Klipsch Forte IV： 5 Reasons To BUY Them!
United States of Analog | August 10, 2023
🎙️ Early Video Analysis
What is this video about?
This video is about the Klipsch Forte IV speakers, which the host describes as “the greatest darn things I’ve ever bought with my own money.” The host is presenting his concept of a “forever speaker” – the speaker you can live with for the rest of your life – and sharing his extensive speaker journey from the 1970s onward to provide context for why he considers the Forte IVs so special.
What gear, products, or brands are discussed?
- Klipsch Forte IV speakers – Described as the host’s current “forever speakers” and “the greatest darn things I’ve ever bought” [00:00:15]
- Motorola console system (1970s) – Early high school system with swing-out speakers [00:02:20]
- Marantz 2215B receiver – College system, described with love; host still seeks another one [00:02:50]
- Pioneer turntable – Part of college setup [00:03:04]
- Toby speakers – Texas-built two-way bookshelves recommended by audio engineering student [00:03:06]
- Pioneer HPM40s – Next upgrade in speaker evolution [00:03:28]
- JBL L26s – Described as “dynamite” and “killer” speakers [00:03:31]
- Marantz 1060 amplifier – Possible upgrade from the 2215B [00:03:42]
- B&W DM-110s – Mentioned briefly from the 1980s [00:04:26]
What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?
- Speakers are his absolute favorite component in the audiophile hobby – he’d drive to audition speakers but would check his schedule for electronics [00:01:41]
- The “forever speaker” concept is fluid – your current speaker is your forever speaker until you find another [00:01:31]
- He’s still chasing the sound he achieved with JBL L26s and Marantz electronics, particularly when playing Elvis Costello’s “This Year’s Model” [00:03:53]
- Acknowledges he may be romanticizing that classic system but considers it his reference sound [00:04:10]
Were there any interesting vinyl records, albums, or music discussed?
- Elvis Costello – “This Year’s Model” – The album that created his reference sound experience with the JBL L26s, described as a pivotal moment he’s still trying to recreate [00:03:49]
Were there any funny moments, strong opinions, or memorable quotes?
- “If you want to go listen to speakers, what time we leaving? Because I’m driving, all right? I’m driving.” [00:01:49] – Shows his enthusiasm for speaker shopping
- References having COVID but can’t say it because his kids warned him YouTube would flag it as conspiracy content [00:00:42]
- “I’m still searching for that sound again” regarding the L26/Marantz combination [00:04:00]
Summary
The video opens with host Bob introducing what he considers his greatest audio purchase – the Klipsch Forte IV speakers – while dealing with illness he can’t name due to YouTube algorithm concerns. He establishes the concept of a “forever speaker” as the ultimate speaker you can live with permanently, though pragmatically notes that your current speaker serves this role until you find something better.
Bob reveals his deep passion for speakers above all other audio components, expressing how he’d eagerly drive to audition speakers while being less enthusiastic about electronics shopping. To contextualize his love for the Forte IVs, he begins chronicling his speaker evolution starting from a 1970s Motorola console system his parents bought him in high school, complete with a blurry vintage photo for nostalgic effect.
His speaker journey progresses through college with a Marantz 2215B receiver and Texas-made Toby speakers, then advances through Pioneer HPM40s to the pivotal JBL L26s paired with Marantz electronics. He describes a transformative moment playing Elvis Costello’s “This Year’s Model” on the L26s that created a reference sound he’s been chasing ever since, acknowledging he may be romanticizing that experience while still considering it his sonic benchmark.
⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this portion?
- Klipsch products:
- Forte IV (Generation 4) speakers – main focus [00:05:59]
- RF 3 Series 2s [00:05:16]
- Lescala speakers [00:07:53]
- NHT speakers:
- Super 2s tower speakers [00:05:02]
- Center channel version [00:05:07]
- Super Zeros for surround [00:05:07]
- BMW 683 Series 2s [00:05:16]
- Sonus Faber Concertinos [00:05:20]
- 1972 Telecaster guitar [00:04:49]
What are the host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions?
- Forte IV praise: Considers them “among my favorite things in the house” and “a thing of beauty” [00:06:06, 00:06:15]
- No buyer’s remorse: “I have never looked back and regretted that expenditure” and “I’ve never been happier with a pair of speakers” [00:07:23, 00:07:27]
- Ultimate satisfaction: “if these are the only speakers I ever own for the rest of my life, I will be completely happy” [00:07:29]
- Sonus Faber disappointment: “Never got into them though” and “I never quite bonded with those” despite their beauty [00:05:27, 00:05:35]
- Forte IV as Lescala alternative: The Fortes are “as close as I’m going to get to that sound signature of the Lescalus” [00:08:18]
Were there any price/value assessments?
- Forte IV pricing: Cost “five grr” ($5,000) with 10-year warranty [00:07:11, 00:07:18]
- Historical sale: Sold Sonus Faber Concertinos for $1,000 in a parking lot [00:05:46]
- Budget constraints: Acknowledges his budget doesn’t permit Lescalas currently [00:08:26]
Any comparisons to other gear mentioned?
- Forte IV vs Lescala: Describes Forte IV as the closest he can get to the Lescala sound signature [00:08:13-00:08:22]
- Electronics mismatch: Suggests he may not have had the right electronics for the Sonus Faber Concertinos [00:05:29]
Any audiophile tips, advice, or how-to content?
