Short answer: the Klipsch Forte IV on measured sound quality, the Polk Audio XT70 on price. The Klipsch Forte IV ranks #122 of 228 floorstanding speakers, rated 4.0/5, at $5,499.98. The Polk Audio XT70 ranks #170, rated 3.6/5, at $698, $4,801.98 cheaper.
The Polk Audio XT70 is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. A budget tower with twin woofers and two passive radiators for extra bass, working with 4 or 8 ohm amplifiers. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.16 against 3.78 for the Klipsch Forte IV. Its bass reaches about 43.9Hz before falling 3dB, against 82Hz for the Klipsch Forte IV. The tradeoff: On-axis smoothness (0.274) and listening-window smoothness (0.303) are unremarkable for a tower this size, with a pronounced +0.28dB per octave upward tonal tilt giving it a brighter-leaning balance and a predicted in-room smoothness of just 0.31.
The Klipsch Forte IV is the better-sounding option. A heritage horn tower with a huge, wide soundstage, low distortion and a quiet, resonance free cabinet. The tradeoff: 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 Polk Audio XT70 when the price outweighs sound quality for you, and the Klipsch Forte IV when sound quality outweighs the price instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
A budget tower with twin woofers and two passive radiators for extra bass, working with 4 or 8 ohm amplifiers.
A heritage horn tower with a huge, wide soundstage, low distortion and a quiet, resonance free cabinet.
Prices on this page were last checked October 23, 2026 at 8:27 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Polk Audio XT70 | Klipsch Forte IV | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $698 per pair | $5,499.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #170 of 228 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #122 of 228 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Enclosure | Ported, critically-braced MDF | - |
| Drivers | 1” Terylene dome tweeter, 2x 6.5” Dynamic Balance woofers, 2x 8” passive radiators | 1x 12” (305mm) fiber-composite woofer + 15” passive radiator, 1x 1.75” compression driver midrange on horn, 1x 1” titanium compression tweeter on horn |
| Dimensions | 40.4H x 9.25W x 12.5D in | 36”H x 16.5”W x 13”D (914.4 x 419.1 x 330.2 mm) |
| Weight | 35.1 lbs (15.9 kg) each | 117.3 lbs (53.2 kg) |
| Sensitivity | 89dB @ 1W/1m | 93.8dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner; manufacturer rates 99dB in-room / ~94dB anechoic) |
| Impedance | 4/8 ohm compatible | 8 ohms |
| Country | China | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.16 | 3.78 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.10 | 5.72 |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org) | 82Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37.7Hz (derived, sustained-crossing interpolation, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | passive radiator |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared.
Measurement data: Polk Audio XT70 (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) and Klipsch Forte IV (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner), via spinorama.org.
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