Short answer: the Klipsch Forte IV, if you are buying new. The JBL HDI-3800 ranks higher than it (#26 vs #122 of 228 floorstanding speakers, 4.5/5 vs 4.0/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Klipsch Forte IV is still sold new at $5,499.98.
The JBL HDI-3800 is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. A horn loaded tower with three 8 inch woofers, deep bass, high sensitivity and huge output for large home theaters. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.62 against 3.78 for the Klipsch Forte IV. Its bass reaches about 37Hz before falling 3dB, against 82Hz for the Klipsch Forte IV. Watch for: On-axis frequency response features a narrow upper-frequency elevation around 8-10kHz, performing noticeably smoother when toed out 10-20° off-axis.
What the Klipsch Forte IV does well: A heritage horn tower with a huge, wide soundstage, low distortion and a quiet, resonance free cabinet. The catch: Contrary to the classic Klipsch reputation for being forward and bright, this model is actually somewhat recessed in the 1.5-4kHz “presence” region, which can make some tracks sound dull or lacking in detail.
Buy the Klipsch Forte IV new; the JBL HDI-3800 is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Measured Differences
- Bass depth: the JBL HDI-3800 reaches 28 Hz (10 dB down) against 39 Hz for the Klipsch Forte IV, about half an octave deeper. You hear more of the lowest bass notes and kick drums.
- Tonal accuracy above the bass: with a subwoofer taking the low end, the JBL HDI-3800 scores 7.0 against 5.7 for the Klipsch Forte IV on the Spinorama preference scale. Its frequency response and off-axis sound are smoother, so voices and instruments sound closer to the recording.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL HDI-3800 | Klipsch Forte IV | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5,000 per pair Discontinued | $5,499.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #26 of 228 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #122 of 228 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 28Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 82Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 43.3”H x 11.8”W x 16.4”D (1100.5 x 300.0 x 417.8 mm) | 36”H x 16.5”W x 13”D (914.4 x 419.1 x 330.2 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.8 ohms minimum, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 92dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 93.8dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner; manufacturer rates 99dB in-room / ~94dB anechoic) |
| Drivers | 1 in. 2410H-2 Teonex compression driver with HDI horn, triple 8 in. Advanced Aluminum Matrix cone woofers | 1x 12” (305mm) fiber-composite woofer + 15” passive radiator, 1x 1.75” compression driver midrange on horn, 1x 1” titanium compression tweeter on horn |
| Weight | 83.8 lbs (38.0 kg) each | 117.3 lbs (53.2 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | passive radiator |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.62 | 3.78 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.03 | 5.72 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
Where the Ratings Come From
- JBL HDI-3800: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
- Klipsch Forte IV: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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