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. It came back in 2017 as a US-made version of the original 1985 Forte. Klipsch Audio Technologies builds it in Hope, Arkansas. Each cabinet is hand-built and grain-matched so a pair looks consistent. The baffle is black with three black drivers and magnetically attached grilles, in lambswool or black cloth depending on finish. Finishes are American walnut, natural cherry, black ash and distressed oak. It's meant to sit close to a wall, 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. The radiator runs only on the air movement of the 12" woofer, and it extends bass response below 65Hz. The midrange horn is the K-703-M, and it has "Mumps" - curved 1" ridges inside the throat - to improve mid-frequency coverage and control. The cabinet couples to the floor through a 1" wood base with four 1/8"-thick metal footers, one at each corner. The Tractrix horn geometry, designed by Roy Delgado and Kerry Geist, 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, with greater refinement. The Klipschorn requires corner placement. The Forte III is designed for modern positioning against walls. It is described as sounding like a larger Heresy III, with dynamic punch and a live presentation. 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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