The Klipsch Forte III are wheely good! 

Backstory: darko.audio/2019/10/wheely-good-the-klipsch-forte-iii/

Hello John, two weeks ago one of your video’s came up as a recommended to watch since then I’ve kept on watching & I have subscribed to your channel. I always find your videos to be interesting, informative & a pleasure to watch no matter what your video is about. Kind regards Stuart.

Awesome! They look fantastic in your room matching the cabinet. I need to have a session and give them a listen finally. Cheers!

I have a pair of Klipsch cornerhorns I bought in 1982. They still sound incredible.

Thank you so much for the review. I was already planning the purchase of the Forte IIIs and your review just confirms my choice of purchase. Regards, Johannesburg.

Love your videos John, keep them coming with more of your music taste.

They go perfect with that cabinet/table

It goes so well with your furniture. I liked it with the grills on. Nice video.

Goes fantastically well with your set up. Hope they sounds a good as they look.

Kia Ora from New Zealand JD. I have a pair of 15 yr old Klipsch RB35's. I have replaced every component in my system over the years, except for my speakers. I love Drum n Bass, Techno and Reggae. Enjoy your Forte's! They are my forever speakers, if I can ever afford them.

Hello, once again wonderful “review” of your speakers, you’ve definitely got me wondering about trying the Klipsch myself. My favourite amplifier I’ve listened to so far was the Unison Research Unico 150, even though it was a little unrefined, I loved the exciting listening experience and dynamics, so I feel I’d enjoy the Klipsch also. I might be able to have a word and get you a Unison Research full valve amplifier for review if you’re interested - probably the Sinfonia. Let me know. Else, as always, look forward to your next review and where the listening journey takes you :)

Honest review, thanks for posting.

Another positive review of the Forte III, it appears there are not many reviewers that do not like these speakers. I've been eyeing these since release, and even with the recent price increase I think the Forte III's are going to be my new loudspeaker . . . This review only reinforces that, I'm happy to see you review a speaker outside of your normal "comfort range". Hell, not only reviewed, but purchased. To me that is a glowing recommendation. Cheers!

Hi, they look super in your livingroom. They look a bit like 70ies speakers my dad had. If they have that kind of sound, I can imaging they fit fine with the kind music you love to hear. And that's what' s about. The right fit ! Have a lot fun with them.

I like how you keep petting them 😄 I can tell there's a bond

Great video, especially loved the music throughout...👌🏿

Thx for this review. I think it’s awesome, that Klipsch even designed a ‚Forte 3’ lowboard hifi furniture that perfectly fits to their speaker design! Looks beautiful in your room! ;-)

Listening to all of the adjectives that he used to describe the speakers, it just reminds me that you can only judge them in person by yourself

This review plus in person auditions were the reasons I just bought a pair of Klipsch Forte III to replace a pair of McIntosh LXS 360 (circa 2006) speakers. The spatial imaging of the Forte III speakers also allowed me to eliminate my center channel for home theater. The center channel became a pointless accessory. For HIFI, the Forte III speakers really shine. I heard details that were lost artifacts for the XLS 360's. I find it ironic that current McIntosh adverts focus on their legacy electronics, but you NEVER see McIntosh refer to their legacy speakers. Now I know why. Thanks to Mr. Darko and the crew for this eye and ear opening revelation. Cheers! .

Thank you JD. I owned the original Forté for about 35 years. They cost me $1500 at the time (new). I only sold them a couple of years ago. I bought their larger brother and currently have those. I hope you love your Klipsch as much as I did. Excellent video and analysis once again. Thank you very much!!

Well done John for getting some big speakers. I have heard these recently myself at Audiogold . I bought from them 2nd hand IMF Ts50 . They are awesome.

Great review! Dig the new specks!

Queen must sound amazing on these!! 👏👏👏👏👏

I recently acquired a pair of Klipsch KG4s. Technically a two-way, with a horn tweeter and two 8" mid-woofers and 12" passive, they're probably not as refined as these, but wow. They're easily the most dynamic speakers I've ever had in my home. I'm in love.

loving the aesthetic of these speakers. when i can afford them ill definitely be treating myself to a pair of these.

amazing review, i would love to try them out sometime!

Nice! Been looking for this one:)

All in all, very valid comments on what I think are quite enjoyable loudspeakers indeed. Thanks for your views.

My very first speakers were a pair of Klipsch KG 4.2 in the early 90s. I used to go into the local HiFi store which was a Sony Store and listen and lust after the Klipsch Heresy, and the Cornwalls.

John, its nice to see you reviewing speakers with BALLS!!! Any chance you will review the Tekton double impacts??? Thanks John, keep up the good work

We have pretty much all cherry furniture in our great room, kitchen and dining room so I bought a pair of Heresy iii's in the cherry. My wife was happy with them as they look good with our furniture and are not too big. I have a middle of the road Klipsch sub-woofer and drive them with a Peachtree Nova 300. They sound great with HD Tracks.

thumbs up for attention to low volume listening! The volume at which people listen is so important to how their systems sound!

They look great in your room!

Thanks for a quality review. I might be sold.

Klipsch and THC have a long history together. I remember the two making pretty good bed fellows from my college years 40 years ago.

Cheers for the Forte lll review John. I have my eye on its little brother the Hersey lll, then Forte later. I have a vintage Mitsubishi DAA15DC mono block amp and DA10P preamp, which I like to replace with the Schiit Freya tube later. Anticipating a rather nice match up with the system...least I hope.

I grew up with the original Fortes in my house. My Father purchased a pair while he was in the Navy along with a Yamaha Ax-900. Great, live sounding speakers. A couple of months back he replaced the caps in the crossovers to eliminate distortion. These speakers really have so much character. I'd love to grab a pair of Forte III's but they're impractical in an apartment. Every time I go home, I turn on the Yamaha, listen for the power amp stage to click and crank my music. True gems.

Long ago, a kid lived in Okinawa, Japan with a pair of Chorus IIs and Adcom 565 mono blocks. The "THC" sound you give your Forte IIIs almost fits to a "T", this Air Force kid banging those tunes out on late Friday afternoons.

I remember shopping Klipsch speakers in a military exchange in the Philippines in 1975. I recall them as a hard hitting speaker we called a West Coast Sound. I settled on the JBL L65 Jubal, which are still my main speakers and look and sound great for being over 40 years old. I could have been happy with a Klipsch offering and am impressed that they still refine their legacy speakers.

Not a speaker person but this video definitely made me want to go just check out a bunch of different setups.

Yes, Yes, Yes. I like your approach to hifi. Give me more !

Nicely done! Would love to see your recommendation of a 3000€ stereo setup with only speakers, plus tube amp plus maybe a streamer.

I took the plunge on these speakers when I found a mint used pair for a price I couldn't say no to. This review and others had a lot to do with my seeking them out and eventually buying them. I'm using a Manley Stingray (the original version that stopped production in about 2009) that I can switch back and forth between triode (20 WPC) and ultralinear (40 WPC). Long story short, the Forte's LOVE tubes and I imagine particularly love the Manley penchant for rock and having a really good bottom end. I've usually used the UL setting for most speakers that I've paired with the Manley but I've been rolling with the Triode setting the last month or so, and it's been incredible. I've got the speakers about 30" out from the wall and about 9' apart filling a large space (even though the listening position is about 10' away). It's a great, great match. You need to try tubes!!

great review

I would love for you to test an Audio Note OTO SE Signature with these. As always great video!!!

They fit really well with the interior

Love the look in your living room :) could you do RF7 and Cornwall too? Would like your opinion on them too

John, I have listened to the Forte, your description is accurate. The forte isn’t the most accurate but it is just a fun speaker to listen to that brings life to your music and it’s character does change depending on the amplifier, but not a lot. If I had the room for them, I would own a pair, but that’s why I own my Vandersteen Quatro, which is a totally different type of sound. I do believe everyone should listen to a pair at least once, it’s a fun listen. I love the that cabinet with the speakers.

Good tube amps are a natural for Klipsch but don't assume all tube amps sound alike because they don't. Very good assessment of these John, thank you.

Man. Would love to upgrade to these. I have the Forte 2 speakers. And, god, what a joy they are to listen to. I really look forward to getting home from work, sitting in my recliner with a drink, and enjoying some tunes on my Fortes.

O had the Klipsch P-17B and I loved them.

I've always wanted to hear these - and Cornwall 4, and Danley Hyperion

You and Michael Borzenkov are the best!😀

I just heard Steve Gutenberg’s review of the “ Big Brother”, Klipsch Cornwall IV! Very similar to your take on the Forte IIIs, but way more of it. They have 15” drivers! They are massive. As far as the visceral body experience you referred to, it sounds like they have it spades. You may want to compare them yourself

Hi John Happy to see you plug your speakers in diagonal, as they should be, to remove the edge of you tweeter you may replace the metallic straps by a short copper speaker wire, you can remove the medium plastic horn to and apply some blue-tack on the back to kill the resonance as well. Love your review by the way Cheers

Thanks John, will be interested to know how it compares to the Cornwall IV

Awesome review , I really appricate all the up to date technology know how that you bring into your reviews , I have learned alot from your channel . So Nov.3 i will be having an full indepth review of the Polk Audio LSIM 703 bookshelf speakers during this video review i am going to give you a shoutout for a highly reccomended HiFi audio reviewer , Thanks again Mr. Audio Proffessior lol, i bet the Forte 3 sound great with a rich sounding amp thats also on the warm side of netural but how can i know what netural is ?? :)

I came SO close to getting a pair. I got a killer deal on a fancy European brand that I couldn't pass up so my wallet won the debate. But I still regret not giving them a try. Had I seen your review first, (I very much respect your opinion) I would be listening to them now. Your body language, your facial expressions, said way more than your words.

