Short answer: the Klipsch Heresy IV, if you are buying new. The JBL HDI-3800 ranks higher than it (#25 vs #184 of 188 floorstanding speakers, 4.5/5 vs 2.3/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Klipsch Heresy IV is still sold new at $3,599.98.
The JBL HDI-3800 is the more accurate, deeper-bass pick. 2410H-2 1” Teonex compression driver matched to a custom High-Definition Imaging (HDI) horn geometry achieves exceptional horizontal directivity control, high output capability, and effortless transient response. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.62 against 2.27 for the Klipsch Heresy IV. Its bass reaches about 37Hz before falling 3dB, against 77Hz for the Klipsch Heresy IV. Watch for: On-axis frequency response features a narrow upper-frequency elevation around 8-10kHz, performing noticeably smoother when toed out 10-20° off-axis.
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 Klipsch Heresy IV if you want one new; the JBL HDI-3800 is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL HDI-3800 | Klipsch Heresy IV | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5,000 per pair Discontinued | $3,599.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #25 of 188 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #184 of 188 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 28Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 50.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 77Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 43.3”H x 11.8”W x 16.4”D (1100.5 x 300.0 x 417.8 mm) | 24.8”H x 15.6”W x 13.3”D |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.8 ohms minimum, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 4 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 92dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 94.5dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1 in. 2410H-2 Teonex compression driver with HDI horn, triple 8 in. Advanced Aluminum Matrix cone woofers | 1” horn-loaded tweeter; 1.75” horn-loaded midrange; 12” woofer |
| Weight | 83.8 lbs (38.0 kg) each | 45 lbs (20.4 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.62 | 2.27 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.03 | 5.02 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL HDI-3800: $5,000 per pair Discontinued eBay
Same family: the JBL HDI-1600 (bookshelf, rated 4.2/5), the JBL HDI-3600 (smaller floorstanding, ranked lower, rated 4.3/5) and the JBL HDI-4500 (center, rated 3.7/5).
Pros: 2410H-2 1” Teonex compression driver matched to a custom High-Definition Imaging (HDI) horn geometry achieves exceptional horizontal directivity control, high output capability, and effortless transient response. Triple 8” Advanced Aluminum Matrix woofers deliver deep, authoritative bass extension down to an F3 of 37Hz and F10 of 28Hz with minimal low-frequency compression. Outstanding sensitivity (92dB SPL at 2.83V/1m) and ultra-low THD/multitone distortion allow extremely high undistorted SPL output in large home theater spaces. Measured bass extension of 37Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 92dB.
Cons: On-axis frequency response features a narrow upper-frequency elevation around 8-10kHz, performing noticeably smoother when toed out 10-20° off-axis. Vertical directivity handoff across the triple woofer layout creates vertical soundstage height tilt depending on listening distance and ear height. Minimum impedance dips to 3.8 ohms, requiring high-current amplifier stability. Substantial cabinet dimensions and 38kg weight require significant room real estate. Discontinued.
Full JBL HDI-3800 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 28Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 43.3”H x 11.8”W x 16.4”D (1100.5 x 300.0 x 417.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 1 in. 2410H-2 Teonex compression driver with HDI horn, triple 8 in. Advanced Aluminum Matrix cone woofers |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.8 ohms minimum, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 92dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.62 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.03 |
| Weight | 83.8 lbs (38.0 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- 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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