- Forte IV technical specs: Features titanium high-frequency driver, new mid-range compression Tratrix driver with “mumps” (bumps in corners), 12-inch woofer, 15-inch passive radiator [00:06:24-00:06:36]
- Fourth generation improvements: Revoiced with upgraded crossovers and new cabinet [00:06:40]
- Finish options: Four finishes available including American walnut with pepper grill, distressed oak with lambswool grill, natural cherry, and black [00:06:49-00:07:05]
Any memorable quotes or strong takes?
- Seller’s remorse: “I regret selling, trading, giving away any pair of speakers I ever owned” [00:04:35]
- Hobby commentary: “We’re all a little bit crazy in this hobby” [00:04:54]
- Ultimate endorsement: “if these are the only speakers I ever own for the rest of my life, I will be completely happy” [00:07:29]
- Dream scenario: Describes wanting to live with Lescalas in “a beautiful mid-century modern home with expansive concrete floors and glass walls and no kids and no dogs” [00:07:40]
Summary
This portion of the video serves as both a nostalgic retrospective of the host’s audio journey and an introduction to his current Klipsch Forte IV speakers. The host recounts his history with various speakers, expressing deep regret about selling previous pairs including NHT Super 2s, BMW 683s, Sonus Faber Concertinos, and others. He admits to being “a little bit crazy in this hobby” and wishes he still had all his previous speakers, even remembering specific details like selling the Sonus Fabers for $1,000 in a parking lot despite never fully connecting with their sound.
The focus then shifts to his current Klipsch Forte IV speakers, which he describes as “among my favorite things in the house” and expresses complete satisfaction with the $5,000 purchase. He provides detailed technical specifications, including the titanium tweeter, new mid-range driver with “mumps,” 12-inch woofer, and 15-inch passive radiator, while noting the fourth-generation improvements like upgraded crossovers and cabinet design. He chose the American walnut finish with pepper grills for their darker appearance in his home theater setup.
The host reveals his ultimate dream would be to own Klipsch Lescala speakers in an ideal mid-century modern setting, but acknowledges that budget and lifestyle constraints (kids, dogs, practical living space) make that unrealistic. However, he’s learned from YouTube reviewers that the Forte IVs deliver a sound signature very close to the Lescalas, making them the perfect compromise for his current situation. He concludes by promising to share his top five reasons why the Forte IVs are exceptional speakers.
🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict
Gear, Products, and Brands Discussed
- [00:08:48] Klipsch Forte IV speakers (main focus)
- [00:09:39] L26 speakers (mentioned as comparison)
- [00:11:16] Blue Note Tone Poet vinyl releases
- [00:11:38] Various bookshelf speakers (mentioned generally)
- [00:11:57] Expensive showroom speakers (20-30x more expensive than Klipsch, not specified)
Host’s Final Verdict or Conclusion
- [00:12:51] For $5,000, he can’t think of a better speaker to own than the Klipsch Forte IVs
- [00:12:57] Calls them his “forever speaker” due to their value proposition
- [00:11:52] States that nothing else compares after auditioning other speakers in showrooms
Final Recommendations
- [00:13:05] “Give them a listen. Check them out”
- [00:13:03] Suggests they could be viewers’ “forever speakers too”
Final Tips, Caveats, or Advice for Viewers
- [00:10:20] Took “a good part of a year to break them in”
- [00:10:24] Required finding “the right spot in my room”
- [00:10:28] Positioned “about two feet off the wall”
- [00:12:41] Acknowledges “money is always an object” – considers price as important factor
How the Video Wrapped Up
- [00:13:06] Invitation to “go listen to some Klipsch speakers together”
- [00:13:14] Thanks viewers for “letting me brag about my Fortes”
- [00:13:24] Promises to “get over this thing that I’ve got” and see viewers “soon in the United States of analog”
- [00:13:31] Last-second mention of “number six” – the magnetic grill snap
Memorable Closing Quotes or Strong Final Opinions
- [00:12:37] “There are four words that I’ve never been able to say in my lifetime and that is money is no object”
- [00:11:50] “I couldn’t wait to go home and listen to that music… on my Klipsch Fortes because I knew it was going to sound great”
- [00:12:57] “This is what makes my Fortes Fours my forever speaker”
Summary
In this final portion of the video, the host completes his “5 Reasons to Buy” the Klipsch Forte IV speakers, covering USA manufacturing quality from Hope, Arkansas, exceptional build quality with real wood veneer, and what he calls “big box joy” – the nostalgic appeal of large speakers with their mid-century aesthetic. He emphasizes how “rock and roll” these speakers sound, describing their ability to “punch you in the chest” while still providing excellent imaging and soundstaging.
The host shares his experience breaking in the speakers over nearly a year and finding optimal placement in his room. He praises their versatility, noting they excel with both rock music and jazz recordings like Blue Note Tone Poet vinyl releases. After auditioning speakers costing 20-30 times more at showrooms, he consistently finds himself eager to return home to his Forte IVs, which reinforces his conviction about their exceptional value.
His final verdict centers on value proposition – while acknowledging better and more expensive speakers exist, he considers the Forte IVs unbeatable at their $5,000 price point. He calls them his “forever speaker” precisely because “money is always an object,” encouraging viewers to audition them while playfully admitting he’s been “bragging” about his speakers throughout the video. The video ends with a brief mention of a sixth reason – the magnetic grill snap feature.
Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.
