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  1. Home
  2. Klipsch Speakers
  3. Passive Floor-standing Speakers
  4. Klipsch Heritage Forte IV
Klipsch Forte IV Review
Klipsch Forte IV - Image 1

Main Features

  • 1" horn-loaded Tweeter
  • 1.75" polyimide diaphragm compression horn-loaded Midrange
  • 12" Fibercomposite Woofer
  • Rear-firing 15-inch Passive Radiators
  • 38-20k Hz Frequency Response
  • 99 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: up to 100 watts
  • Weight: 72.00 lbs / 32.73 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 35-3/4"x16-5/8"x13" / 909.0 x 423.0 x 331.0mm
MSRP: $2,499 (list price)
Check price atAmazon›

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Klipsch Forte IV Review
Klipsch Forte IV Klipsch Forte IV
Check price atAmazon›

Klipsch Heritage Forte IV is a 3-way Passive Radiator Floor-standing speaker by Klipsch. It was released in 2021. It features a 1" horn-loaded Tweeter, 1 x 1.75" Midrange and 1 x 12" Fibercomposite Woofer. Forte IV also employs rear-firing 15-inch passive radiators. The speaker has a frequency range of 38-20k Hz and a sensitivity of 99 dB. Klipsch Forte IV has an MSRP of 4998$ per pair but can often be found around 3998$ per pair.

Klipsch's Heritage Series of Loudspeakers

Forte IV is a member of Klipsch's Heritage series of Passive speakers. The Heritage range are Klipsch's iconic hand-built American speakers, including the Cornwall, Heresy and horn-loaded La Scala, some in production for decades. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

See all 10 Klipsch Heritage models compared »

Klipsch Heritage Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Klipsch Cornwall IV
Compare
34-20k Hz 102 dB8Ω 1 x 15"
Klipsch La Scala AL6
Compare
40-19k Hz 103 dB8Ω 1 x 12"
Klipsch Forte IV
38-20k Hz 99 dB8Ω 1 x 12"
Klipsch Heresy IV
Compare
48-20k Hz 99 dB8Ω 1 x 12"
Klipsch Klipschorn AK7
Compare
34-19k Hz 103 dB8Ω 1 x 15"
Klipsch La Scala AL5
Compare
51-20k Hz 105 dB8Ω 1 x 15"
Klipsch Klipschorn AK6
Compare
33-20k Hz 105 dB8Ω 1 x 15"
Klipsch Heresy III
Compare
58-20k Hz 99 dB8Ω 1 x 12"
Klipsch Heritage Rebellion
Compare
60-20k Hz 95 dB8Ω 1 x 8"
Klipsch Heritage Klipschorn 80th Anniversary
Compare
34-20k Hz 103 dB8Ω 1 x 15"
Klipsch Heritage Series Speakers
Klipsch Heritage Series Speakers


**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequency Response of the Klipsch Forte IV Speaker

Klipsch Forte IV has a Frequency response range of 38-20k Hz and Power Range of up to 100 watts. With a minimum frequency of 38 Hz, Forte IV delivers deep bass that will likely satisfy most listeners, especially those who enjoy music. However, movie enthusiasts and music fans who prefer a full range of sound may still benefit from adding a subwoofer.

Here we have a comparison of how Forte IV's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
Klipsch Forte IV
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the Klipsch Forte IV?
  • Work out the crossover setting — it follows from this speaker's 38 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $5,000 — a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Among the speakers in our database with a max MSRP price of 5000$ (Pair), these are the 5 Passive Floor-standing speakers that have the deeper bass levels than the Klipsch Forte IV's 38Hz:

  • KLH Kendall with Low Frequency of 25 Hz (Compare w/ Forte IV)
  • GoldenEar Triton Five with Low Frequency of 26 Hz (Compare w/ Forte IV)
  • Monitor Audio Silver 500 7G with Low Frequency of 27 Hz (Compare w/ Forte IV)
  • KLH Concord with Low Frequency of 28 Hz (Compare w/ Forte IV)
  • SVS Ultra Tower with Low Frequency of 28 Hz (Compare w/ Forte IV)

Impedance and Sensitivity

Klipsch Forte IV's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 99 dB.

