In this review, we will be comparing R11 and Forte IV, two Passive Floor-standing speakers from KEF and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KEF R11 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 KEF R11 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 R11 and Forte IV are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
KEF R11 |
Klipsch Forte IV |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 5-inch |
1 x 1.75-inch |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 12-inch
|
R11 features a 1" aluminum Dome Tweeter , a 5" Midrange and 4 x 6.5" Hybrid Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 400Hz and 2900Hz. 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
R11 has a frequency range of 46-28k Hz whereas Forte IV has a frequency range of 38-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 38Hz, the Forte IV can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R11's min frequency of 46Hz.
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
R11 and Forte IV have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. R11 sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the Forte IV's is at 99 dB. This 9 dB difference makes the Klipsch Forte IV a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF R11, 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.
R11 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 R11.
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
Both R11 and Forte IV features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
KEF R11's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both R11 and Forte IV have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
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 KEF R11's and Klipsch Forte IV's external dimensions. KEF R11 has external dimensions of 1301.0 x 312.0 x 389.0mm ( 51-3/16 x 12-1/4 x 15-5/16inch) 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 392mm shorter and 58mm less deeper than KEF R11 but it is also 111mm 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 KEF R11 is approximately 1213.7cm2 / 188.1inch2 and base area of the Klipsch Forte IV is approximately 1400.1cm2 / 217.0inch2. The R11 requires 13% 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 KEF R11 weighs 37.70kg / 82.9lbs and the Klipsch Forte IV weighs 32.73kg / 72lbs. This makes the R11 15% heavier than the Forte IV.
Here is a comparison of how R11 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 KEF R11?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of R11:
Floorstanding loudspeakerGrille2 Foam port plugs4 Outrigger feet4 Spikes4 Protective discs4 Screws4 WashersWrenchHex-keyUser ManualWarranty Information
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 |
 Number of Woofers |
4
vs
1
|
More woofers |
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
1213cm2 (312x389mm)
vs
1400cm2 (423x331mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Sensitivity |
99 dB
vs
90 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
| Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
6.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
38 Hz
vs
46 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Passive Radiator |
rear-firing 15-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Height |
909mm
vs
1301mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
4998USD
vs
6000USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
KEF R11 |
Klipsch Heritage Forte IV |
| Brand |
KEF |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Floor-standing speaker |
Floor-standing speaker |
| Power Range |
15-300 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
90 dB |
99 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.2 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
46-28k Hz |
38-20k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
4 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Hybrid Aluminum |
Fibercomposite |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Dome |
horn-loaded |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
5" |
1.75" |
| Crossover Frequency |
400Hz and 2900Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
1301.0mm (51.2") |
909.0mm (35.8") |
| Width |
312.0mm (12.3") |
423.0mm (16.7") |
| Depth |
389.0mm (15.3") |
331.0mm (13") |
| Weight |
37.70kg (82.9lbs) |
32.73kg (72lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Passive Radiator |
| Finish |
MDF/Lacquer |
MDF/Wood veneer |
| Available Colors |
Black Gloss, White Gloss, Walnut |
Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
10 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
10 Years |