In this review, we will be comparing Forte IV and AK6, two Passive Floor-standing speakers by Klipsch
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch Forte IV and Klipsch Klipschorn AK6 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Klipsch Forte IV Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" horn-loaded Tweeter
- 1.75" Midrange
- 12" Fibercomposite Woofer
- 38-20k Hz Frequency Response
- 99 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 100watts
- Weight:32.73kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 909.0" x 16-5/8" x 13"( 909.0 x 423.0 x 331.0mm )
Klipsch Klipschorn AK6 Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" Tractrix horn Tweeter
- 2" Midrange
- 15" fiber-composite with a trihedral exponential folded horn Woofer
- 2" Midrange
- 33-20k Hz Frequency Response
- 105 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 100watts
- Weight:100.00kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 1347.0" x 31-1/4" x 28-1/4"( 1347.0 x 794.0 x 718.0mm )
Forte IV and AK6 are members of Klipsch's Heritage series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
Klipsch Heritage Series
History
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Klipsch Forte IV and Klipsch Klipschorn AK6 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 Forte IV and AK6 are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch Forte IV |
Klipsch Klipschorn AK6 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 1.75-inch |
1 x 2-inch |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 12-inch
|
1 x 15-inch
|
Forte IV features a 1" titanium-diaphragm compression horn-loaded Tweeter , a 1.75" Midrange and 1 x 12" Fibercomposite Woofer . On the other hand, the AK6 features a 1" polyimide diaphragm compression Tractrix horn Tweeter , a 2" Midrange and 1 x 15" fiber-composite with a trihedral exponential folded horn Woofer .
Frequency Response
Forte IV has a frequency range of 38-20k Hz whereas AK6 has a frequency range of 33-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 33Hz, the AK6 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
Forte IV and AK6 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Forte IV sensitivity is rated at 99 dB and the AK6's is at 105 dB. This 6 dB difference makes the Klipsch Klipschorn AK6 a more sensitive speaker compared to Klipsch Forte IV, 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.
Forte IV and AK6 has the same power range of up to 100 watts.
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 Forte IV and AK6 features dual binding post speaker terminals for 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 Klipsch Forte IV's and Klipsch Klipschorn AK6's external dimensions. Klipsch Forte IV has external dimensions of 909.0 x 423.0 x 331.0mm ( 35-3/4 x 16-5/8 x 13inch) whereas Klipsch Klipschorn AK6 has external dimensions of 1347.0 x 794.0 x 718.0mm ( 53 x 31-1/4 x 28-1/4inch) .
Klipsch Klipschorn AK6 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 371mm wider, 438mm taller and 387mm deeper than Klipsch Forte IV.
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 Klipsch Forte IV is approximately 1400.1cm2 / 217.0inch2 and base area of the Klipsch Klipschorn AK6 is approximately 5700.9cm2 / 883.6inch2. The Forte IV requires 75% less surface area than the AK6 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 Klipsch Forte IV weighs 32.73kg / 72lbs and the Klipsch Klipschorn AK6 weighs 100.00kg / 220lbs. This makes the AK6 206% heavier than the Forte IV.
Here is a comparison of how Forte IV and AK6'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 Klipsch Forte IV?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Forte IV:
2 Floorstanding loudspeakers2 Grilles8 Self-adhesive rubber feetOwners ManualCongratulations letterKlipsch brochure
What's in the Box of Klipsch Klipschorn AK6?
Here are the items that come with the AK6:
2 Loudspeaker cabinets2 Subwoofer cabinets2 GrillesOwners ManualCongratulations letterKlipsch brochure
 Passive Radiator |
rear-firing 15-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Height |
909mm
vs
1347mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1400cm2
vs
5700cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
4998USD
vs
16498USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Sensitivity |
105 dB
vs
99 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
15 inches
vs
12 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
33 Hz
vs
38 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
Klipsch Heritage Forte IV |
Klipsch Heritage Klipschorn AK6 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Floor-standing speaker |
Floor-standing speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 100 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
99 dB |
105 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
38-20k Hz |
33-20k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
15" |
| Woofer Composition |
Fibercomposite |
fiber-composite with a trihedral exponential folded horn |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
horn-loaded |
Tractrix horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
1.75" |
2" |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
909.0mm (35.8") |
1347.0mm (53") |
| Width |
423.0mm (16.7") |
794.0mm (31.3") |
| Depth |
331.0mm (13") |
718.0mm (28.3") |
| Weight |
32.73kg (72lbs) |
100.00kg (220lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood veneer |
MDF/Wood veneer |
| Available Colors |
Black |
American Walnut, Black Ash, Natural Cherry |
| 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 |