Short answer: the Klipsch Heresy IV for better sound quality, the Klipsch RP-5000F II for the lower price. The Klipsch Heresy IV ranks #34 of 56 floorstanding speakers at $3198. The Klipsch RP-5000F II ranks #38 at $1199.98, $1998.02 cheaper.
On the Klipsch Heresy IV side: 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. Set against that: Erin measured a 77Hz F3 and response rolling away near 100Hz in-room, so a subwoofer is required for modern full-range reproduction.
What the Klipsch RP-5000F II offers: The most tonally coherent of the RP II floorstander line, with a mild baffle-step dip and treble tilt but no additional coloration issues beyond that. Watch for: Bass extension is underwhelming for a floorstander - F3 at 55Hz, F10 at 41Hz - and needs a subwoofer.
Buy the Klipsch Heresy IV if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Klipsch RP-5000F II if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch Heresy IV | Klipsch RP-5000F II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,198/pair | $1199.98 |
| Ranked | #34 of 56 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #38 of 56 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 55Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 94.5dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 90dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | Approximately 4 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1" horn-loaded tweeter; 1.75" horn-loaded midrange; 12" woofer | 1" titanium tweeter with Tractrix horn, dual 5.25" cerametallic woofers |
| Dimensions | 24.8"H x 15.6"W x 13.3"D | 36.1" x 8.1" x 14.8" (917 x 207 x 375 mm) |
| Weight | 45 lb each | 38.6 lbs / 17.5 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Frequency Response | - | 40Hz - 25kHz (+-3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 1900Hz |
| Output Power | - | 100W continuous, 400W peak |
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The Two Speakers In Full
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 |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Klipsch RP-5000F II: $1199.98 Amazon
Pros: The most tonally coherent of the RP II floorstander line, with a mild baffle-step dip and treble tilt but no additional coloration issues beyond that. Precise imaging thanks to the controlled horn/waveguide directivity.
Cons: Bass extension is underwhelming for a floorstander - F3 at 55Hz, F10 at 41Hz - and needs a subwoofer. Narrow horizontal dispersion (~50-60 degrees) trades soundstage width for imaging precision. A mild high-frequency tilt and a slight lack of detail around 1-1.5kHz.
Full Klipsch RP-5000F II review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1900Hz |
| Dimensions | 36.1" x 8.1" x 14.8" (917 x 207 x 375 mm) |
| Drivers | 1" titanium tweeter with Tractrix horn, dual 5.25" cerametallic woofers |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 25kHz (+-3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Output Power | 100W continuous, 400W peak |
| Sensitivity | 90dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 38.6 lbs / 17.5 kg |
| 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 RP-5000F II vs SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle
- Klipsch RP-5000F II vs KEF Q11 Meta
- Klipsch RP-5000F II vs Monolith THX-365T
- Klipsch RP-5000F II vs Klipsch RP-8000F II
- Klipsch RP-5000F II vs Dynaudio Emit 30
- Klipsch RP-5000F II vs Klipsch Forte IV
- Klipsch RP-5000F II vs Klipsch RP-6000F II
- Klipsch RP-5000F II vs Infinity Primus 360
- See all 14 comparisons