Short answer: the Klipsch Heresy IV, if you are buying new. The Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ ranks higher than it (#72 vs #184 of 188 floorstanding speakers, 4.2/5 vs 2.3/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Klipsch Heresy IV is still sold new at $3,599.98.
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 catch: Erin measured a 77Hz F3 and response rolling away near 100Hz in-room, so a subwoofer is required for modern full-range reproduction.
The Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. High-value three-way tower with strong output and unusually deep usable sealed-room bass for the price. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.56 against 2.27 for the Klipsch Heresy IV. Its bass reaches about 62Hz before falling 3dB, against 77Hz for the Klipsch Heresy IV. Watch for: The nominal 4-ohm system approaches 3 ohms near 100Hz in Erin’s measurement, so a high-current amplifier is preferable.
Buy the Klipsch Heresy IV, since the Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch Heresy IV | Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,599.98 per pair | $999 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #184 of 188 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #72 of 188 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 62Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 32Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 94.5dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 89.5dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | Approximately 4 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 3 ohms minimum near 100Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1” horn-loaded tweeter; 1.75” horn-loaded midrange; 12” woofer | 32mm folded-ribbon tweeter; 5.25” midrange; dual 8” woofers |
| Dimensions | 24.8”H x 15.6”W x 13.3”D | 42.7”H x 12.2”W x 12.3”D |
| Weight | 45 lbs (20.4 kg) each | 56.9 lbs (25.8 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.27 | 5.56 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.02 | 7.14 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 AM 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
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 |
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Emotiva Airmotiv T2+: $999 per pair Discontinued Emotiva eBay
Newer model: the Emotiva Airmotiv XT2, ranked higher, estimated 4.2/5 (also discontinued).
Same family: the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ (bookshelf, rated 3/5) and the Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ (center, rated 2.9/5).
Pros: High-value three-way tower with strong output and unusually deep usable sealed-room bass for the price. Erin measured F3 at 62Hz and F10 at 32Hz, with sensitivity just under 90dB/2.83V/1m. Dual 8-inch woven-fiber woofers relieve the 5.25-inch midrange, and the 32mm folded-ribbon tweeter provides broad horizontal coverage. Approximately +/-2.5dB response linearity, solid cabinet bracing and low compression allow substantial playback levels; the gradual low-frequency roll-off integrates well with either room gain or a subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 62Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 89.5dB.
Cons: The nominal 4-ohm system approaches 3 ohms near 100Hz in Erin’s measurement, so a high-current amplifier is preferable. Horizontal and especially vertical directivity through the midrange/tweeter transition is less uniform than the best waveguided or coaxial designs; listener height and nearby reflections matter, and EQ cannot correct the narrowing mismatch. The large rear-ported cabinet needs placement clearance, and its deep F10 should not be confused with flat 30Hz output at cinema levels. Discontinued.
Full Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 32Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 62Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 42.7”H x 12.2”W x 12.3”D |
| Drivers | 32mm folded-ribbon tweeter; 5.25” midrange; dual 8” woofers |
| Impedance | Approximately 3 ohms minimum near 100Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 89.5dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.56 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.14 |
| Weight | 56.9 lbs (25.8 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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