Klipsch Forte III (2017)
A US-made, horn-loaded floorstanding speaker with a 12" woofer and 15" passive radiator, reintroduced in 2017 as part of Klipsch’s Heritage line.
Overview
The Klipsch Forte III is a three-way, horn-loaded floorstanding loudspeaker reintroduced in 2017 as a US-made iteration of the original 1985 Forte design. Manufactured by Klipsch Audio Technologies in Hope, Arkansas, each cabinet is hand-built and grain-matched for pair consistency. It features a black baffle with three black drivers and magnetically attached grilles, available with either lambswool or black cloth depending on finish. Offered in American walnut, natural cherry, black ash, and distressed oak, the speaker is designed for close-to-wall placement with a recommended 2–10" air gap behind it.
Specifications
| Dimensions | 36" H × 16.5" W × 13" D (91 × 42 × 33 cm) |
| Weight | 72 lb (32.7 kg) |
| Frequency Response | 38Hz–20kHz, ±3dB |
| Sensitivity | 99dB/2.83V/m |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Power Handling | 100W RMS, 400W peak |
| Maximum SPL | 116dB continuous |
| Crossover Frequencies | 650Hz (midrange/woofer), 5.2kHz (tweeter/midrange) |
| Tweeter | Klipsch K-100-TI 1" titanium-diaphragm compression driver with Tractrix K-79-T horn |
| Midrange | Klipsch K-70 1.75" titanium-diaphragm compression driver on Tractrix K-703-M horn with "Mumps" ridges |
| Woofer | 12" K-281 treated-paper cone with 3" voice coil |
| Passive Radiator | 15" KD-15 paper-cone, mounted on lower back panel |
| Terminals | Dual binding posts, biwire/biamp capable |
| Warranty | 5 years |
Design
The Forte III uses horn-loaded drivers and a large 15" passive radiator that operates solely from the air movement of the 12" woofer, extending bass response below 65Hz. The midrange horn includes "Mumps"—curved 1" ridges inside the throat of the K-703-M horn—to improve mid-frequency coverage and control. The cabinet couples to the floor via a 1" wood base with four 1/8"-thick metal footers at each corner. Designed by Roy Delgado and Kerry Geist, the Tractrix horn geometry is a hallmark of the Forte series.
Context
The Forte III is part of Klipsch’s Heritage line, a modern reissue of the 1985 Forte and 1989 Forte II. It sits one step above the Heresy III in the lineup and shares its sonic character but with greater refinement. While the Klipschorn requires corner placement, the Forte III is designed for modern speaker positioning against walls. It is described as sounding like a larger Heresy III, with dynamic punch and a live presentation, though bass is less natural than in La Scala models.
Market
The original price was $3998 per pair. One owner reported a risk of woofer puncture during transport, particularly when maneuvering into tight spaces like basements.
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