Short answer: the Klipsch Heresy IV for better sound quality, the Klipsch RP-8000F II for the lower price. The Klipsch Heresy IV ranks #34 of 56 floorstanding speakers at $3198. The Klipsch RP-8000F II ranks #42 at $1800, $1398 cheaper.
What the Klipsch Heresy IV gets right: 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 case for the Klipsch RP-8000F II: Highest sensitivity of the RP II floorstander line (~92dB measured) and the best dynamics/compression behavior of the three under load - the cleanest at high output. The tradeoff: Mid-bass sounds lean despite the dual 8-inch woofers, and bass extension disappointed for its size - expected to reach 50Hz, didn’t get there in-room.
Buy the Klipsch Heresy IV if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Klipsch RP-8000F II if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Klipsch RP-8000F II. It ranks near the bottom of the 56 floorstanding speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch Heresy IV | Klipsch RP-8000F II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,198/pair | $1800 |
| Ranked | #34 of 56 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #42 of 56 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 67Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 94.5dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 92dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | Approximately 4 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms nominal (3.7 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1" horn-loaded tweeter; 1.75" horn-loaded midrange; 12" woofer | 1" titanium tweeter with 90x90 Tractrix horn, dual 8" cerametallic woofers |
| Dimensions | 24.8"H x 15.6"W x 13.3"D | 43.1" x 10.8" x 18.3" (1095 x 275 x 464 mm) |
| Weight | 45 lb each | 61.3 lbs / 27.8 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 33Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Frequency Response | - | 35Hz - 25kHz (+-3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 1630Hz |
| Output Power | - | 150W continuous, 600W peak |
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- Klipsch Forte IV vs Polk T50
- Definitive Technology BP-9020 vs Klipsch Forte IV
- ELAC DF63 vs Klipsch Forte IV
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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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Klipsch RP-8000F II: $1800 Amazon
Pros: Highest sensitivity of the RP II floorstander line (~92dB measured) and the best dynamics/compression behavior of the three under load - the cleanest at high output. Dual 8-inch woofers and the highest power handling in the line.
Cons: Mid-bass sounds lean despite the dual 8-inch woofers, and bass extension disappointed for its size - expected to reach 50Hz, didn’t get there in-room. Has its own edgy upper-mid bump (2-6kHz) that’s harder to EQ out than the other two models’ issues, since it stems from the vertical horn/woofer offset rather than simple tonal balance. The most placement-critical of the three, with the narrowest horizontal (~40-50 degrees) and vertical (+5/-10 degrees) dispersion.
Full Klipsch RP-8000F II review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 33Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1630Hz |
| Dimensions | 43.1" x 10.8" x 18.3" (1095 x 275 x 464 mm) |
| Drivers | 1" titanium tweeter with 90x90 Tractrix horn, dual 8" cerametallic woofers |
| Frequency Response | 35Hz - 25kHz (+-3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (3.7 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Output Power | 150W continuous, 600W peak |
| Sensitivity | 92dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 61.3 lbs / 27.8 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-8000F II vs Dynaudio Emit 30
- Klipsch RP-8000F II vs Klipsch RP-6000F II
- Klipsch RP-8000F II vs SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle
- Klipsch RP-8000F II vs Polk T50
- Klipsch RP-8000F II vs Klipsch RP-5000F II
- Klipsch RP-8000F II vs Focal Aria Evo X N°2
- Klipsch RP-8000F II vs KLH Model Five
- Klipsch RP-8000F II vs Sony SS-CS3
- See all 14 comparisons