Great video as always John! Lovin’ those Forte llls. Is the media console custom made or a brand name?

John, I have the Klipsch in the same colour as yours but where did you get the matching sideboard?

Hey John, awesome review! I now find myself waiting daily for a review from you and the team. Not only are your reviews informative but the video and editing content are top-notch. Keep in mind this is coming from a guy who knows nothing about video or editing . Just Like Music oh, I know what is satisfying to me and I find your videos to be the most satisfying. Tell Olaf and the Gang are doing a great job

Those speakers are my bucket list set. I've heard them powered by a 12 1/2w class A tube amp and they are most definitely Rock and Roll speakers ! Loved them cranked to above normal listening (ie stupid) volumes and it's like your sitting 4th row center at the concert.

I predict these speakers will tell you more about amplification than you expect with a fine tube amp.

This is the sort of speaker I love man. I own some HMP100's and they have so much body! IDK if its because im a bass player, but I want that 15", wall of sound, air moving...

Ok..Haven’t hooked up my speakers since moving over a year ago but you’ve motivated me..Ill be setting up my forte1’s with my modified By Hovland Dynaco & my lone Forte 2 with my JBL SA600 amp..And will be blasting the vinyl version of “Love Forever Changes” live, England..

It’s all about the Cornwall IV now. You have a great system!

That's a beast of a centre speaker

Nice looking Short-Throw Projector you have.

Interesting video and facts of their sensitivity. Your personal opinions and descriptions are noted. But ya know..we all have preferences. cheers

Magic is mine 1978year Technics SB-E100 double horn + subwoofer which You can drive separately by active crossover, pure magic 💥🔥

Thx John, great video. BTW... Those small furniture dollies would be amazing to help people determine the best speaker positioning in a room - especially with heavy speakers. My speakers are a tad too heavy even for that...

I run these speakers with a Primaluna Evo 300 integrated tube amp and they seem to match up perfectly

Anothe excellent review

Great Video. And not to long

Big speakers, big dynamics. I would recommend you also take a listen to the large format JBLs such as the 4700, 4367 etc... I think you would be impressed.

Just FYI putting them on hollow stands destroys the bottom bass octaves I’d recommend tilting them for the same tweeter midrange orientation, I use a simple deck of cards. I also recommend using a s.e.t. Amp decware makes some good ones. Honestly i know there are better speakers for certain quality’s in music, but I have never found a more gear synergy dependent speaker. Every component dramatically changes the sound and reveals nuances of gear that I’ve never perceived before. Good luck and enjoy you new forte’s! They are a tinkers dream!

John great video.... Just curious have you ever reviewed or owned a set of magnepans? What's your take on them?

I got a pair for half price today (unboxed use for demos at a dealer here in Johannesburg). I am like a 5 year old on Christmas morning because the retail price would really be hard for me to justify. They'll be hooked up to my Anthem STR pre & power amps. Psyched!

Was just rewatching... You mentioned that the tweeters are a little more tame when not pointing directly into your ears. I find the same with my Avantgarde Duo Mezzo horn speakers - the horn-loaded tweeter is fairly directional and one of the many impacts of towing is to change the tonal balance at the top. I don’t think regular speakers are nearly as directional.

I like Klipsch Forte III with First Watt SIT-3 together. The sound is wonderful

Thanks for all your great videos! I need a recommendation for a really good desktop speaker (around 1m away from me). Active or passive, does not matter. Any chance???

Hi, John. Being my musical tastes very far from yours, I think it would be more than interesting to match these Klipsch with a good tube amp. Since they have a nice 8 Ohms nominal impedance and are very efficient, some 40 - 50 watts would be more than enough to move them to their best. My classic Mc 275 has even more power. I'm intrigued about how they could sound driven by it. Thanks for your excellent work!

Hi John. I would be interested in a review of a First Watt amp with those Forte IIIs. They are low watt, class A, low or negative feedback low noise amps that go really well with high efficiency speakers. Thanks for another good film and review.

