In this review, we will be comparing Heresy IV and Kendall, two Passive Floor-standing speakers from Klipsch and KLH. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch Heresy IV and KLH Kendall 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 IV and KLH Kendall compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both Heresy IV and Kendall are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch Heresy IV |
KLH Kendall |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 1.75-inch |
1 x 5.25-inch |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 12-inch
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
Heresy IV features a 1" titanium-diaphragm compression horn-loaded Tweeter , a 1.75" Midrange and 1 x 12" Fiber-composite Woofer . On the other hand, the Kendall features a 1" anodized aluminum Tweeter , a 5.25" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Woven Kevlar Woofer .
Frequency Response
Heresy IV has a frequency range of 48-20k Hz whereas Kendall has a frequency range of 25-23k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 25Hz, the Kendall can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Heresy IV's min frequency of 48Hz.
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 IV and Kendall have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Heresy IV sensitivity is rated at 99 dB and the Kendall's is at 96 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Klipsch Heresy IV a more sensitive speaker compared to KLH Kendall, 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 IV can handle a max power of 100 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Kendall has a max power handling value of watts RMS, 100 watts less than the Heresy IV.
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 IV and Kendall features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
KLH Kendall's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
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 IV's and KLH Kendall's external dimensions. Klipsch Heresy IV has external dimensions of 631.0 x 394.0 x 337.0mm ( 24-13/16 x 15-1/2 x 13-1/4inch) whereas KLH Kendall has external dimensions of 1021.0 x 212.0 x 380.0mm ( 40-3/16 x 8-5/16 x 14-15/16inch) .
Klipsch Heresy IV is 390mm shorter and 43mm less deeper than KLH Kendall but it is also 182mm wider.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch Heresy IV and KLH Kendall in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch Heresy IV and KLH Kendall 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 IV is approximately 1327.8cm2 / 205.8inch2 and base area of the KLH Kendall is approximately 805.6cm2 / 124.9inch2. The Heresy IV requires 65% more surface area than the Kendall 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 IV weighs 20.45kg / 45lbs and the KLH Kendall weighs 22.14kg / 48.7lbs. This makes the Kendall 8% heavier than the Heresy IV.
Here is a comparison of how Heresy IV and Kendall'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 IV?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Heresy IV:
2 Floor-standing loudspeakers2 Detachable grilles (installed)2 Base risers (installed)8 Self-adhesive rubber feet4 Jumper-straps (installed)Owners ManualCongratulations letterKlipsch brochure
What's in the Box of KLH Kendall?
Here are the items that come with the Kendall:
Floorstanding loudspeakerGrilleFoam port4 Rubber feet4 Spike feet (with nuts)4 Protective discsManual
 Sensitivity |
99 dB
vs
96 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
6.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Height |
631mm
vs
1021mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
| Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
25 Hz
vs
48 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
23k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
805cm2 (212x380mm)
vs
1327cm2 (394x337mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1500USD
vs
3198USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch Heritage Heresy IV |
KLH Kendall |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
KLH |
| Speaker Type |
Floor-standing speaker |
Floor-standing speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 100 watts |
up to 250 watts |
| Sensitivity |
99 dB |
96 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
48-20k Hz |
25-23k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Fiber-composite |
Woven Kevlar |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Treated cloth |
Butyl Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
horn-loaded |
n/a |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
1.75" |
5.25" |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
631.0mm (24.8") |
1021.0mm (40.2") |
| Width |
394.0mm (15.5") |
212.0mm (8.3") |
| Depth |
337.0mm (13.3") |
380.0mm (15") |
| Weight |
20.45kg (45lbs) |
22.14kg (48.7lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood veneer |
MDF/Wood Veneer |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
10 Years |
10 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
10 Years |
10 Years |