In this review, we will be comparing La Scala AL5 and Forte IV, two Passive Floor-standing speakers by Klipsch Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch La Scala AL5 and Klipsch Forte IV first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
La Scala AL5 and Forte IV 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 La Scala AL5 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 La Scala AL5 and Forte IV are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch La Scala AL5 |
Klipsch Forte IV |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 2-inch |
1 x 1.75-inch |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 15-inch
|
1 x 12-inch
|
La Scala AL5 features a 1" polyimide diaphragm compression horn-loaded Tweeter , a 2" Midrange and 1 x 15" fiber-composite cone with folded horn 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
La Scala AL5 has a frequency range of 51-20k 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 La Scala AL5's min frequency of 51Hz.
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
La Scala AL5 and Forte IV have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. La Scala AL5 sensitivity is rated at 105 dB and the Forte IV's is at 99 dB. This 6 dB difference makes the Klipsch La Scala AL5 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.
La Scala AL5 and Forte IV 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 La Scala AL5 and Forte IV 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 La Scala AL5's and Klipsch Forte IV's external dimensions. Klipsch La Scala AL5 has external dimensions of 1016.0 x 616.0 x 643.0mm ( 40 x 24-1/4 x 25-5/16inch) 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 La Scala AL5 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 193mm wider, 107mm taller and 312mm 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 La Scala AL5 is approximately 3960.9cm2 / 613.9inch2 and base area of the Klipsch Forte IV is approximately 1400.1cm2 / 217.0inch2. The La Scala AL5 requires 183% 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 Klipsch La Scala AL5 weighs 91.36kg / 201lbs and the Klipsch Forte IV weighs 32.73kg / 72lbs. This makes the La Scala AL5 179% heavier than the Forte IV.
Here is a comparison of how La Scala AL5 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 Klipsch La Scala AL5?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of La Scala AL5:
2 Loudspeaker cabinets2 Subwoofer cabinets2 Grilles4 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)Owners ManualCongratulations letterKlipsch brochure
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
 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 |
38 Hz
vs
51 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Passive Radiator |
rear-firing 15-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Height |
909mm
vs
1016mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1400cm2 (423x331mm)
vs
3960cm2 (616x643mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
4998USD
vs
12274USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch Heritage La Scala AL5 |
Klipsch Heritage Forte IV |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Floor-standing speaker |
Floor-standing speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 100 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
105 dB |
99 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
51-20k Hz |
38-20k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
15" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
fiber-composite cone with folded horn |
Fibercomposite |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
horn-loaded |
horn-loaded |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
2" |
1.75" |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
1016.0mm (40") |
909.0mm (35.8") |
| Width |
616.0mm (24.3") |
423.0mm (16.7") |
| Depth |
643.0mm (25.3") |
331.0mm (13") |
| Weight |
91.36kg (201lbs) |
32.73kg (72lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Passive Radiator |
| Finish |
MDF/Woof 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 |