Klipsch Heresy IV vs Klipsch RP-8000F II

Last updated: October 1, 2026

Short answer: the Klipsch Heresy IV for sensitivity, the RP-8000F II for the cleanest high-output behavior of the RP II line. The Heresy IV measures 94.5dB/2.83V/1m and its 12-inch woofer plus horns give strong short-term output, but its 77Hz F3 needs a subwoofer. The RP-8000F II is the most sensitive RP II floorstander at about 92dB measured and the cleanest under load, yet its mid-bass sounds lean and it did not reach the expected 50Hz in-room.

Klipsch Heresy IV vs Klipsch RP-8000F II

Buy the Klipsch RP-8000F II. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Klipsch Heresy IV and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.

Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.

Specifications Side By Side

Klipsch Heresy IV Klipsch RP-8000F II
Price$3,198 per pair$1,159.98 per pair
Ranked#72 of 74 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers#49 of 74 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers
Bass Extension (-3dB)77Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)67Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-10dB)50.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)33Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity94.5dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)92dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
ImpedanceApproximately 4 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)8 ohms nominal (3.7 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Drivers1” horn-loaded tweeter; 1.75” horn-loaded midrange; 12” woofer1” titanium tweeter with 90x90 Tractrix horn, dual 8” cerametallic woofers
Dimensions24.8”H x 15.6”W x 13.3”D43.1” x 10.8” x 18.3” (1095 x 275 x 464 mm)
Weight45 lbs (20.4 kg) each61.3 lbs (27.8 kg)
Woofer Cabinetported, rearported, rear
Spinorama Preference Score2.275.39
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub5.027.12
DIY KitNoNo
Frequency Response-35Hz - 25kHz (+-3dB, Manufacturer specified)
Crossover Frequency-1630Hz
Power Handling-150W continuous, 600W peak

How Klipsch RP-8000F II compares with other leading options:

Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 PM 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: $3,198 per pair Amazon Crutchfield eBay

Klipsch Heresy IV ranking card

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.

Bass Extension (-10dB)50.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)77Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY KitNo
Dimensions24.8”H x 15.6”W x 13.3”D
Drivers1” horn-loaded tweeter; 1.75” horn-loaded midrange; 12” woofer
ImpedanceApproximately 4 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity94.5dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score2.27
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub5.02
Weight45 lbs (20.4 kg) each
Woofer Cabinetported, rear

Klipsch RP-8000F II: $1,159.98 per pair Amazon eBay

Klipsch RP-8000F II ranking card

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. Measured bass extension of 67Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 92dB.

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.

Bass Extension (-10dB)33Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)67Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency1630Hz
DIY KitNo
Dimensions43.1” x 10.8” x 18.3” (1095 x 275 x 464 mm)
Drivers1” titanium tweeter with 90x90 Tractrix horn, dual 8” cerametallic woofers
Frequency Response35Hz - 25kHz (+-3dB, Manufacturer specified)
Impedance8 ohms nominal (3.7 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Power Handling150W continuous, 600W peak
Sensitivity92dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score5.39
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub7.12
Weight61.3 lbs (27.8 kg)
Woofer Cabinetported, rear