In this review, we will be comparing Kendall and Forte IV, two Passive Floor-standing speakers from KLH and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KLH Kendall 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 KLH Kendall 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 Kendall and Forte IV are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
KLH Kendall |
Klipsch Forte IV |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 5.25-inch |
1 x 1.75-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 12-inch
|
Kendall features a 1" anodized aluminum Tweeter , a 5.25" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Woven Kevlar 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
Kendall has a frequency range of 25-23k Hz whereas Forte IV has a frequency range of 38-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 25Hz, the Kendall 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
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
Kendall and Forte IV have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Kendall sensitivity is rated at 96 dB and the Forte IV's is at 99 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Klipsch Forte IV a more sensitive speaker compared to KLH Kendall, 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.
Kendall can handle a max power of 100 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Kendall has a max power handling value of watts RMS , 100 watts less than the Forte IV.
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 Kendall and Forte IV features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
KLH Kendall's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or 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 KLH Kendall's and Klipsch Forte IV's external dimensions. KLH Kendall has external dimensions of 1021.0 x 212.0 x 380.0mm ( 40-3/16 x 8-5/16 x 14-15/16inch) 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 112mm shorter and 49mm less deeper than KLH Kendall but it is also 211mm 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 KLH Kendall is approximately 805.6cm2 / 124.9inch2 and base area of the Klipsch Forte IV is approximately 1400.1cm2 / 217.0inch2. The Kendall requires 42% 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 KLH Kendall weighs 22.14kg / 48.7lbs and the Klipsch Forte IV weighs 32.73kg / 72lbs. This makes the Forte IV 48% heavier than the Kendall.
Here is a comparison of how Kendall 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 KLH Kendall?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Kendall:
Floorstanding loudspeakerGrilleFoam port4 Rubber feet4 Spike feet (with nuts)4 Protective discsManual
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
 Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
25 Hz
vs
38 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
23k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
805cm2 (212x380mm)
vs
1400cm2 (423x331mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1500USD
vs
4998USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Sensitivity |
99 dB
vs
96 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
| Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
6.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Passive Radiator |
rear-firing 15-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Height |
909mm
vs
1021mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
| General |
KLH Kendall |
Klipsch Heritage Forte IV |
| Brand |
KLH |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Floor-standing speaker |
Floor-standing speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 250 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
96 dB |
99 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
25-23k Hz |
38-20k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Woven Kevlar |
Fibercomposite |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Butyl Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
n/a |
horn-loaded |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
5.25" |
1.75" |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
1021.0mm (40.2") |
909.0mm (35.8") |
| Width |
212.0mm (8.3") |
423.0mm (16.7") |
| Depth |
380.0mm (15") |
331.0mm (13") |
| Weight |
22.14kg (48.7lbs) |
32.73kg (72lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Passive Radiator |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood Veneer |
MDF/Wood veneer |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
10 Years |
10 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
10 Years |
10 Years |