I guess you have to be there to make the comparison. The RF7III’s sounds real thin compared to the Forte IV’s. If I was in the market for new speakers I wouldn’t even consider the RF7III’s after watching and listening to this video.
exactly my thoughts. my guess is that the sound isnt translating well through the recording. i watched this using my rf7's, and the forte ivs sounded fuller
I’ve heard both in person, my personal choice was the rf-7 iii’s. I can tell you in person the rf-7’s do not sound “thin” at all, but I also like to listen loud. Room correction is a thing of beauty, but is not needed in my case.
For sure agree on all counts. Some of this is the room, some of this is the recording, and some is the lighter amplification. The Heritage line shines with even minimal power. The 7s need a bit more to really get that extra umph. This was a test not only of the speakers themselves but how they each handle the power dealt. -Jason
The RF 7’s sounds like playing in a bathroom, with one speaker phased wrong. Forte’s for live sound and making your feet move, and RF 7’s for studio and high volume levels with a powerfull amp. ( Happy Forte III owner )
Some of this is the room, some of this is the recording, and some is the lighter amplification. The Heritage line shines with even minimal power. The 7s need a bit more to really get that extra umph. This was a test not only of the speakers themselves but how they each handle the power dealt. -Jason
Love your program guys and really appreciate all the time and editing you guys put into these fun videos. For some reason the RF7-III sounds unusually thin while the Forte IV just crushed them and sounded much more full. Is there any possibility the mic or sample of the RF7 used in this video may have anything to do with it? The only reason I ask is because after going back and hearing Draekon The Value of All in a previous video you guys did a while back with the RF7’s vs RP-8000F the RF7’s sounded much richer and much fuller. Anyway, just a thought. I love your program and keep up the great work! Always looking forward to your reviews! :)
Some of this is the room, some of this is the recording, and some is the lighter amplification. The Heritage line shines with even minimal power. The 7s need a bit more to really get that extra umph. This was a test not only of the speakers themselves but how they each handle the power dealt. -Jason
I tried both in my home and ultimately decided on the RF7iii’s. It’s in a mixed use set up, maybe 60% movies and games, and 40% music. The forte’s sounded more spacious and wide and had better imaging and soundstage, but lacked a bit of punch focus for movies and games. They also sounded low to the ground when tied to movie and game soundtracks and panning effects (with a tv mounted up on the wall between them). It just felt distracting and kept taking me out of the experience. They have very different sound signatures (with the mids on the Heritage line being substantially more noticeable), but neither is “bad”, just different. Ultimately I decided on the RF7iii’s because it could do both really well. I knew I was getting a 85-90% optimal experience in both use cases, instead of a 95% in music and a 65-70% in movies and games. It is NOT an easy choice. I went back and forth several times when trying to decide. I still think about Fortes (and to be honest the Heresy’s as well) from time to time, but I know that I did the work and remember the comparisons in my room, and ultimately decided on the most balanced solution for my use case.
Looking at the video and having heard both speakers set up well a few weeks ago I don’t think this video does the RF7iii justice. I ultimately bought the 7s and both were driven by a $7k McIntosh MA352. I think the big difference you hear is the room and amp. The 7s midrange also changes a ton with speaker placement.
Some of this is the room, some of this is the recording, and some is the lighter amplification. The Heritage line shines with even minimal power. The 7s need a bit more to really get that extra umph. This was a test not only of the speakers themselves but how they each handle the power dealt. -Jason
Interesting to read your comment on placement. I have Musical Fidelity 500wrms driving my RF7iii s, and I am struggling with the mid-range. It appears to have a ring around 1khz which is upper end of woofer range, particularly at mid volumes. Adele's voice highlights it on some tracks. Sounds good very loud or quiet though. You think this could be placement?
Some of this could be placement, yeah. Placement and room treatment makes a huge difference all around. Without seeing the specific room in question, it's hard to tell but I always recommend tinkering with your setup, moving it around, finding issue areas and treating them accordingly. Will make all the difference in the world. :) -Jason
A lot of comments here from people forming opinions about how these speakers sounded OVER THEIR COMPUTER. To the point that both Jason and Trey made, go listen to them in person. And also think about both the environment you'll be listening to them in, and what kind of content you mainly use them for (i.e. music or movies).
For sure. All we can do is be honest though. Some of this is the room, some of this is the recording, and some is the lighter amplification. The Heritage line shines with even minimal power. The 7s need a bit more to really get that extra umph. This was a test not only of the speakers themselves but how they each handle the power dealt. -Jason
I know you can't really compare speakers over RU-vid, but by the time it's recorded and compressed then played back, what we end up hearing really emphasizes the differences in the mid-range. I don't think we get a good idea of either speaker's full bass or treble response, but man those Forte's really shine in the midrange compared to the RF-7 III.