Sensitivity
Floor-standing Speakers
Klipsch Forte IV
Min
Average
Median

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Klipsch Heritage Forte IV is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

99dB of the Klipsch Heritage Forte IV is considered a high sensitivity compared to average stereo speaker which makes Forte IV an easy to drive from Sensitivity perspective. If you are planning to power your speaker with a Tube amp which are generally very low power, the Klipsch Forte IV will be a good choice. Work out how loud the Klipsch Forte IV plays in your room →

What amplifier does the Klipsch Forte IV need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 0.9–60 W per channel into 8 ohms. Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery — not just watts.

Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $5,000, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

Forte IV has Post type connectors and lets bi-amping/bi-wiring. Bi-wiring can enhance the overall transparency of your loudspeakers by using separate speaker wires for the low and high-frequency drivers from a single amplifier. Bi-amping, on the other hand, involves using separate amplifiers for the high and low-frequency drivers, potentially resulting in a greater dynamic range and reduced distortion.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

Klipsch Forte IV External Dimensions and Weight

Klipsch Forte IV has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 35-3/4 x 16-5/8 x 13inch (909.0 x 423.0 x 331.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of Klipsch Forte IV is approximately 1400.1cm2 / 217.0inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of Klipsch Forte IV, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

Klipsch Forte IV Real Life Body Size Comparison
Klipsch Forte IV Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the Klipsch Forte IV virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a media center to get a better idea about the size.

Klipsch Forte IV placed next to a Media Stand
Klipsch Forte IV Floor-standing Speaker next to a Media Stand

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →  ·  Work out where they should sit in the room →

Weight

The Klipsch Forte IV weighs 32.73kg / 72lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Forte IV's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
Klipsch Forte IV
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Floor-standing Speakers under $5000
Klipsch Forte IV
Min
Average
Max

How does the Klipsch Forte IV compare to the Klipsch Heritage Cornwall IV?

One of the natural alternative to the Klipsch Forte IV is the Cornwall IV which is located one step higher in Klipsch's Passive Floor-standing selection.

Here is a scaled size comparison of these two speakers to give you an idea how their external dimensions compare:

Klipsch Cornwall IV vs Klipsch Forte IV Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Klipsch Cornwall IV and Klipsch Forte IV Size and External Dimensions

Check the Detailed Comparison of Klipsch Forte IV vs Cornwall IV for more details.

Cabinet type and Materials

Klipsch Forte IV has a Passive Radiator type cabinet and a MDF/Wood veneer finish.

Speaker Feet

Klipsch Forte IV comes with 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet which you can use to secure your loudspeaker on the surface that you are putting on.

It is always recommended to use some kind of feet under all types of speakers. Besides limiting the movement of the speakers, it also compensates for non-flat surfaces and limits the contact surface area of the speaker. Rubber based feet also help isolating the vibrations within certain frequency ranges.

Port Position

Klipsch Forte IV is a rear-firing port speaker so you have to make sure you leave enough space between the back of the speaker and wall or bookshelf so that it has room to breathe.

Available colors

Klipsch Forte IV is available in Black.

Does the Klipsch Forte IV come with a Grille?

Forte IV comes with grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible.

What's in the Box of Klipsch Forte IV?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Forte IV:
  • 2 Floorstanding loudspeakers
  • 2 Grilles
  • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • Owners Manual
  • Congratulations letter
  • Klipsch brochure

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Klipsch Heritage Forte IV.

  • Speaker Cable and Connectors
    • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
    • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
    • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find more affordable options too.
  • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.

