Klipsch Heresy Review

Klipsch speakers are akin to the sound you hear in a live concert – detailed, emotional, and powerful! They have a range of offerings that fit the everyday music listener to an audiophile. 

And if you have as much passion for music, performance, recording, and composition and are looking for the best quality floor standing speakers from this brand, we introduce to you the Heresy speakers. They were popular 50 years ago and still are today with few improvements from design to features.

So, let’s go through this Klipsch Heresy review to learn everything you need to know before you buy and find out whether they’re the perfect pair for you!

TLDR: Klipsch Heresy III Floorstanding Speaker Review

Product Description

Klipsch Heresy III was first introduced in the market in 1957 as a three-way design compact center channel speaker to accompany the Klipschorn loudspeaker in the three-speaker stereo arrays. But in 1985, Klipsch made some improvements and re-released the model as Klipsch Heresy II. Klipsch did not stop there as they again made changes in the model.

Now, with a larger magnet assembly, titanium diaphragm Tweeter, and a bi-wire network, Klipsch refers to this model as the Heresy III floorstanding speaker. All these improvements result in increased output and tonal balance. In terms of sound quality, the Klipsch Heresy III Floorstanding Speaker is now two decibels louder (from 96db to 98db) and has improved high sensitivity.

User Experience

Despite being a half-century-old speaker, this latest version of the Heresy speaker sounds better compared to its predecessors and it comes with a totally different design. When you get a pair of this speaker, you get a certificate, highlighting that you now own one of the “highly-acclaimed” and “most-revered” loudspeakers of high-fidelity audio. And we can say it’s a good claim.

True to its word, it is the only floorstanding speaker we can think of that has been in continuous production for over 50 years already. Thanks to the company founder Paul Klipsch that the company he started still bears his name.

The sound quality is remarkably similar. But because of technological advances, minor frequency response irregularities were removed, sound efficiency improved (thanks to compression drivers), and the power-handling ability of the floorstanding speakers was increased!

Design

The Klipsch Heresy III speakers have a relatively compact size and this design offers it a good degree of placement flexibility vs. other speakers in the Klipsch Heritage Series line. It is a three-way design that utilizes a horn-loaded Titanium diaphragm midrange that helps the speakers achieve very high efficiencies, which are about 10 times the sound efficiency of direct-radiating loudspeakers.

Today’s Heresy is now available in high-quality black ash wood, cherry, or walnut finish. Its cabinet is MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) and is assembled in the USA. With a slight title upward, the whole speaker measures 23.8 x 15.5 x 13.25 inches. It also comes with a slang riser base for better floor placement, although you can remove it should you decide on cabinet installation.

We mentioned earlier it allows a lot of placement flexibility because of its size, which is slightly bigger than a bookshelf size. The  Heresy III’s design may be basic compared to other high-end bookshelf speakers or the most recent floorstanding speakers, it still looks beautiful. The MDF cabinet even just captures the timeless look of the original Klipsch speakers.

What Makes it Stand Out: Value, Sensitivity, and Efficiency

One of the best features of the Klipsch Heresy III speakers (and other speakers in the Klipsch line) is their value. Today, it’s not easy to find another pair of floorstanding in the audio market that provides the same low distortion characteristic and loudness as what Heresy III offers at this price point.

These efficient speakers can also produce a good sound at a low asking price and with minimal power! Not to mention the minimum impedance of these speakers is about 4.2 ohms at 150Hz. Take note, that the lower the impedance, the greater current is flowing through the speaker.

The efficiency is created for the tweeter drivers and horn-loaded midrange drivers. The 1.75-inch midrange compression driver as well as the 1-inch compression tweeter produce the sound better. Another interesting part of Heresy III is its sensitivity. It can produce sound beyond 100dB SPL even with low power. This is higher compared to other speakers in the market!

Looking for AV receivers to host essential functions for your home theater system? Check out our list of the best receivers for Klipsch speakers here!

Pros 

• Better dynamic range with power
• Available in Cherry, Black Ash, or Walnut wood veneer finish
• Classic design that captures the original Klipsch center channel speaker
• Sound great; deliver low distortion, dynamic, and smooth sound
• 99 dB sensitivity
• Nice bass response
• The speakers fit well in most modern rooms or even in a small room

Cons

• Some don’t prefer the boxy appearance 
• Not as magical- or rich-sounding as other expensive speakers
• The speakers cheaped out on the speaker terminals a little bit, although understandable for their price

Is it worth it to try?

Heresy III is worth buying. It may not be for everyone but if you want to create a sound system that meets an audio enthusiast or audiophile standard, then this speaker won’t disappoint you!

In-Depth Review of Klipsch Heresy Speakers

Specifications

FREQUENCY RESPONSE:	(+/- 4 dB) 58Hz – 20kHz
POWER HANDLING (CONT/PEAK):	100W/400W
SENSITIVITY:	99dB @ 2.83V / 1m
MAXIMUM SPL:	116dB Continuous
NOMINAL IMPEDANCE:	8 ohms Compatible
CROSSOVER FREQUENCY:	HF: 5000Hz MF: 850Hz
HIGH-FREQUENCY DRIVER:	K-107-TI 1” (2.54cm) Titanium diaphragm compression driver
MIDRANGE:	K-53-TI 1.75” (4.45cm) Titanium diaphragm compression driver
LOW-FREQUENCY DRIVER:	K-28-E 12” (30.48cm) Fiber-composite cone woofer
ENCLOSURE MATERIAL:	MDF
HEIGHT:	23.81” (60.5cm)
WIDTH:	15.5” (39.37cm)
DEPTH:	13.25” (33.66cm)
WEIGHT:	44lbs (20kg)
FINISH:	Walnut, Cherry, Black

Quality and Durability

Heresy III delivers low distortion, dynamic, and smooth sound. Because they are floorstanding Klipsch speakers, do expect that they are often among the first things that visitors notice when they enter the listening room where they are installed. And when you turn them on their crisp, clean sound is impressive.