They do over the video. We are considering doing a part 2 where we do the same compares with a JC5 and see if we can get the RF7s to come across more over the recording like what we hear in person. We will see though. -Jason
From the video (and on my computer speakers) that Fortes sound much better. Lot fuller low end. Not even close. I do have Forte 3 (for 2 channel music) and 1st Gen RF7 (for movies). Love both. Would have to hear the new models in person to be certain. Love the comparison videos.
for sure go listen in person if you get the chance! I agree they are both amazing but the generational gap in each is something amazing as well. -Jason
Thank you very much for this video, it’s been very helpful. I’m upgrading my RP280Fs and the two candidates were the RF-7IIIs and the Forte IVs. I have just placed my order for a pair of Fortes.
I think another demo comparison is needed on the F7-III vs the Forte IV using a much more powerful amp. Even with all the RU-vid compression the midrange on the F7-3 sounds like it's completely missing. I just purchased the RC-64-III which was a significant upgrade in sound. Fullness, body and weight. I'm currently using the F300 Synergy loudspeakers. My next upgrade was to be the F7-III. I'm currently running 400 wpc on my F300 Synergy speakers. When I record my F300 Synergy speakers playing music on my android phone I hear none of the midrange suckout the demo has. This is a serious flaw in either the demo or the F7-III has really become dated. No other comparisons of the speakers you have done has had such a suckout. I won't be purchasing the F7-III without a more definitive review comparison. I really enjoy your channel
Some of this is the room, some of this is the recording, and some is the lighter amplification. The Heritage line shines with even minimal power. The 7s need a bit more to really get that extra umph. This was a test not only of the speakers themselves but how they each handle the power dealt. If you want to hear an alternate recording of the 7s, check out our 7II vs 7III videos that released over the last couple of weeks. :) -Jason
I wasn't expecting there to be more bass on the fortes but the rf7 were more scooped as I imagined. Have they been properly broken in though? As in getting the woofers thumping at club levels (maybe with just bass heavy music if you're in the room - to protect your ears), because although 85 dB is quite loud, I imagine the woofers still aren't moving much on those big speakers to get there, though it would push a book shelf reasonably hard. Based on the video I prefer the Forte, but might put a bit of EQ on it, and try it with the covers off (I suspect the thicker grille fabric on the Forte muffles the top end some). I imagine on a mid heavy rock style (Green Day, or QOTSA), the mid horn could get a bit loud. Metallica or Pantera usually sounds quite scooped so the Forte might add the missing mid. I'm more into dance music myself though. Having a full sized mid horn (would like to hear Cornwall IV) to play with really puts some power in sound shaping, especially if you want to play vocals loud without it sounding boomy or fuzzy.
I have the rf7iii with fair room accoustics and they sound better than whats heard in this recording. In most movie setups you will still have dedicated subs so where these underperform a few subs can fill for movie/game focused setups.
Thanks for watching and for your input. To add to what you said, compression over the various recording components, youtube, and end users speakers is a huge factor as well. If someone is in the market, use this video/commentary as a jumpoff point. Listen in person before you buy if at all possible. -Jason
Some of this is the room, some of this is the recording, and some is the lighter amplification. The Heritage line shines with even minimal power. The 7s need a bit more to really get that extra umph. This was a test not only of the speakers themselves but how they each handle the power dealt. -Jason
Just swapped out B&W Nautilus 801 for RF7iii. Surprisingly similar sound profile, but the RF7 more controlled and faster bottom end. They have real weight and slam, so I think either this video does not represent that accurately, or the Forte is way overblown. But the reason I got the RF7 was for effortless power as I like classics like Pink Floyd loud. So far a little disappointed with them at higher volume, the louder they get the worse they sound. I would say sub 95bd, RF7 better and over 801s more listenable. I hope they improve in this regard over time....musical fidelity 500w rms per channel so current is not the problem.
Some of this is the room, some of this is the recording, and some is the lighter amplification. The Heritage line shines with even minimal power. The 7s need a bit more to really get that extra umph. This was a test not only of the speakers themselves but how they each handle the power dealt. -Jason
I sat my eyes on Forte as it will look and sound nice in my living room. The size is about right for an average size living room. I love the vintage look compare to HT style speaker.
The Fortes had much more in the lower half of the frequency range and a little less refined in the upper half. I think a better amp and music server would favor the Forte even more.
I have to kind if agree with the last statement, it would be very nice to hear a big power amp with the RF7 lll against all the heritage, because listening here on my new beautiful 2.1 Heritage media it is still night and day. Put about 400 or more on those puppies, i have 400 going to my RF7 l and the pound bit my cw4 with 40 watt tube still wins IMHO, but everything is subject!!!
