Short answer: the Klipsch Heresy IV for better sound quality, the Polk T50 for the lower price. The Klipsch Heresy IV ranks #37 of 59 floorstanding speakers at $3198. The Polk T50 ranks #48 at $249, $2949 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. 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.
What the Polk T50 gets right: Pretty deep bass for the price. Distortion at 86dB SPL/1m is reasonably controlled outside a narrow spike around 250Hz. Set against that: 5dB peak at 1khz, 4dB bright top end from 11khz on up. Just okay vertical off axis.
Buy the Klipsch Heresy IV if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Polk T50 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Polk T50. It ranks near the bottom of the 59 floorstanding speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch Heresy IV | Polk T50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,198/pair | $249.00 |
| Ranked | #37 of 59 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #48 of 59 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 47Hz (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) | 86.3dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | Approximately 4 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal (4.2 ohms minimum, measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 1" horn-loaded tweeter; 1.75" horn-loaded midrange; 12" woofer | 2x 6.5" bi-laminate paper cone woofers, 1x 1" Terylene dome tweeter + 2x 8" passive bass radiators |
| Dimensions | 24.8"H x 15.6"W x 13.3"D | 40.4"H x 9.3"W x 12.5"D (1026.2 x 235.0 x 317.5 mm) |
| Weight | 45 lb each | 75.4 lbs / 34.2 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | passive radiator |
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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 (-10dB) | 50.0Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| 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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Polk T50: $249.00 Amazon
Pros: Pretty deep bass for the price. Distortion at 86dB SPL/1m is reasonably controlled outside a narrow spike around 250Hz. The reviewer notes performance is “not too bad for a budget speaker” once the two main tonal issues are addressed with EQ.
Cons: 5dB peak at 1khz, 4dB bright top end from 11khz on up. Just okay vertical off axis. Impedance and phase show several resonances between 200Hz-1kHz, with a minimum impedance of 4.2 ohms. Distortion rises substantially at 96dB SPL/1m across the midrange, with repeated peaks between 100Hz-2kHz.
Full Polk T50 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 47Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 40.4"H x 9.3"W x 12.5"D (1026.2 x 235.0 x 317.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 6.5" bi-laminate paper cone woofers, 1x 1" Terylene dome tweeter + 2x 8" passive bass radiators |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (4.2 ohms minimum, measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 86.3dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 75.4 lbs / 34.2 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | passive radiator |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons