In this review, we will be comparing Aria 948 and Forte IV, two Passive Floor-standing speakers from Focal and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Focal Aria 948 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 Focal Aria 948 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.
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Drivers
Both Aria 948 and Forte IV are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
Focal Aria 948 |
Klipsch Forte IV |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 6.5-inch |
1 x 1.75-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 8.25-inch
|
1 x 12-inch
|
Aria 948 features a 1" TNF Al/Mg inverted dome Tweeter , a 6.5" Midrange and 2 x 8.25" Flax Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 280Hz and 2,600Hz. 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
Aria 948 has a frequency range of 37-28k Hz whereas Forte IV has a frequency range of 38-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 37Hz, the Aria 948 can go slightly deeper then 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
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Aria 948 and Forte IV have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Aria 948 sensitivity is rated at 92.5 dB and the Forte IV's is at 99 dB. This 6 dB difference makes the Klipsch Forte IV a more sensitive speaker compared to Focal Aria 948, 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.
Aria 948 can handle a max power of 350 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Forte IV has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 250 watts less than the Aria 948.
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. Aria 948 has a Binding post 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 Focal Aria 948's and Klipsch Forte IV's external dimensions. Focal Aria 948 has external dimensions of 1150.0 x 372.0 x 421.0mm ( 45-1/4 x 14-5/8 x 16-9/16inch) 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 241mm shorter and 90mm less deeper than Focal Aria 948 but it is also 51mm 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 Focal Aria 948 is approximately 1566.1cm2 / 242.7inch2 and base area of the Klipsch Forte IV is approximately 1400.1cm2 / 217.0inch2. The Aria 948 requires 12% more surface area than the Forte IV which gives it a small disadvantage 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 Focal Aria 948 weighs 35.00kg / 77lbs and the Klipsch Forte IV weighs 32.73kg / 72lbs. This makes the Aria 948 7% heavier than the Forte IV.
Here is a comparison of how Aria 948 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 Focal Aria 948?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Aria 948:
Floorstanding loudspeakerGrilleBase4 Spike feet (pre-installed in base)4 Plastic feet4 ScrewsAllen-keyHex-toolUser Manual
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 |
350 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
37 Hz
vs
38 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Sensitivity |
99 dB
vs
93 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
| Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8.25 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
1150mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1400cm2 (423x331mm)
vs
1566cm2 (372x421mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
4998USD
vs
6598USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Focal Aria 948 |
Klipsch Heritage Forte IV |
| Brand |
Focal |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Floor-standing speaker |
Floor-standing speaker |
| Power Range |
50-350 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
92.5 dB |
99 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
2.5 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
37-28k Hz |
38-20k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8.25" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Flax |
Fibercomposite |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
inverted dome |
horn-loaded |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
6.5" |
1.75" |
| Crossover Frequency |
280Hz and 2,600Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
1150.0mm (45.3") |
909.0mm (35.8") |
| Width |
372.0mm (14.6") |
423.0mm (16.7") |
| Depth |
421.0mm (16.6") |
331.0mm (13") |
| Weight |
35.00kg (77lbs) |
32.73kg (72lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Passive Radiator |
| Finish |
MDF/Glass/Leather |
MDF/Wood veneer |
| Available Colors |
Gloss Black |
Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
10 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
10 Years |