We are considering doing a part two on these and dropping a JC5 into the mix. Some of this is the room, some of this is the recording, and some is the lighter amplification. The Heritage line shines with even minimal power. The 7s need a bit more to really get that extra umph. This was a test not only of the speakers themselves but how they each handle the power dealt. -Jason
The more I listened, the more the RF7's start to sound like a MEGAPHONE! Narrow, with a bass dropout, less efficient. On the same 'playing field', I'll take the Forte. My listening to this video is through a pair of RP280F's in my heavily damped livingroom. My dealer is Safe and Sound, and they DO have the full Heritage line and a pair of Jubilees on the showroom floor. I will take a listen to the Forte 4 soon. Thanks for your video presentation. (the Jubilees should be a real treat!).
I would need a bit more info to say what would be a perfect fit for your room but, honestly the Cornwalls are an awesome choice for just about any room so, tempted to just say yes sight unseen. I've heard em in tiny rooms, as well as monster rooms and never been disappointed. -Jason
What kind of wattage do recommend for the RF-7s? I know there rated for 250 continuous and 1000 peak. However an amplifiers power rating is based on a sine wave input and operating at max power. Just because an amp is rated at 140 watts RMS most will never reach the rated power. I’ve seen videos of them being ran with 1.2K Macintosh and the meters rarely exceeded 120 watts and they sounded amazing. Just curious on Trey’s thoughts.
Thanks for watching! I'm not sure Trey will see this but he can reply too if he'd like. That said, basically what he preaches day in and out is headroom. The more clean power the amp has, the better. Headroom ensures you don't have to constantly abuse your amp to get to the levels desired. The performance of your amp (and the lifespan of your amp) is going to be exceedingly better at ideal output VS redlining constantly. While there is no specific perfect number/wattage, having more than you need is preferred. With all of that in mind, I would recommend starting at the continuous rating of the speaker and going up from there as budget allows. -Jason
I don’t feel you guys were being completely forth coming with the results. Trying to walk a thin line as not to hurt the sales of the RF7’s. The fortes blow them away from what I here with this comparison. The RF 7’s sound thin and vailed.
They state time and again that the mic playback is nothing like real life. Also they have a CW4 vs 7iii video out now and Trey stated in this or the Heresy comparison video that the Heritage speakers seem to come out way more in the mic than it actually does in real life vs the 7iii.
Thanks for watching! We don't skew the results at all but what you guys hear is completely different than what we do in the studio. We make these videos more for the commentary than the actual listening and highly recommend you listen to them both in person if considering making a purchase of either. -Jason
We always go speaker vs speaker with no subs. That said, we are considering making a part two with a different amp to show what the 7s can really do. The Heritage line shines with even minimal power. The 7s need a bit more to really get that extra umph. This was a test not only of the speakers themselves but how they each handle the power dealt. -Jason
I'm trying to find a solid mix of 2 channel music listening and 7.2.4 movie watching. I currently have RP-280f mains and Rp-504c. The Rp-280's just leave me wanting more from 2 channel listing. Would the Forte's blend well for movie viewing? I kind of get the idea the RF7 work better for movies and the Forte for music. Am I right in thinking that? Your videos are so helpful and fun to watch! Thank you
Thanks for watching! The 7s and the Fortes are honestly both great for movies and music. It's more of a personal preference on the overall sound of the speaker as a whole. Have you heard either in person? I personally prefer the heritage sound but, coming from 280s, you may lean more toward the reference sound. both amazing but, different. -Jason
They do! You are correct. The Heritage line shines with even minimal power. The 7s need a bit more to really get that extra umph. This ended up being a test not only of the speakers themselves but how they each handle the power dealt. We are discussing doing a part two on each with the JC5. -Jason
Bass response not close from this end over my system which consists of RF7 |||'s which I know have plenty of bass , from your video the Forte's are much more bass rich, maybe the location of the mic to the speakers ,Forte's and Heresy's are located near floor adding maybe bloatier low end .
Translation in the video vs in person is a rough one. We always recommend listening in person if you are in the market. These are mostly for commentary and for a jump off point when starting your research. -Jason
depends on what you are going for. Home theater and want a center? option A...unless you add a 3rd FIV as a center...then I'd go for that...too many variables and honestly only you can decide whats best for you. I can say though----neither of those setups would leave you wanting. Both would be awesome! -Jason
@@TopShelfAudio it's really hard to tell listening to them even on my home theater system, can't imagine trying on an iPhone. That being said, I'm not surprised that if you use msrp as a guide they scored out as I'd expect. The difficulty still is trying to draw conclusions on what will sound best in my room compared to yours. Bottom line, seeing both your reactions especially when you get a result you weren't expecting us a lot of fun to watch. What's next? Old Jubilees v New?
You are really doing disservice to rf-7s using that NAD receiver. Dedicated pre pro (high current) will totally transform your rf-7 sound. Equipment matching is equally important for speaker selection which is the reason why most people will be watching these comparison videos.
