Krusty

Welcome to the forum. Too bad about your Forte II's and everything else in the flood.

You've got a most interesting question ahead of you to determine your replacement. The Forte II's are fabulous speakers. The biggest trouble with Ebay sellers on items like big floor standing speakers is shipping. Shipping is costly and few sellers are competent in their packing. If you can find speakers within decent driving distance is a huge help. Good luck.

Sad to say, there isn't anything in that category available, unless you'd consider the new Heresy III.

Best bet is to stick around here. I'd bet these guys could fix you up with a little patience. They tend to do good things on a regular basis.

Where are you located? We'd want to find you a pair within driving distance to avoid the gorillas.

Michael 

I would call a public library and ask fro the Government and Business Dept. There see what the Consumer Price Index is from the month you bought your speakers to now. Then take what the insurance company gives you and throw in some extra cash and buy a pair of Cornwall III's.

O.k, I just got off line from the web where they say CPI from 1991 till now is ~136.0 (or 36% higher now than what it was). So the adjusted price should be $1,632.00. Then take into account that the insurance company may pro-rate their value.

Mr. Krustovski:

Fortes are auctioned quite  often on Ebay. They were popular speakers, which means that many owners not fully committed to them are now selling them to downsize, or they got married, or whatever. My experience is that anywhere from 3 to 10 pair are being auctioned in any given month, usually oak or walnut, sometimes black, and sell for $400-$600. Also check Audiogon.com, not an auction but an audio gear classified site with feedback like Ebay. Whatever you do, don't have them shipped. We have heard too many horror stories here about inadequate Mailboxes Etc styrofoam peanut packing, and the buyer receives a box of kindling. A speaker as classic and valuable as a Forte is worth a one or two day roadtrip to pick up in person. For an insurance replacement cost settlement, you could buy two pair, and if you find an Academy center, you have an unbeatable home theater system.

We purchased two pairs of Forte IIs and paid $450.00 for one pair and $475.00 for the other pair.  Both pair were in very good condition and within three to four hours (one way) from our home.  Buying close to home works well, even on EBay.  You can arrange payment with the buyer by picking the speakers up, this will give you a chance to listen to the speakers before payment.

We are very happy with the Forte IIs we have purchased.  I am sure if you take your time you can find a pair that will make you .

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1188573690

ODESSA, FL

Try these. 

I have seen several pairs on eBay, I watch them to see what they are selling for.. I have a nice pair myself and have no desire to sell them.. If I did upgrade it would be to a pair of Chorus IIs... When you buy on eBay you can ask a seller if he will be willing to use an escrow system. Escrow allows you to inspect the speakers before you release the funds to the seller....  you will have to deal with enormous shipping costs if you get a bad pair...If you do purchase a pair ask the seller to remove the bases of both speakers and ship them separately..