Well, I had this same dilemma. I listened to both on my same equipment for hours and hours. Cost being no object (or only a very slight object), I wanted to get the most pleasing sound to my ears. I was downspending from previously sold speakers so I had the money for either.
My observations: The Forests are bigger sounding, and play fuller deeper bass. They are more dynamic, and will fill a large room easier. A very good speaker. Switching back and forth to the Hawks, it was very clear to me that the Hawks had something very special going on. Not quite as deep bass, not quite as much detail on the very top, but oh the midrange. The 6db crossover slope makes these two drivers seamless. The midrange is so sweet and with a touch more presence than the Forests, I just couldn't help myself. Female Vocals are like nothing else I've heard on the Hawks. They are very dynamic at low listening levels as well. If you like it loud, or really like bass and sweet treble, (and have the power to drive them) go with the Forests, but if you can settle for merly "Very Good" in these two areas and exceptional in the midrange, then the Hawks are your choice. Both speakers are excellent though, and you can't go wrong with either.
My observations: The Forests are bigger sounding, and play fuller deeper bass. They are more dynamic, and will fill a large room easier. A very good speaker. Switching back and forth to the Hawks, it was very clear to me that the Hawks had something very special going on. Not quite as deep bass, not quite as much detail on the very top, but oh the midrange. The 6db crossover slope makes these two drivers seamless. The midrange is so sweet and with a touch more presence than the Forests, I just couldn't help myself. Female Vocals are like nothing else I've heard on the Hawks. They are very dynamic at low listening levels as well. If you like it loud, or really like bass and sweet treble, (and have the power to drive them) go with the Forests, but if you can settle for merly "Very Good" in these two areas and exceptional in the midrange, then the Hawks are your choice. Both speakers are excellent though, and you can't go wrong with either.