In this review, we will be comparing BP-9060 and Forte IV, two Passive Floor-standing speakers from Definitive Technology and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive BP-9060 and Klipsch Forte IV first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Definitive BP-9060 and Klipsch Forte IV compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both BP-9060 and Forte IV are 3-way speakers.
Driver |
Definitive BP-9060 |
Klipsch Forte IV |
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
3 x 4.5-inch |
1 x 1.75-inch |
Woofer
|
1 x 10-inch
|
1 x 12-inch
|
BP-9060 features a 1" annealed aluminum dome Tweeter , a 4.5" Midrange and 1 x 10" Polypropelene Woofer . On the other hand, the Forte IV features a 1" titanium-diaphragm compression horn-loaded Tweeter , a 1.75" Midrange and 1 x 12" Fibercomposite Woofer .
Frequency Response
BP-9060 has a frequency range of 18-49k Hz whereas Forte IV has a frequency range of 38-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 18Hz, the BP-9060 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Forte IV's min frequency of 38Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Floor-standing class in our database.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
High Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
Impedance and Sensitivity
BP-9060 and Forte IV have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. BP-9060 sensitivity is rated at 92 dB and the Forte IV's is at 99 dB. This 7 dB difference makes the Klipsch Forte IV a more sensitive speaker compared to Definitive BP-9060, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Floor-standing Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
BP-9060 can handle a max power of 300 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Forte IV has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 200 watts less than the BP-9060.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Forte IV features Post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. BP-9060 has a 5-Way post, RCA which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Definitive BP-9060's and Klipsch Forte IV's external dimensions. Definitive BP-9060 has external dimensions of 1132.0 x 281.0 x 351.0mm ( 44-9/16 x 11-1/16 x 13-13/16inch) whereas Klipsch Forte IV has external dimensions of 909.0 x 423.0 x 331.0mm ( 35-3/4 x 16-5/8 x 13inch) .
Klipsch Forte IV is 223mm shorter and 20mm less deeper than Definitive BP-9060 but it is also 142mm wider.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the Definitive BP-9060 is approximately 986.3cm2 / 152.9inch2 and base area of the Klipsch Forte IV is approximately 1400.1cm2 / 217.0inch2. The BP-9060 requires 30% less surface area than the Forte IV which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The Definitive BP-9060 weighs 22.73kg / 50lbs and the Klipsch Forte IV weighs 32.73kg / 72lbs. This makes the Forte IV 44% heavier than the BP-9060.
Here is a comparison of how BP-9060 and Forte IV's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Floor-standing class.
Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
What's in the Box of Definitive BP-9060?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of BP-9060:
Tower loudspeaker6.5-feet AC power cordTop-plate (installed)Stabilizer base4 Floor guides4 Carpet spikes4 Screws4 NutsOwners ManualWhat Obsession Sounds Like card
What's in the Box of Klipsch Forte IV?
Here are the items that come with the Forte IV:
2 Floorstanding loudspeakers2 Grilles8 Self-adhesive rubber feetOwners ManualCongratulations letterKlipsch brochure
Max Input Power |
300 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Low Frequency Response |
18 Hz
vs
38 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
49k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Dolby Atmos Drivers |
Optional
vs
No
|
Dolby Atmos Compatibility |
Base Surface Area |
986cm2 (281x351mm)
vs
1400cm2 (423x331mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
2398USD
vs
4998USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Sensitivity |
99 dB
vs
92 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
Passive Radiator |
rear-firing 15-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
Height |
909mm
vs
1132mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
General |
Definitive Technology BP-9060 |
Klipsch Heritage Forte IV |
Brand |
Definitive Technology |
Klipsch |
Speaker Type |
Floor-standing speaker |
Floor-standing speaker |
Power Range |
50-300 watts |
up to 100 watts |
Sensitivity |
92 dB |
99 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
18-49k Hz |
38-20k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
10" |
12" |
Woofer Composition |
Polypropelene |
Fibercomposite |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
dome |
horn-loaded |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
4.5" |
1.75" |
Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
1132.0mm (44.6") |
909.0mm (35.8") |
Width |
281.0mm (11.1") |
423.0mm (16.7") |
Depth |
351.0mm (13.8") |
331.0mm (13") |
Weight |
22.73kg (50lbs) |
32.73kg (72lbs) |
Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Passive Radiator |
Finish |
MDF/Aluminum/Cloth |
MDF/Wood veneer |
Available Colors |
Black |
Black |
Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
No |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
10 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
10 Years |