Hey, John. That was truly one of the better reviews of these spkrs that I’ve heard or read, and I thank you for that. I really like how the “console” center shelving seems to match the spkrs too. I was on the fence between these and a pair of Tekton, and a ended up going with the latter, as they seemed to fit with my system a bit better, but the Klipsch were a close second choice. Again, thanks for your thoughts, John. I think you hit the proverbial nail on the head with that quick review. 🎶🔊🙂

Thanks so much for your video reviews John. I'm new to all this, after much reading and youtube video watching, was about to press the button on a recent 2nd hand combo. made of a NAIM SuperUniti (80W) amp + Scanconic MB-2.5 speakers (slim, curved, white, WAF compatible), BUT from what I hear here, those Klipsch Forte III may be THE speakers I'll be able to stick with for many years w/o feeling a need for a change, ... except maybe for Cornwall, when the Forte leave the house with my now 7 year old son :-) I'll need to check with Forte owners if the envisaged NAIM SuperUnity (80W) amp envisaged (nice find at 2000€ in as new condition when it was 5000€ new) is a good option or if I had better go for another model ... tube amps as suggest maybe (must admit I'm a bit scared of that, for a 1st jump into the HiFi world, but as explained, I had rather make a good 1st time investment w/o need for change) ... so why not. Last but not least, Merry X'mass !

The fact they match your sideboard perfectly and have that retro feel must also have something to do with your love of these speakers?

Amber is my favourite Autechre album.

I would say that the Klipsch forte lll are very efficient and have a lot of presence and im also sure the passive radiator reacts very well with the wall giving you much cleaner lower subs....very much like the vintage JBL 4350 or 4343 studio monitors

I cannot thank you enough for telling us that these speakers go well with electronic music... who does it these days🖤🖤🖤

My dream would be these (or the Cornwall) with Schiit Aegir x2, Freya and Denafrips Ares II DAC.

I have a pair of Klipsch Forte 2 from 1990 that I really love and they look just like the 3 and sound great despite being 30 years old. If I had $4,000 laying around I would get the 3 but just not in my budget at present. Music with horns sound especially great coming out of the horns.

Riiizpect on the featured beats on this ep ! nice touch of murky experimental future beatz :)

John, could you mention the brand/make of your sideboard (or console)? It seems to match the Forte's perfectly. Also, are your Forte's walnut or cherry? I am, as you might imagine, looking for a sideboard to match my cherry Forte III's. (Btw, great review. I also like the Forte's a great deal and use them, go figure, for mostly 60s jazz. I've got an all-tube amplification chain, but they also sound good with a Schitt Aegir, too. Thanks all around!)

That is the strangest thing i have ever seen? You would think that having a passive radiator right behind the woofer, that they would cancel one another out? Im 46 years old and have been making speaker cabinets since i was 14 years old, and this blows my mind!!! It just shows that there are different ways still out there to improve on sound and sound quality!!! Im a firm believer in KEF Audio by the way!! I use to run it in my cars as well as home!!! Nice Video!!

John I really enjoy your videos and your approach to your reviews. I watch you, Gutenberg and Z Audio religiously and a few others occasionally. I am currently listening to a pair of Klipsch RP 600-M on stands with a Martin Logan Dynamo 10” Sub My amp is an Outlaw Audio RR2160 stereo Receiver which I bought based on Steve Guttenbergs review after returning a Yamaha integrated amp I was ok with but not thrilled with. I then added the centerpiece of my system, a Auralic Altair G1 which acts as my music streamer, main DAC and Headphone amp. I ordered it with the 2TB SSD so it holds my collection of digital music. This was based partly on your review of it. My room is good sized 16x28 ft. And I find myself wanting something bigger in terms of sound which is what intrigues me about the Forte III speakers. Curious if you have tried them with a good tube amp? Ultimately I will want to replace my Outlaw with something like a PrimaLuna EVO integrated tube amp and think that combined with the Forte III might be the killer combination in my budget. BTW- the wheeled dollies are brilliant and will do the same if I end up with a big speaker replacement like the Forte’s Keep the info coming, I learn a lot from you.

Neil Young & Joni Mitchell? Damn John- so you do listen to "normal music". Good on ya-Cheers from the States

I am enjoying some of the "THC warmth" right now haha

I think these wpuld sound great with my EAR 834 intergrated.Or a Rogue stereo 100

That THC warmth, hmmm I think I shall smoke a bowl and ponder that. Using those moving rollers for speaker stands is brilliant! Would it make sense to put an isolator of some sort between the speaker and the roller?

I'm a subscriber and always look forward to your thoughtful reviews. I own Klipsch Heresy III because I could not fit Forte III's into my very small listening room...but love the "Klipsch" sound. One curiosity...what is the unit on top of your console...a small video projector ? Again, thanks for your take on audio gear.