Short answer: the Definitive Technology BP-9020. It ranks #31 of 56 floorstanding speakers by sound quality at $500; the Klipsch Heresy IV ranks #34 and costs $3198, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Definitive Technology BP-9020 gets right: Integrated powered 8” side-firing subwoofer with a 150-watt Class D amplifier provides exceptional sub-bass extension down to an F3 of 35Hz and F10 of 29Hz without requiring a standalone subwoofer enclosure. The catch: Significant high-frequency boost creates notable treble brightness and noticeable sibilance on vocal s-sounds.
What the Klipsch Heresy IV offers: 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. Watch for: 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 Definitive Technology BP-9020. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Klipsch Heresy IV and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Definitive Technology BP-9020 | Klipsch Heresy IV | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $500.00 Discontinued | $3,198/pair |
| Ranked | #31 of 56 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #34 of 56 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 29Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 35Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 77Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 35.3"H x 11"W x 13"D (895.4 x 279.4 x 330.2 mm) | 24.8"H x 15.6"W x 13.3"D |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | Approximately 4 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 87.7dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 94.5dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1 in. annealed aluminum dome tweeter, two 3.5 in. BDSS midrange (front), one 3.5 in. BDSS midrange (rear), 8 in. powered subwoofer | 1" horn-loaded tweeter; 1.75" horn-loaded midrange; 12" woofer |
| Weight | 30 lbs / 13.6 kg each | 45 lb each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, slot | ported, rear |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Definitive Technology BP-9020: $500.00 Discontinued
Pros: Integrated powered 8” side-firing subwoofer with a 150-watt Class D amplifier provides exceptional sub-bass extension down to an F3 of 35Hz and F10 of 29Hz without requiring a standalone subwoofer enclosure. Forward-Focused Bipolar Array technology (dual 3.5” front midrange drivers + 1” annealed aluminum dome tweeter, plus a 3.5” rear-firing midrange driver) creates a remarkably wide, spacious soundstage with broad room envelopment. On-axis frequency response stays smooth and relatively neutral when listened to directly aligned with the tweeter. Measured average sensitivity of 87.7dB SPL (2.83V/1m) allows comfortable drive from standard multi-channel receivers.
Cons: Significant high-frequency boost creates notable treble brightness and noticeable sibilance on vocal s-sounds. Bipolar rear driver radiation creates a diffuse soundstage that compromises razor-sharp imaging focus and pinpoint instrument placement. DSP-based internal limiter aggressively compresses output below 80Hz at higher listening levels, causing lower mid-bass and sub-bass impact to diminish as volume increases. Midrange clarity shows slight ‘cuppiness’ and upper-frequency directivity irregularities due to front/rear driver interaction. Discontinued.
Full Definitive Technology BP-9020 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 29Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 35Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 35.3"H x 11"W x 13"D (895.4 x 279.4 x 330.2 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1 in. annealed aluminum dome tweeter, two 3.5 in. BDSS midrange (front), one 3.5 in. BDSS midrange (rear), 8 in. powered subwoofer |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 87.7dB (measured average, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 30 lbs / 13.6 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, slot |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Definitive Technology BP-9020 vs Infinity Primus 360
- Definitive Technology BP-9020 vs Klipsch Forte IV
- Definitive Technology BP-9020 vs Polk Reserve R500
- Definitive Technology BP-9020 vs ELAC DF63
- Definitive Technology BP-9020 vs KEF Q11 Meta
- Definitive Technology BP-9020 vs PSB Imagine T65
- Definitive Technology BP-9020 vs Q Acoustics 5040
- Definitive Technology BP-9020 vs Polk Audio Reserve R700
- See all 13 comparisons
Klipsch Heresy IV: $3,198/pair Amazon Crutchfield
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.
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 (-3dB) | 77Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| 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) |
| Weight | 45 lb each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Klipsch Heresy IV vs Klipsch Forte IV
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- Klipsch Heresy IV vs Klipsch RP-5000F II
- Klipsch Heresy IV vs SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle
- Klipsch Heresy IV vs Polk Reserve R500
- Klipsch Heresy IV vs ELAC DF63
- Klipsch Heresy IV vs PSB Imagine T65
- See all 14 comparisons