Warranty

10 Years of parts warranty and 10 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

Klipsch Heritage Forte IV Alternatives in Passive Floor-standing Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Klipsch Cornwall IV
Compare
3-way 102 dB 8 ohms 34-20k Hz
Klipsch Heresy IV
Compare
3-way 99 dB 8 ohms 48-20k Hz
Klipsch RF-7 III
Compare
2-way 100 dB 8 ohms 32-25k Hz
Klipsch RP-8000F
Compare
2-way 98 dB 8 ohms 32-25k Hz
Klipsch La Scala AL5
Compare
3-way 105 dB 8 ohms 51-20k Hz
Wharfedale SUPER LINTON
Compare
3-way 90 dB 6 ohms 39-20k Hz
B&W 603
Compare
3-way 88.5 dB 8 ohms 48-28k Hz
Wharfedale LINTON
Compare
3-way 90 dB 6 ohms 40-20k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Klipsch Heritage Forte IV

What amplifier do you need for the Klipsch Forte IV?

Klipsch rates the Klipsch Forte IV for up to 100 watts of amplifier power. It is an 8-ohm speaker, the usual nominal load, so almost any amplifier or receiver can drive it.

Is the Klipsch Forte IV easy to drive?

The Klipsch Forte IV has a sensitivity of 99 dB. That is high: it goes loud on modest power, so it suits low-powered amplifiers, including valve/tube designs.

Does the Klipsch Forte IV need a subwoofer?

The Klipsch Forte IV reaches down to 38Hz (full range 38-20k Hz). That is deep enough that many listeners will not feel the need for a subwoofer with music.

What drivers does the Klipsch Forte IV use?

The Klipsch Forte IV is a 3-way design using a 1" horn-loaded tweeter, a 1.75" midrange and a 12" Fibercomposite woofer. It also uses rear-firing 15-inch passive radiators to reinforce the low end.

Is the Klipsch Forte IV sealed or ported?

The Klipsch Forte IV uses a Passive Radiator enclosure. A passive radiator does the job of a port without the vent noise, which suits compact cabinets.

Can the Klipsch Forte IV be bi-wired or bi-amped?

Yes. The Klipsch Forte IV has two sets of terminals, so it can be bi-wired or bi-amped: bi-wiring runs separate cable to the treble and bass sections, bi-amping gives each its own amplifier channel. It uses Post terminals.

Can the Klipsch Forte IV be wall mounted?

The Klipsch Forte IV does not include a wall-mount bracket or keyhole, so it is designed to sit on a stand, shelf or the floor.

Does the Klipsch Forte IV come with grilles?

Yes. The Klipsch Forte IV comes with removable grilles.

How big and heavy is the Klipsch Forte IV?

The Klipsch Forte IV weighs 32.73kg / 72lbs each and measures 35-3/4 x 16-5/8 x 13inch (HxWxD).

How much does the Klipsch Forte IV cost?

The Klipsch Forte IV has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $4,998 per pair.


Klipsch Forte IV Detailed Specifications

General
BrandKlipsch
Full Model NameKlipsch Heritage Forte IV
Speaker Type3-way Floor-standing
Power Rangeup to 100 watts
Sensitivity99 dB
Impedance8 ohms
Frequency Response38-20k Hz
Release Date2021
DRIVERS
Woofer Size12-inch
Woofer CompositionFibercomposite
Woofer SurroundRubber
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter Typehorn-loaded
Midrange Size1.75-inch
Port Positionrear

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypePost
Biamp InputsYes
Port Positionrear
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height909.0mm ( 35-3/4-inch)
Width423.0mm ( 16-5/8-inch)
Depth331.0mm ( 13-inch)
Height909.0mm ( 35-3/4-inch)
Weight32.73 kg (72 lbs)
EnclosurePassive Radiator
FinishMDF/Wood veneer
Available ColorsBlack
Mounting BracketNo
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty10 Years
Labor Warranty10 Years
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