Short answer: the Atlantic Technology 8600iLR, if you are buying new. The Atlantic Technology 8600eLR ranks higher than the Klipsch Heresy IV (#204 vs #222 of 228 floorstanding speakers) but is discontinued; its replacement, the Atlantic Technology 8600iLR, is rated 3.2/5 at $6,000 and is still sold new.
The Atlantic Technology 8600eLR is the better-sounding, deeper-bass choice. A sealed high-output flagship tower with four 8-inch woofers, dual 5.25-inch midranges, 91dB sensitivity and boundary/HF adjustment controls. Its bass reaches about 68.8Hz before falling 3dB, against 77Hz for the Klipsch Heresy IV. The tradeoff: The raw preference score is only 2.65, making a subwoofer and correction essential despite the massive cabinet.
Why pick the Klipsch Heresy IV: Very high 94.5dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity in Erin’s anechoic measurement (well below Klipsch’s 99dB in-room claim, but still excellent) and strong short-term output from a 12-inch woofer plus horn-loaded midrange and tweeter. The tradeoff: Erin measured a 77Hz F3 and response rolling away near 100Hz in-room, so a subwoofer is required for modern full-range reproduction.
Buy the Atlantic Technology 8600iLR, the replacement for the discontinued Atlantic Technology 8600eLR; it is rated higher for sound quality than the Klipsch Heresy IV.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Atlantic Technology 8600eLR | Klipsch Heresy IV | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5,700 per pair Discontinued | $3,599.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #204 of 228 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #222 of 228 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 47.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 50.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Enclosure | Sealed 3-way floorstander | - |
| Drivers | 1-inch aluminum-magnesium tweeter, dual 5.25-inch midranges, four 8-inch woofers | 1” horn-loaded tweeter; 1.75” horn-loaded midrange; 12” woofer |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz-25kHz +/-2dB | - |
| Sensitivity | 91dB | 94.5dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | Approximately 4 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 51.7H x 10.9W x 11.4D in | 24.8”H x 15.6”W x 13.3”D |
| Weight | 93.3 lbs (42.3 kg) each | 45 lbs (20.4 kg) each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.65 | 2.27 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.26 | 5.02 |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org) | 77Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported, rear |
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: Atlantic Technology 8600eLR (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) and Klipsch Heresy IV (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner), via spinorama.org.
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Prices on this page were last checked October 15, 2026 at 5:41 PM 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Atlantic Technology 8600eLR: $5,700 per pair Discontinued Atlantic Technology $5,700 eBay
Newer model: the Atlantic Technology 8600iLR, ranked higher, estimated 3.2/5, released Mar 2024. See every Atlantic Technology 8600 generation.
Same family: the Atlantic Technology 8600eC (center, rated 3.3/5).
Pros: A sealed high-output flagship tower with four 8-inch woofers, dual 5.25-inch midranges, 91dB sensitivity and boundary/HF adjustment controls. The local snapshot measures 58Hz extension and scores 5.26 with a subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 68.8Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The raw preference score is only 2.65, making a subwoofer and correction essential despite the massive cabinet. Each tower weighs over 90 pounds, and value is weak if two-channel neutrality is the main goal. Discontinued.
Full Atlantic Technology 8600eLR review and specifications →
| Released | Apr 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 47.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 51.7H x 10.9W x 11.4D in |
| Drivers | 1-inch aluminum-magnesium tweeter, dual 5.25-inch midranges, four 8-inch woofers |
| Enclosure | Sealed 3-way floorstander |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz-25kHz +/-2dB |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 91dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.65 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.26 |
| Weight | 93.3 lbs (42.3 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Klipsch Heresy IV: $3,599.98 per pair Amazon $3,599.98 Crutchfield $3,599.98 eBay
Same family: the Klipsch Forte IV (larger floorstanding, ranked higher, rated 4/5), the Klipsch Cornwall IV (larger floorstanding, ranked higher, estimated 2.8/5), the Klipsch La Scala AL6 (larger floorstanding, ranked higher, estimated 2.8/5) and the Klipsch Klipschorn AK7 (larger floorstanding, ranked higher, estimated 3/5).
Pros: Very high 94.5dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity in Erin’s anechoic measurement (well below Klipsch’s 99dB in-room claim, but still excellent) and strong short-term output from a 12-inch woofer plus horn-loaded midrange and tweeter. The compact, furniture-grade Heritage cabinet is easier to place than most high-efficiency designs, and dynamics at moderate levels can sound lively. A stable four-ohm-capable amplifier can produce substantial SPL with relatively little voltage. Measured bass extension of 77Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 94.5dB.
Cons: Erin measured a 77Hz F3 and response rolling away near 100Hz in-room, so a subwoofer is required for modern full-range reproduction. The impedance dips to about 4 ohms, reducing the practical amplifier advantage implied by its sensitivity. Pronounced directivity mismatch at the driver transitions, impedance/response resonances and elevated distortion spikes around the crossover remain audible concerns that EQ cannot fully solve. At 102dB Erin measured roughly 1.5dB midband compression; at 96dB distortion rises around crossover. Performance is difficult to justify at the price, and Erin explicitly did not recommend it.
Full Klipsch Heresy IV review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 24.8”H x 15.6”W x 13.3”D |
| Drivers | 1” horn-loaded tweeter; 1.75” horn-loaded midrange; 12” woofer |
| Impedance | Approximately 4 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 94.5dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.27 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.02 |
| Weight | 45 lbs (20.4 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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