honch Posted March 2, 2006 Share Posted March 2, 2006 Had a pair of Forte II's that just were just not up to what I believe they should be. So after reading a few threads here & on another web site, I contacted "popbumper" on Klipsch Forums site as heard that he builds a replacement or upgraded x-over version for the Forte's that when installed, takes them to a new level. So, intrigued at the idea, and instead of laying out a couple grand for a brand new set of speakers that I had researched & listened to, I said what the heck -- could only be an improvement over the stock units. Well, to make it short, Chris made me a set of his, hand-built, double stacked crossovers. Upon receipt, and after reading his detailed install instructions, I installed the new set. Using a MC-30 amp pair, the networks have taken this speaker up the ladder by 4 or 5 rungs from stock units. Like I said, they sound better than a set of $4K speakers. Then I switched to my main integrated, McIntosh MA2275 -- wow. I just can't believe the sound I'm hearing is coming out of these under $1K Forte units. Amazing clarity, midrange, bass and the black background that is present. It's amazing and hard to understand the music you are hearing is coming from those speakers. You'd definitely think otherwise, especially if someone came in & listened to them while being blindfolded. Easily, they'd say they were hearing a $4K set of speakers, for sure. Naturally, I'm impressed X 10 and the upgrade units were definitely worth the money. I'll be happy for years to come. Thanks much, Chris. Highly recommended, PERIOD. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deang Posted March 2, 2006 Share Posted March 2, 2006 Pretty cool huh? We'll we've always said, "it takes your speakers to the next level" -- so Forte III's makes sense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travisc Posted March 2, 2006 Share Posted March 2, 2006 Glad to see He's still at it. Pop does a excellent job with those networks heres a pic of the ones he made for me next to the stock ones Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frzninvt Posted March 2, 2006 Share Posted March 2, 2006 Chris's networks make the originals look sad! His Academy upgrade yields the same stellar results as well. Dean's work has done the same things for all my Heritage speakers so I certainly can understand your excitement! Uninhibited performance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
popbumper Posted March 2, 2006 Share Posted March 2, 2006 Without sounding silly, I am humbled by the responses I have gotten, and appreciate the positive words. I especially thank Dean who started me on this course, and who has always been a supporter, even through my rough times. I hope that more will find these upgrades a viable option, I certainly am proud to be part of the "Klipsch team" and a member of the upgrade family. Thanks all who have written me, and those who continue to enjoy their music at an improved level. COMING - a new platform, and a few refinements to the existing platform over the next few months. Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HarleyMo Posted March 5, 2006 Share Posted March 5, 2006 Chris I have an orginal pair of Fortes. Would this crossover work for them also. Is this something I can build myself. I have built a pair of Als ALKs for a khorn project Im working on. Sounds like the really bring new life to the Fortes. Thanks in advance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Lindsey Posted March 6, 2006 Share Posted March 6, 2006 And I have a pair of original Chorus speakers that I love. Do you build the networks for these as well? If so, what is the cost and what's involved with the installation? Thanks, Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frzninvt Posted March 6, 2006 Share Posted March 6, 2006 Not to speak for Chris, but any PCB based network he can duplicate. Here is his Academy network. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frzninvt Posted March 6, 2006 Share Posted March 6, 2006 The original Academy network for comparison. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
popbumper Posted March 6, 2006 Share Posted March 6, 2006 HarleyMo: Originally I had intended to offer these in kit form, but the paperwork investment became a bit overwhelming, at which point I decided to build these. Yes, these will work for Forte, as well as several other platforms I have built (Forte II, ChorusI and II, KLF-20, KLF-30, KLF-C7, Academy). If I can assist you please let me know, thanks for asking. The small investment really improves the sound quality of the heritage lines. Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
popbumper Posted March 6, 2006 Share Posted March 6, 2006 Mike: Yes, I have and can build Chorus networks; write me for pricing. The networks come fully assembled and tested, and with a full installation instruction sheet. All it requires is a screwdriver to open your existing cabinet, and everything else is straightforward as the network is prewired and has all attachment lugs installed. Thanks for asking! Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Lindsey Posted March 6, 2006 Share Posted March 6, 2006 Cost? How tough to install, etc? Edit: PM sent... we posted at the same time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peteward Posted March 9, 2006 Share Posted March 9, 2006 I can attest to the success of Chris's crossover modifications. I commented on another thread (can't remember which one) but as this one's here let me repeat that the quality of workmanship is superb and the sound improvements are definitely worthwhile. A bit like Good King Wenceslas -- "deep and crisp and even" :-). Peter Ward UK Klipsch enthusiast Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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