Short answer: the Focal Theva N°2, if you are buying new. The Focal Chora 816 ranks higher than the Klipsch Heresy IV (#26 vs #184 of 188 floorstanding speakers) but is discontinued; its replacement, the Focal Theva N°2, is rated 4.4/5 at $999 and is still sold new.
The Focal Chora 816 is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. CEA2034 spinorama shows a generally even on-axis response with nice bass extension and high sensitivity. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.30 against 2.27 for the Klipsch Heresy IV. Its bass reaches about 60Hz before falling 3dB, against 77Hz for the Klipsch Heresy IV. The tradeoff: Some messiness appears between 500Hz-2kHz on-axis, including a dip around 550Hz.
What the Klipsch Heresy IV does well: 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 Focal Theva N°2, the replacement for the discontinued Focal Chora 816; it is rated higher for sound quality than the Klipsch Heresy IV.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Focal Chora 816 | Klipsch Heresy IV | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $900 per pair used, Discontinued | $3,599.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #26 of 188 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #184 of 188 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 50.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 77Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 40.7”H x 11.8”W x 15.3”D (1033.8 x 299.7 x 388.6 mm) | 24.8”H x 15.6”W x 13.3”D |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (3.9 ohms minimum, measured, Audio Science Review) | Approximately 4 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 6.5” (16.5cm) Slatefiber woofer, 6.5” (16.5cm) Slatefiber midrange, 1” (25mm) TNF Al/Mg inverted dome tweeter | 1” horn-loaded tweeter; 1.75” horn-loaded midrange; 12” woofer |
| Sensitivity | 91dB (measured, Audio Science Review) | 94.5dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 40.8 lbs (18.5 kg) each | 45 lbs (20.4 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.30 | 2.27 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.37 | 5.02 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 7, 2026 at 9:25 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
Focal Chora 816: $900 per pair used Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Focal Theva N°2, ranked lower, estimated 4.4/5.
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a generally even on-axis response with nice bass extension and high sensitivity. Predicted in-room response is very good aside from a peak around 8kHz. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±60 degrees is typical and fairly controlled. Distortion is very low at 86dB SPL/1m and still usable at 96dB SPL/1m. Measured bass extension of 60Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 91dB.
Cons: Some messiness appears between 500Hz-2kHz on-axis, including a dip around 550Hz. Vertical directivity narrows a little, so listening height matters more than with a coincident design. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows a fair bit of resonances lingering across the midrange. Distortion rises substantially in the 1-2kHz region at 96dB SPL/1m. Minimum impedance dips to about 3.9 ohms. Discontinued.
Full Focal Chora 816 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 40.7”H x 11.8”W x 15.3”D (1033.8 x 299.7 x 388.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5” (16.5cm) Slatefiber woofer, 6.5” (16.5cm) Slatefiber midrange, 1” (25mm) TNF Al/Mg inverted dome tweeter |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (3.9 ohms minimum, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 91dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.30 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.37 |
| Weight | 40.8 lbs (18.5 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Klipsch Heresy IV: $3,599.98 per pair Amazon Crutchfield 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
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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