In this review, we will be comparing Heresy III and RP-8000F, two Passive Floor-standing speakers by Klipsch Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch Heresy III and Klipsch RP-8000F first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Klipsch Heresy III and Klipsch RP-8000F compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Heresy III is a 3-way design whereas the RP-8000F is a 2-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
| Driver |
Klipsch Heresy III |
Klipsch RP-8000F |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 1.75-inch |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 12-inch
|
2 x 8-inch
|
Heresy III features a 1" titanium-diaphragm compression Tractrix horn Tweeter , a 1.75" Midrange and 1 x 12" Fiber-composite Woofer . On the other hand, the RP-8000F features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 2 x 8" Cerametallic Woofer .
Frequency Response
Heresy III has a frequency range of 58-20k Hz whereas RP-8000F has a frequency range of 32-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 32Hz, the RP-8000F can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Heresy III's min frequency of 58Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Floor-standing class in our database.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
High Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Heresy III and RP-8000F have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Heresy III sensitivity is rated at 99 dB and the RP-8000F's is at 98 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Klipsch Heresy III a more sensitive speaker compared to Klipsch RP-8000F, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Floor-standing Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
Heresy III can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Heresy III has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 50 watts less than the RP-8000F.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Both Heresy III and RP-8000F features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
Klipsch RP-8000F's Post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Klipsch RP-8000F Port
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Klipsch Heresy III's and Klipsch RP-8000F's external dimensions. Klipsch Heresy III has external dimensions of 607.0 x 394.0 x 342.0mm ( 23-7/8 x 15-1/2 x 13-7/16inch) whereas Klipsch RP-8000F has external dimensions of 1099.0 x 277.0 x 445.0mm ( 43-1/4 x 10-7/8 x 17-1/2inch) .
Klipsch Heresy III is 492mm shorter and 103mm less deeper than Klipsch RP-8000F but it is also 117mm wider.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch Heresy III and Klipsch RP-8000F in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch Heresy III and Klipsch RP-8000F Size and External Dimensions
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the Klipsch Heresy III is approximately 1347.5cm2 / 208.9inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-8000F is approximately 1232.7cm2 / 191.1inch2. The Heresy III requires 9% more surface area than the RP-8000F which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The Klipsch Heresy III weighs 20.00kg / 44lbs and the Klipsch RP-8000F weighs 27.27kg / 60lbs. This makes the RP-8000F 36% heavier than the Heresy III.
Here is a comparison of how Heresy III and RP-8000F's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Floor-standing class.
Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
What's in the Box of Klipsch Heresy III?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Heresy III:
Floor-standing loudspeakerDetachable grille (installed)Base riser (installed)4 Self-adhesive rubber feetOwners ManualCongratulations letterKlipsch brochure
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-8000F?
Here are the items that come with the RP-8000F:
Floorstanding loudspeakerStabilizer feet (installed)Grille (installed)2 Terminal jumpers (installed)User ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
 Sensitivity |
99 dB
vs
98 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Height |
607mm
vs
1099mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
| Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
32 Hz
vs
58 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
1232cm2 (277x445mm)
vs
1347cm2 (394x342mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1658USD
vs
2346USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch Capitol Heresy III |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-8000F |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Floor-standing speaker |
Floor-standing speaker |
| Power Range |
100 watts |
up to 150 watts |
| Sensitivity |
99 dB |
98 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
58-20k Hz |
32-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Fiber-composite |
Cerametallic |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Treated cloth |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix horn |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
1.75" |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
607.0mm (23.9") |
1099.0mm (43.3") |
| Width |
394.0mm (15.5") |
277.0mm (10.9") |
| Depth |
342.0mm (13.5") |
445.0mm (17.5") |
| Weight |
20.00kg (44lbs) |
27.27kg (60lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood veneer |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Blonde Cherry |
Walnut, Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |