Short answer: the GR-Research NX-Treme for open-baffle soundstaging, the Klipsch Forte IV for a heritage three-way. The NX-Treme’s open baffle radiates in all directions for a huge soundstage, but it is very tall and needs an open baffle subwoofer on each side. The Forte IV pairs a 1” titanium tweeter and 1.75” compression driver with a 12” woofer, and the notes say it runs contrary to the classic Klipsch reputation for brightness.
Buy the GR-Research NX-Treme. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $4,162.02 you would save on the Klipsch Forte IV does not close the gap.
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Specifications Side By Side
| GR-Research NX-Treme | Klipsch Forte IV | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $9662 per pair for the kit with subs (assembly required) | $5,499.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #2 of 228 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #122 of 228 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | <20Hz (With GR-Research open baffle subwoofers) | 82Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 85”H x 17”W x 20”D (2159 x 431.8 x 508 mm) (plus a subwoofer on each side) | 36”H x 16.5”W x 13”D (914.4 x 419.1 x 330.2 mm) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
| Drivers | Eight 6.5” M165 open baffle woofer, Two 6.5” M165NQ open baffle midrange, GR Neo 3 Magnetic planar open baffle tweeter; Three 12-inch Rythmik Audio servo-controlled subwoofers; Three 12-inch Rythmik Audio servo-controlled subwoofers; Three 12-inch Rythmik Audio servo-controlled subwoofers; Three 12-inch Rythmik Audio servo-controlled subwoofers | 1x 12” (305mm) fiber-composite woofer + 15” passive radiator, 1x 1.75” compression driver midrange on horn, 1x 1” titanium compression tweeter on horn |
| Sensitivity | 94.5dB | 93.8dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner; manufacturer rates 99dB in-room / ~94dB anechoic) |
| Woofer Cabinet | open baffle | passive radiator |
| Weight | (35.3 lbs (16 kg)) | 117.3 lbs (53.2 kg) |
| DIY Kit | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 3.78 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 5.72 |
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