ADS L810 vs. Klipsch Forte

[34dean]

Which do you feel is the better sounding speaker for similar money?

 

[David_NC]

I've not heard them back to back, but L810's (and L710's, L780's, L1090-1590's, M12's) always impress me; Fortes haven't.

 

[lordgarth]

Many ADS fans here don't seem to rate the 810's too highly. Try to audition both, then choose.

 

[34dean]

Many ADS fans here don't seem to rate the 810's too highly. Try to audition both, then choose.

Really? I’ve read pretty good things here and other places.

 

[GD70]

From the comments I've read about the 810's, the bass can be a bit over powering, compared to the 710's, which many feel is a better balanced speaker. Placement though can play a huge roll in bass, so it depends on position in your listening space, and maybe just back off on the bass a bit on the tone controls. The 810 is loved by many though, so as with any speaker, it's subjective, with so many variables.

 

[Blue Shadow]

The Klipsch sound can be an acquired taste. The ads is more generally appreciated. For this reason I strongly recommend a few hours with Klipsch before committing to them. Many enjoy them and a touch of listening fatigue after some time and volume. The Klipsch can also be well loved by those that don't suffer fatigue from their use. At least the Luxman will give Klipsch their best shot for solid state electronics as the 1070 should be a nice smooth sound. Some SS gear has a bit of harshness or a crisp sound that would accentuate these same characteristics in Klipsch.

 

[VintagePlus]

I have had multiple pairs of the 810's and a few Klipsch speakers though never the fortes. I would take the ADS all day long for sure.

 

[ivandezande]

ADS

But....You're comparing point source to horn loaded speakers. Very different, many people like one or the other much more.

 

[lordgarth]

I have had multiple pairs of the 810's and a few Klipsch speakers though never the fortes. I would take the ADS all day long for sure.

Before you make this presumption, try to listen to Cornscala D's. Then get back to me.

 

[Johnny_Law]

I had the 810 components in a larger box - the 1230s - and would prefer those over the Forte II I had. Not exactly apples to apples here though.

 

[Tiver]

I haven't heard the Forte, but own L810.

I think there is a lot more to it than a simple answer can provide. I have a pair of Frazier MKiv. Granted, not Fortes, but I have a point. Recently I hooked up a small Magnavox tube amp to the Fraziers (horn tweet) and the sound they produced was different than anything they had ever offered with solid state power. So much different that it has me interested in the pursuit of a little more tube power to put behind them.

My guess is that the L810 is overall more versatile as far as system and room dependence. To sound their best the Fortes might be fussier about what's pushing them.

 

[Gravy_Brad]

Many ADS fans here don't seem to rate the 810's too highly. Try to audition both, then choose.

Which is absolutely crazy if you ask me. I suspect it’s because of a positioning issue.

 

[Coolhandjjl]

Many ADS fans here don't seem to rate the 810's too highly. Try to audition both, then choose.

Never heard that. I love my 810s.

Regarding Klipsch, some people simply just can’t take horns w/o ear fatigue.

 

[gizzyman47]

Though I haven't used my L810's in several years now, I still like them very much. A speaker you can listen to all day without listening fatigue.
Have never owned any Klipsch.

 

[fredgarvin]

I'm going to guess the OP decided this question in 2019.