Trying to decide on speakers.

[Lynn68 66]

I'm thinking about a pair of Klipsch forte. Does anyone have a pair of these, if so what do you think of them. I have a carver c-1 and a carver tfm-22. 

[xavionics 2,113]

I've been a fan of the Klipsch Heritage line for decades.

Seems every time I hear them I like what I'm hearing.

KG-4's have been part of my main rig since around '89.

A single pair driven by a c-1 and m1.0t was a favorite, especially while I was still in an apartment.

 

If buying used, it seems you can't go wrong in that if you don't care for them you can resell them.

[AndrewJohn 10,507]

1 hour ago, Lynn68 said:

I'm thinking about a pair of Klipsch forte. Does anyone have a pair of these, if so what do you think of them. I have a carver c-1 and a carver tfm-22. 

These are a good choice..., I don't have a pair, and prefer other brands (there are so many good brands)..., 

 

However, I would start by looking on FB Marketplace and Offer-Up for local listings, and audition before buying..., negotiate your best face-to-face deal.

[Lynn68 66]

Do you know anything about mercari they've been having best prices. Have been looking at a pair of klipsch kg4. Been wondering how they would sound.

[AndrewJohn 10,507]

22 minutes ago, Lynn68 said:

Do you know anything about mercari they've been having best prices. Have been looking at a pair of klipsch kg4. Been wondering how they would sound.

 

I have no experience with Mercari.  Anyone else?

 

If you are looking at new speakers, one of the best places to audition lots of speakers - new ones - is to go to AXPONA in April, in Schaumburg, and walk the halls.   You might pick something up that you know you can flip/resell, until that date.

[xavionics 2,113]

The sound of speakers, more than any other piece in the audio chain, is very subjective. 
As you just read two, differing opinions here.

What I like may be different from what you like. And that’s a good thing!

 

Google “stereo stores in my area” within whatever distance you’re willing to drive.

Go listen to as many different brands as you can. Bring some music you know well.

I was laid up after having knee surgery some years ago.

I was bored, and drove an hour to visit a store I hadn’t heard of before.

I came in on crutches. 
I spent about two hours there.
Guys who work in these places love listening to music and discussing all things audio.

Within a year, I bought a DAC from them. 

 

If you are looking to buy new, and find something you like within your budget, be sure to patronize the brick and mortar places who graciously allowed you to audition their wares. 
 

Above all, have fun!

[BobTFM35 2,774]

I did exactly what @xavionics suggested. Went to several stores and listened to what they had. The last place I visited also had some used speakers they were selling. They were able to hook them up after I listened to a few new speakers.

 

That was the last store I went to for a set of main speakers, I purchased them.

 

The nice thing about this was that I was able to purchase other surround speakers in the same family after that. My search for the rest of the speakers for my home theater ended that day.

 

I still have them, Paradigm 9se MkIII. They are driven by two Carver TFM35s in horizontal bi-amp mode. They have a twin 8" bass/midrange driver configuration delivering a good base and high power handling.

 

Visit some stores as you never know what might happen when you open that door and enter.

 

Enjoy the journey!!

[Sk1Bum 11,576]

One thing to consider in buying new speakers is that they will sound different after 50 or so hours of use. Break in period varies from speaker to speaker and is more evident in the woofers (at least to my old ears). The good news of that is they almost always sound better after the break in period.

[Kurt 2,953]

I had some Klipsch Heresies.   They weren't my favorite.  Lacked bass....and, well, I think the horns are really an acquired taste....they kinda put the treble right in your face.

 

If you're looking for Vintage speakers, I love the 1980's Infinity speakers- RS Kappa Series (8 or 9's....and don't let them scare you the whole "amp killer" thing.... Carver amps can handle them.  I'm partial to the original line, not the x.1 's).  Or their predecessors, the RS series, RS III, RS II, or even RS I if you have a lot of $ and space.  I have a pair of RS IIIb's that I swear are the best ever.

 

If you're looking to buy new, I'm partial to Bowers and Wilkins.  I don't own any, but every pair I've ever heard is fantastic.

[PMAT 2,042]

I have some RS-7 Kappas I'm selling for a friend (not a plug) and I am so impressed. I hope they don't sell for a while