Some of this is the room, some of this is the recording, and some is the lighter amplification. The Heritage line shines with even minimal power. The 7s need a bit more to really get that extra umph. This was a test not only of the speakers themselves but how they each handle the power dealt. Check out the 7 vs 7 videos to see them with more power! -Jason
It's not so much a driver difference we noticed although that does lend to it. Some of this is the room, some of this is the recording, and some is the lighter amplification. The Heritage line shines with even minimal power. The 7s need a bit more to really get that extra umph. This was a test not only of the speakers themselves but how they each handle the power dealt. -Jason
Well be honest even using my external klipsch the fives, i was able to hear huge difference in between the rf7 and the fortes, specially the low frequency and middle. I would suggest guys try to use a high end material like jazz, using a high end dac and dsd files recording. Not always country and rock n roll. I did own the rf7 and the fortes 4, and without doubt, my personal choice for music, Forte is the way to go. I guess the rf7 are more suitable for home cinema application instead of high res or cd quality music.
We do use other source material but can only air the songs we have permissions to use. As our library grows with new artists, hopefully this will continue to expand. As for the sound, some of this is the room, some of this is the recording, and some is the lighter amplification. The Heritage line shines with even minimal power. The 7s need a bit more to really get that extra umph. This was a test not only of the speakers themselves but how they each handle the power dealt. I wouldn't say it's as much cinema vs music as they both handle both really well, but more preference in sound profile than anything else. -Jason
I don't understand why you guys don't level the speakers. It's a known fact that louder is perceived as "better" and it's almost impossible to overcome that bias. As a buyer, I can't use these reviews for this reason...not sure who they're for.
Huge aspect of the test is how the speakers perform with the power provided. It may be an unfair advantage to not level, but leveling would be an unfair advantage in itself as well..as efficiency is a part of the decision making process also. -Jason
@@TopShelfAudio thanks Jason. I really do enjoy some of your picks! Listening in Canada - Forte IV from Furman power conditioner - Bluesound Node 2i - Gustard X16 - Fezz Titania (4xKT88s).
Comparing the Cornwall IV to the Forte IV's would be more interesting than comparing the Cornwall' IVs to the R7III's. I think using this same format with the Cornwall IV's is a waste of time.
Awesome video again. Over the phone I’d say the forte sounds more like you’re playing music through a horn. Ig I’d have to say if you don’t like the sound of a horn but still want to try klipsch go with rf7iii. Which is a crazy thing to say because god the legacy the heritage line has but that’s my part of my conclusion from this comparison over RU-vid. Which I realize it would be much different in person. When I first got my rf7iii‘s I realized the sound wasn’t as live sounding even as much as my previous RF 52 ii. took a little time getting used to but they are an awesome speaker. can’t give them enough praise. I hope one day to also have a heritage lined speaker preferably a cornwall4, if I could have any I’d want the new jubilee and there ofcourse something about the lascalla I just really want.
you're right, 100% different in person. Both were great but that unfortunately doesn't always come through over the recording. Honestly, I would be happy to have either one in my living room. -Jason
Scusa parli dei minidisc ma dov'è si trovano non li ho mai visti quando è nato il compact disisc sentivo del mini disc infatti mi ero munito delladattatore che attualmente posseggo ancora ma non ho mai visto i minidisc chissà dove si potevano comprare comunque un bel video molto piacevole sono in cerca di un nuovo lettore cd perché il mio è guasto non si può riparare a causa dei pezzi di ricambio che non si trovano più perché troppo vecchio ma non mi fido di prendere dell'usato cosa mi consigli del nuovo se continuano a produrli ovviamente un saluto alla prossima
CD players depends on the budget. For cheaper ones it's hard to beat the Sony universal disc players. We used to sell quite a few. There are more audiophile grade ones as you go up in price. But the Sony ones work nicely.
Some of this is the room, some of this is the recording, and some is the lighter amplification. The Heritage line shines with even minimal power. The 7s need a bit more to really get that extra umph. This was a test not only of the speakers themselves but how they each handle the power dealt. -Jason
Some of this is the room, some of this is the recording, and some is the lighter amplification. The Heritage line shines with even minimal power. The 7s need a bit more to really get that extra umph. This was a test not only of the speakers themselves but how they each handle the power dealt. -Jason
These videos are primarily for commentary as opposed to actually listening to the speakers. By the time it makes it into the mic, into the editing, into youtube, compressed 1000 times along the way, it doesnt depict it the best. -Jason
Thanks for your opinion. Feel free to submit your recordings you have made/have the rights to use that are better. We would love to have more options. Until then though, we are pretty happy with these recordings and are thankful to the artists that have allowed us the rights to use them. -Jason
