In this review, we will be comparing Motion XT F100 and Forte IV, two Passive Floor-standing speakers from MartinLogan and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of MartinLogan Motion XT F100 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 MartinLogan Motion XT F100 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 Motion XT F100 and Forte IV are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
MartinLogan Motion XT F100 |
Klipsch Forte IV |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.25 x 2.4-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 6.5-inch |
1 x 1.75-inch |
|
Woofer
|
3 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 12-inch
|
Motion XT F100 features a 1.25 x 2.4" Folded Motion XT Tweeter , a 6.5" Midrange and 3 x 6.5" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 280Hz and 2600Hz. 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
Motion XT F100 has a frequency range of 31-25k Hz whereas Forte IV has a frequency range of 38-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 31Hz, the Motion XT F100 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
MartinLogan Motion XT F100
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
Motion XT F100 is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the Forte IV which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Motion XT F100 can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Motion XT F100 sensitivity is rated at 92 dB and the Forte IV's is rated at 99 dB. This 7 dB difference makes the Klipsch Forte IV a more sensitive speaker compared to MartinLogan Motion XT F100, 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.
Motion XT F100 can handle a max power of 450 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Forte IV has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 350 watts less than the Motion XT F100.
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 Motion XT F100 and Forte IV features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
MartinLogan Motion XT F100's Custom 5-way bi-wire tool-less binding posts terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Motion XT F100 has a bottom firing port whereas Forte IV has a rear firing ports. MartinLogan Motion XT F100's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Klipsch Forte IV with its rear-firing port.
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 MartinLogan Motion XT F100's and Klipsch Forte IV's external dimensions. MartinLogan Motion XT F100 has external dimensions of 1213 x 318 x 381mm ( 47-3/4inch x 12-1/2inch x 15inch ) 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 304mm shorter and 50mm less deeper than MartinLogan Motion XT F100 but it is also 105mm 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 MartinLogan Motion XT F100 is approximately 1211.6cm2 / 187.8inch2 and base area of the Klipsch Forte IV is approximately 1400.1cm2 / 217.0inch2. The Motion XT F100 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 MartinLogan Motion XT F100 weighs 34.50kg / 75.9lbs and the Klipsch Forte IV weighs 32.73kg / 72lbs. This makes the Motion XT F100 5% heavier than the Forte IV.
Here is a comparison of how Motion XT F100 and Forte IV's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Floor-standing class.
Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
MartinLogan Motion XT F100
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 |
450 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Number of Woofers |
3
vs
1
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
31 Hz
vs
38 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
1211cm2 (318x381mm)
vs
1400cm2 (423x331mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
4498USD
vs
4998USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Sensitivity |
99 dB
vs
92 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
| 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
1213mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
| General |
MartinLogan Motion® XT F100 |
Klipsch Heritage Forte IV |
| Brand |
MartinLogan |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Floor-standing speaker |
Floor-standing speaker |
| Power Range |
20-450 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
92 dB |
99 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
31-25k Hz |
38-20k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
3 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aluminum |
Fibercomposite |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1.25 x 2.4" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Folded Motion XT |
horn-loaded |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
6.5" |
1.75" |
| Crossover Frequency |
280Hz and 2600Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
bottom |
rear |
| Suggested Break-in Period |
Allow 72 hours of break-in |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
1213.0mm (47.8") |
909.0mm (35.8") |
| Width |
318.0mm (12.5") |
423.0mm (16.7") |
| Depth |
381.0mm (15") |
331.0mm (13") |
| Weight |
34.50kg (75.9lbs) |
32.73kg (72lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Passive Radiator |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood veneer |
MDF/Wood veneer |
| Available Colors |
Gloss Black, Walnut, and Satin White |
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 |