Short answer: the Klipsch Heresy IV, if you are buying new. The Infinity Reference 253 ranks higher than it (#178 vs #220 of 226 floorstanding speakers, 3.5/5 vs 2.3/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Klipsch Heresy IV is still sold new at $3,599.98.
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 Infinity Reference 253 is the more accurate pick. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±60 degrees is fairly smooth and well controlled. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.43 against 2.27 for the Klipsch Heresy IV. Watch for: CEA2034 spinorama and predicted in-room response both show elevated treble above 4kHz (“too hot”), a dip around 2kHz, and bass shelved down relative to the midrange.
Buy the Klipsch Heresy IV new; the Infinity Reference 253 is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch Heresy IV | Infinity Reference 253 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,599.98 per pair | $400 per pair used, Discontinued |
| Ranked | #220 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #178 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 38Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 94.5dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 86.9dB (measured by Audio Science Review; 88dB manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | Approximately 4 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 6 ohms |
| Drivers | 1” horn-loaded tweeter; 1.75” horn-loaded midrange; 12” woofer | Dual 5.25” (130mm) CMMD™ woofers, 5.25” (130mm) flat-piston CMMD™ midrange, 1” (25mm) CMMD™ tweeter |
| Dimensions | 24.8”H x 15.6”W x 13.3”D | 40.3”H x 6.8”W x 12.4”D (1023.6 x 172.7 x 315 mm) |
| Weight | 45 lbs (20.4 kg) each | 39.2 lbs (17.8 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.27 | 5.43 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.02 | 7.31 (spinorama.org) |
| 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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Infinity Reference 253: $400 per pair used Discontinued eBay
Same family: the Infinity Reference R152 (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.8/5), the Infinity Reference R162 (larger bookshelf, rated 3.8/5), the Infinity Reference R263 (larger floorstanding, ranked higher, rated 4.4/5), the Infinity Reference RC252 (smaller center, rated 4.4/5), the Infinity Reference RC263 (larger center, rated 4.2/5) and the Infinity Speakers REFERENCE SUB R12 (subwoofer, rated 3.7/5).
Pros: Horizontal beamwidth of about ±60 degrees is fairly smooth and well controlled. Really amazing value for the performance. Measured bass extension of 78Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86.9dB.
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama and predicted in-room response both show elevated treble above 4kHz (“too hot”), a dip around 2kHz, and bass shelved down relative to the midrange. Vertical directivity requires staying at or below the tweeter axis for accurate tonal balance. Distortion at 96dB SPL/1m is broadly elevated above the reviewer’s audibility threshold across much of the midrange. Minimum impedance dips to 4.2 ohms. Discontinued.
Full Infinity Reference 253 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 40.3”H x 6.8”W x 12.4”D (1023.6 x 172.7 x 315 mm) |
| Drivers | Dual 5.25” (130mm) CMMD™ woofers, 5.25” (130mm) flat-piston CMMD™ midrange, 1” (25mm) CMMD™ tweeter |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 86.9dB (measured by Audio Science Review; 88dB manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.43 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.31 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 39.2 lbs (17.8 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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