp and speaker matching." I'm currently running a vintage set of AR-9s with a mid-90s Kenwood KR-V8060 A/V receiver rated at 100 watts per channel. In the past, I had bi-amped these large and rather inefficient speakers with a high end power amp and a Yamaha CA series integrated amp. The Kenwood receiver has never been satisfactory in driving the AR-9s; so, instead of going for another power amp, I decided to look into higher-efficiency speakers. I'd been aware of Klipsch's reputation for a very long time, and finally decided that my needs would best be served by the horn-loaded monsters I have on the way. I probably should have gone this route years ago: I'm pretty much a strictly rock/prog/metal fan, and let's just say I usually don't listen to many string quartets or arias!! The question(s)? Actually, I'm more or less looking for general comments/observations on what sort of amplification (tube?) might best fit the Fortes, with the caveat that I've yet to hear them in their intended environment. I am not an inveterate audiophile, so any and all input would be most appreciated... and feel free to bash the Kenwood receiver, which was gleefully bought at Circuit "Shitty" with a minimum of consideration and price/convenience carrying the day! W. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardP Posted December 11, 2005 Share Posted December 11, 2005 There is no inherent reason that either the Kenwood receiver or the Yamaha amp will not sound fine with the Fortes. Most here will advise you to set up the speakers and listen to them for weeks or months before deciding if something else needs changing/upgrading. Set them up and begin evaluating and tweaking the speaker placement first to get the best stereo imaging. In my secondary setup, I have a Yamaha CA-600 int amp, sometimes running a pair of Fortes, and there is no way I could turn the volume up to the 12 o'clock position without being blasted out of the room. I don't think you will lack for power with such efficient speakers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kev313 Posted December 11, 2005 Share Posted December 11, 2005 No, amount of power should not be an issue. Quality of that power might, however. Listening to what you have for a bit is good advice. I have run Fortes with 15 - 20 watts of PP tube amplification (el34 and el84 drivers) with success. Others will, no doubt, chime in with solid state options. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill H. Posted December 11, 2005 Share Posted December 11, 2005 Welcome to the Madness, as others have stated, trying running the Fortes with Just the Int Amp- you will be blown away with the crispness, and clarity of the Fortes.......... Listen first for at least a week, before you rush out and do anything! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colterphoto1 Posted December 11, 2005 Share Posted December 11, 2005 Bill! You're using my phrase! Stop it at once ! LOL Seriously, welcome to the madness,you'll see as time passes that it's impossible to own just one pair of Klipsch. The ForteII is a very highly thought of Klipsch speaker, efficient, smooth, deep frequency response. As stated, you should not have any trouble driving it with any of your SS receivers or a tube amp if you should choose. Michael Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cal Blacksmith Posted December 12, 2005 Share Posted December 12, 2005 Welcome to the disease! You will find as others have said, you will not be able to stop with just two! With that said, the Fort'e speakers are perhaps the ultimate Rock speaker Klipsch made. I have had no problem going to insane sound levels with mine. Listen to them for a while then decide what you want to do, I hope you have a thick checking account as the sickness takes hold, you won't be able to pass up the "deals" that will surly follow!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weisshai Posted December 12, 2005 Author Share Posted December 12, 2005 Thanks so much to all who've responded and those who may yet respond. This is a great site & a wonderful forum, and (as I alluded to before) I should have become a member of the Klipsch "family" long ago! W. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colterphoto1 Posted December 12, 2005 Share Posted December 12, 2005 "deals" that will surly follow" Yeah Cal, I'm gonna get surly if I don't get a deal on some ForteII's of my own. They are next on my hit list. Michael Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Matthews Posted December 12, 2005 Share Posted December 12, 2005 "deals" that will surly follow" Yeah Cal, I'm gonna get surly if I don't get a deal on some ForteII's of my own. They are next on my hit list. Michael Michael, I thought you were getting surly over those tigerwoodskhorns. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2ndGenKlipsch Posted December 12, 2005 Share Posted December 12, 2005 I really like the way my Forte II's sound with my Harman Kardon HK430 and the best part is I only paid $80 for it!!! The entire line of Harman Kardon Twin Powered receivers (HK630, HK730, & HK930) are supposed to sound just as good. Also my speakers sit on padded carpet over concrete and I heard a big improvement after adding spikes...total cost $10!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cal Blacksmith Posted December 12, 2005 Share Posted December 12, 2005 Geesh, ya forget a little h and e and you would think the end of the world was upon us[] I tell ya get as surly as you want, the deals will still come[][][] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colterphoto1 Posted December 12, 2005 Share Posted December 12, 2005 no H in surely Cal, or were you having a go at me? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cal Blacksmith Posted December 12, 2005 Share Posted December 12, 2005 Na not at you, it is the tail end of a 5 day (so far) cold and the head is still a bit in the fog[:$][*-)] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colterphoto1 Posted December 12, 2005 Share Posted December 12, 2005 LMFAO, excellent use of smilies though Cal. Well done and hope you feel better soon. Now go take another shot of Nyquil and go back to bed! M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbajner Posted December 12, 2005 Share Posted December 12, 2005 Ted Striker: Surely you can't be serious? Dr. Rumack: I am serious and don't call me Shirley. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laurenc319 Posted December 13, 2005 Share Posted December 13, 2005 Hi, I have Forte I's and I've listened to them hooked up to an EICO Hf-81 (14 watts pp EL84's ) and a Cary SLI-80 ( 50 watts triode mode KT-88s). Both sounded great. The EICO could play loud, the Cary pinned my ears back. These speakers are great on all music, but on large scale music, be it rock, big bands or symphonic they really come into their own. Sit back and enjoy !!! good listening Larry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators dtel's wife Posted December 13, 2005 Moderators Share Posted December 13, 2005 Having recently purchased our second pair of Forte II's (thank you again Michael) and in pursuit of a third pair, I must tell you we are extremely happy with the purchases. During our 27 year marriage we have owned numerous speakers including a pair dtel custom built to specifications. The Forte II's have outperformed them all. My favorite DVD is Clapton, One More Car, One More Rider, Live on Tour 2001, You Look Wonderful Tonight, where the guy plays the clarinet through the keyboard. Crank em up and listen to that piece, it sounds like your in the room with the guy. Our first experience with Klipsch was brand new Synergy speakers, which were amazing for the price and sound. I have never been really interested in the whole audio thing, although I love music and dancing. That is until dtel joined the forum and started his "quest for the Holy Grail". Now...I feel like Michael...it is an addiction...the next listening high...Good luck and congratulations on your purchase 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill H. Posted December 13, 2005 Share Posted December 13, 2005 Larry, Fortes for me, are the best bang for your dollar ever! I recently aquired my pair of Golden Oak and they bring a smile everytime I use them!......... Post some pictures when you can! Enjoy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bonzo Posted December 14, 2005 Share Posted December 14, 2005 I had Chris Munson, "popbumper", build a set of K-stack crossovers which took my Forte" II's to the next level! I also spiked the cabinets and added some weight which helped tighten things up. The last thing I did was to get titanium diaphragms from Bob Crites, BEC, which really livened up the top end. I am using a modest Yamaha RX-777 stereo receiver and I'm very, very pleased with the sound! All these frills cost money but were worth it to me as these are likely my last speakers for a long time. I am planning on getting a different integrated amp in the near future though. Hope this helps. Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colterphoto1 Posted December 14, 2005 Share Posted December 14, 2005 You Forte guys should start a club, like us lovers of the Massive CW's have! You'll need a special handshake. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.