The sound that Klipsch Heresy III creates is different or more recessed compared to non-horn speakers. Its 12-inch powerful woofer likewise helps produce low-frequency range sounds. Some customers even likened these floorstanding speakers to pro-PA speakers.

Additional Features

The improved Heresy III: from a compact center channel speaker to a floorstanding speaker

Sold in matched pairs, the Heresy 3 speakers are aesthetically appealing and each component is built to last. This is because Klipsch recognized the critical and unique role that loudspeaker cabinets play in the sound reproduction process. That is why their engineers from Indianapolis and craftsmen from Hope, Arkansas put emphasis on the durability and design of the cabinet.

It may not be the best speakers of its class, but they showcase true hi-fi sound.

Warranty

Klipsch provides a 5-year warranty from defects in material and workmanship for sales to consumers in the United States and Canada. The warranty on this Klipsch speaker sold to consumers outside the US and Canada shall follow the applicable law and be the sole responsibility of the distributor that supplied the product.

Who is it best for?

The Heresy III is best for speaker aficionados who are in the market for a mid-priced speaker but produces high-priced sound. Even for people who love to listen to vintage concert recordings, these speakers work well. And when paired with the right set-up, the Heresy III will surely shine its sonic glory.

More info about the best amplifier for Klipsch speakers can be found on this link!

Nice Improvements with the Klipsch Heresy IV 

It appears that Klipsch makes much sound efficiency with its speakers and they proved it once again with their Heresy IV! The Heresy IV  comes with nice improvements. 

For instance, it comes with an all-new K-702 midrange compression driver that brings lifeline voice presentation. It features a polyimide diaphragm that offers exceptional sound detail and more extended response. 

For the first time, one that is not seen in the previous version is the rear port for fast air transfer. With this feature, the Heresy IV reduces port noise and bass is super tight and fast. The Heresy IV also comes with Tractrix ports, which have custom-designed inner flares that reduce air turbulence that enter the port and result in more powerful and cleaner bass. They are also a better choice at high frequencies.

If you describe Klipsch as “fun” when listening to music using the Heresy III model, you’d be surprised that the Heresy IV brings so much more to the table at a slightly higher price than the previous model. Still, both can play loud music from your listening space.

Then, the IV’s tweeter has the same titanium diaphragm as its predecessor the Heresy III but it has a new phase plug. The company said that because of this improvement, it allows a more expansive sweet spot and wider high-frequency dispersion.

What Do People Say About it?

Amazon

Most Amazon buyers gave the product positive feedback and a 5-star rating. One customer reviewed, “Heresy-III sounds heaven! Tested the base with Beethoven’s ‘Eroica’ Symphony and Philip Glass ‘Einstein on the Beach’ … perfect! Tested the mid/tweeter with Bach’s Violin Partitas, a sampling of Nina Simone and Dire Straits ‘Brothers in Arms, also perfect!”

However, there were a few who were not so happy with their purchase and among them is an Amazon customer from the US. He said, “A lot of people [say] these are great speakers, but you’ll need to consider their tastes. If you are interested in having a mid-forward sound then this is a great speaker. [But]  there is nothing modern about their sound and [there] are probably a lot of speakers hanging out at second-hand stores that could give similar results for 1/8th of the price.”

YouTube

Andrew Robinson said, “No other loudspeaker that I can recall has probably as much of a love-hate relationship as Klipsch. They are customer favorites. They are fan favorites. They are extremely popular here on YouTube. And yet, in audiophile circles, I don’t think they’re really well-liked and well-received… For the 20 years that I’ve been in the specialty AV press, I have never reviewed a Klipsch loudspeaker. Well, that is going to change today.

[With Heresy III,] there’s a lot right here. It’s not hard to get the mixture right. You don’t have to be an expert…But if you’re a bass head and you want to really have some punch, you’re gonna want to make it into a subwoofer.”

Meanwhile, Steve Guttenberg Audiophiliac compared the Heresy IIIs to Bowers & Wilkins 705 S2. In terms of price, the Heresy IIIs are way more affordable than the B&W but he believes the Heresy speakers sound good. 

Guttenberg said, “[The Klipsch speakers] are blowing my mind… B&W is very much an audiophile speaker. It’s faster, more open, and more detailed. But the Heresy has a size advantage. It’s a cheaper speaker… It has a dynamic life. It has a fuller, sweeter, more natural mid-range. It just has more life to it!” 

Reddit and other forums

In one Reddit thread asking opinion about Heresy, where one participant said, “I really thought the hype would let me down, but these things sound so so good! The issues with the low end I’ve read about are not an issue at all in my case.”

In another platform where audio enthusiasts share their opinion on speakers, one said, “The Heresy is a center channel, no more and no less…My Left and right fronts are a pair of Klipsch Chorus II’s, Klipsch Cornwall II’s Forte II’s.”

Bottom line: Should You Buy It?

The Heresy speakers are worth adding to your stereo system. The sound they produce is natural and with good definition. The midrange is crisp that sounds natural, while highs come across without break-up. They truly are a great development in both audio gear and music.

For sound quality, legacy, value, and construction, we would recommend this to everyone. Some of the best speakers from Klipsch that you may also want to check out are the R-15M bookshelf speaker and Klipsch’s Reference R-10B.

If you like this article, you might want to read our other reviews at SpeakerTune.com.