Short answer: the Klipsch Forte IV. It ranks #122 of 228 floorstanding speakers by sound quality (rated 4.0/5) at $5,499.98 and is still sold new; the Atlantic Technology 8600eLR ranks #204 (rated 3.1/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Atlantic Technology 8600eLR’s replacement, the Atlantic Technology 8600iLR, is rated 3.2/5 at $6,000.
The Klipsch Forte IV is the more accurate option. A heritage horn tower with a huge, wide soundstage, low distortion and a quiet, resonance free cabinet. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 3.78 against 2.65 for the Atlantic Technology 8600eLR. Watch for: 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.
The Atlantic Technology 8600eLR is the deeper-bass option. A massive sealed tower with four 8 inch woofers, high sensitivity and boundary controls, now discontinued. Its bass reaches about 68.8Hz before falling 3dB, against 82Hz for the Klipsch Forte IV. The tradeoff: The raw preference score is only 2.65, making a subwoofer and correction essential despite the massive cabinet.
Buy the Klipsch Forte IV. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Atlantic Technology 8600eLR is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Measured Differences
- Bass depth: the Klipsch Forte IV reaches 39 Hz (10 dB down) against 47.6 Hz for the Atlantic Technology 8600eLR, 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 Klipsch Forte IV scores 5.7 against 5.3 for the Atlantic Technology 8600eLR on the Spinorama preference scale. Its frequency response and off-axis sound are smoother, so voices and instruments sound closer to the recording.
- Efficiency: the Klipsch Forte IV is rated at 93.8 dB sensitivity against 91 dB for the Atlantic Technology 8600eLR, so it plays as loud with roughly two thirds of the amplifier power.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch Forte IV | Atlantic Technology 8600eLR | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5,499.98 per pair | $5,700 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #122 of 228 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #204 of 228 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | about 47.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 68.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org) |
| Sensitivity | 93.8dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner; manufacturer rates 99dB in-room / ~94dB anechoic) | 91dB |
| Drivers | 1x 12” (305mm) fiber-composite woofer + 15” passive radiator, 1x 1.75” compression driver midrange on horn, 1x 1” titanium compression tweeter on horn | 1-inch aluminum-magnesium tweeter, dual 5.25-inch midranges, four 8-inch woofers |
| Weight | 117.3 lbs (53.2 kg) | 93.3 lbs (42.3 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | passive radiator | - |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 6 ohms |
| Dimensions | 36”H x 16.5”W x 13”D (914.4 x 419.1 x 330.2 mm) | 51.7H x 10.9W x 11.4D in |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.78 | 2.65 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.72 | 5.26 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | Sealed 3-way floorstander |
| Frequency Response | - | 50Hz-25kHz +/-2dB |
Where the Ratings Come From
- Klipsch Forte IV: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
- Atlantic Technology 8600eLR: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by AVS.
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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