Klipsch Forte IV replacement crossover kit

Description

We have started with a recommended “baseline” for components. You may select upgrades or downgrades based on your preferences.

Recommendations:

Capacitors:  Our “baseline” offerings are from the JB, JSX Superior line, which offers tremendous value as do all of the JB capacitor lines. The premium offerings are from the Obbligato and ClarityCap CSA.

There are two very small in-line capacitors on the tweeter. These should receive first priority for upgrades. The mid-frequency circuit has 3 in-line and 1 shunt capacitor. Mid-circuit capacitors are separated in the options menu so you can more easily adapt your selections to your budget. Of those, the mid-range’s in-line capacitor #1 should be the first considered for upgrade. Addiitonally, it is a small value and its upgrade is comparatively affordable making its upgrade very worthy of your consideration.

Each capacitor in the mid-circuit plays a different role. Two are in separate in-line RCL series, controlling different frequencies. 1 in-line The one on the mid circuit. They are all low capacitance values and therefore are very affordable to upgrade. They are all worthy of upgrade and the 2 tweeter caps should be the first priority.

Both capacitors in the woofer circuit are in shunt position and are much less critical than those on the tweeter and mid-circuits. Only the more affordable value options are offered, and top dollar upgrades in this position are not a priority. If you are pursuing a no-limits build, please email me and I will add additional options.

The woofer capacitor is in a shunt position and is a comparatively larger capacitance value. Several options are provided to allow you the flexibility of aligning with your budget preferences. Upgrading this capacitor should be last in line of priority, only after having upgraded the smaller tweeter and mid capacitors and having upgraded to a 14ga inductor for the woofer. Adding a bypass capacitor to this component would be a very cost effective option and will allow for faster discharge and response from this capacitor.

Bypass capacitors: Small 0.1 uF bypass capacitors are offered as default for the two in-line tweeter capacitors, where they will have the greatest impact. That option can be removed, or upgraded. Additionally, bypass capacitors are offered for the 3 in-line capacitors on the mid-range circuit, but are not deemed as necessary.  Options are offered from the Obbligato Copper and Silver Series . These are high-quality, fast, clean, and resolving capacitors, representing a great value at $3.50 each for the Copper Series and $4.50 each for the Silver Series.

Resistors: We have kept it very simple here. High-Quality resistors are very affordable. The original design utilizes 25 watt resistors in all positions (4 per speaker). We are providing as default, Dayton Precision 25 watt wirewound resistors ($6.25 each) in all positions (green in color).  We don’t see a need for $30 boutique or even $10 versions in this design but if you feel that need, email us and we can modify a package for you.

Inductors: This design utilizes 8 inductors total (per speaker). 1 on tweeter, 4 on mid-circuit, 3 on woofer. A 16-gauge aircore is offered as the default recommendation, and is a premium selection. Many alternative crossover replacement options utilize an iron-core inductor or smaller wire-gauge on the woofer for cost-savings (higher-profit margin on a prebuilt assembly). However with consideration for the crossover point which allows the woofer to play into the mid-frequencies, an aircore inductor for the woofer is the superior choice. 18-ga and 14-ga options are also available to accommodate your specific budget preferences. The tiny inductor on the tweeter has a small cost variance between wire gauges.. 18-ga in this position is still acceptable. You may upgrade to a larger 14-gauge but this is not necessary and is lower in priority, only after upgrading the tweeter and mid capacitors.

Wiring: These are large speaker cabinets. 30ft of each color is adequate for a clean install with all new internal wiring. You may also purchase the kit without our wire.

We do think our wiring is the best value available. Premium wire without the traditional markups. Both versions are very similar, 16ga solid strand, high-purity OFC, Polyethylene insulator.  The “unbranded” is imported, the “Premium USA” version is not. Wire details are here.

Crossover boards & assembly option:

As a convenience we are offering you empty crossover boards, already sized appropriately for the size of components and cabinet. We use premium baltic birch. It is an expensive material, and not everyone wants to buy a small $45 half-sheet when they only need small pieces. Price is $18 for custom sized boards that are oversized for easy component mounting, while still having plenty of room for placement in the large speaker cabinet.

Complete assembly of your crossover boards is available. A $190 assembly fee includes the the assembly labor, crossover boards, and all small incidentals (zip-ties, heat shrink as needed), as well as the additional shipping costs associated with the assembled boards (size & weight).  Assembly capacity is limited, with a 3-week maximum turnaround time, and is only offered as an add-on. Assembled crossover boards will be clearly labeled for you to easily attach internal wiring. Internal wiring can be attached for an additional fee. For details related to our assembly services, review this link.