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Klipsch Heresy IV vs Polk R700 Comparison

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Klipsch Heresy IV

Passive Floor-standing | 48-20k Hz

Klipsch Heritage Heresy IV
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Polk R700

Passive Floor-standing | 38-38k Hz

Polk Audio Reserve R700
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Klipsch Heresy IV Klipsch Heresy IV
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Polk R700 Polk R700
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Klipsch Heresy IV
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Polk R700
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Klipsch Heresy IV vs Polk R700 Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing Heresy IV and R700, two Passive Floor-standing speakers from Klipsch and Polk Audio.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Klipsch Heresy IV and Polk R700 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Klipsch Heresy IV Key Specs

  • 3-way Design
  • 1" horn-loaded Tweeter
  • 1.75" Midrange
  • 12" Fiber-composite Woofer
  • 48-20k Hz Frequency Response
  • 99 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:up to 100watts
  • Weight:20.45kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 631.0" x 15-1/2" x 13-1/4"( 631.0 x 394.0 x 337.0mm )

Polk R700 Key Specs

  • 3-way Design
  • 1" Pinnacle Ring Radiator Tweeter
  • 6.5" Midrange
  • 2 x 8" Polypropylene Woofer
  • 6.5" Midrange
  • 38-38k Hz Frequency Response
  • 88 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:50-300watts
  • Weight:35.90kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 1143.8" x 12.6" x 16.9"( 1143.8 x 320.7 x 428.3mm )

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Klipsch Heresy IV and Polk R700 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

Both Heresy IV and R700 are 3-way speakers.

Driver Klipsch Heresy IV Polk R700
Driver Setup 3-way 3-way
Tweeter 1-inch 1-inch
Midrange 1 x 1.75-inch 1 x 6.5-inch
Woofer 1 x 12-inch 2 x 8-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 R700 features a 1" Pinnacle Ring Radiator Tweeter , a 6.5" Midrange and 2 x 8" Polypropylene Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 350Hz and 2700Hz.

Frequency Response

Heresy IV has a frequency range of 48-20k Hz whereas R700 has a frequency range of 38-38k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 38Hz, the R700 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

Heresy IV
R700
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Floor-standing Speakers

Klipsch Heresy IV
Polk R700
Min
Average
Max

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 R700 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 R700's is at 88 dB. This 11 dB difference makes the Klipsch Heresy IV a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk R700, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Floor-standing Speakers

Heresy IV
R700
Min
Average
Max

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 300 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Heresy IV has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 200 watts less than the R700.

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 R700 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.

Polk R700Post Terminals
Polk R700's Post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring

Polk R700  Port
Polk R700 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 IV's and Polk R700'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 Polk R700 has external dimensions of 1143.8 x 320.7 x 428.3mm ( 45 x 12.6 x 16.9inch) .

Klipsch Heresy IV is 512.8mm shorter and 91.3mm less deeper than Polk R700 but it is also 73.3mm wider.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch Heresy IV and Polk R700 in scale.

Klipsch Heresy IV vs Polk R700 Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Klipsch Heresy IV and Polk R700 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 Polk R700 is approximately 1373.6cm2 / 212.9inch2. The Heresy IV requires 3% less surface area than the R700 which gives it a small advantage 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 Polk R700 weighs 35.90kg / 79lbs. This makes the R700 76% heavier than the Heresy IV.

Here is a comparison of how Heresy IV and R700's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Floor-standing class.

Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
Klipsch Heresy IV
Polk R700
Min
Average
Max

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 loudspeakers
  • 2 Detachable grilles (installed)
  • 2 Base risers (installed)
  • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • 4 Jumper-straps (installed)
  • Owners Manual
  • Congratulations letter
  • Klipsch brochure
  • What's in the Box of Polk R700?

    Here are the items that come with the R700:
  • Floorstanding loudspeaker
  • 4 Outrigger feet (pre-installed)
  • 4 Rubber feet (pre-installed)
  • 4 Spike feet (pre-installed)
  • Grille
  • Hex-key
  • Owner's Manual
  • Online Registration

  • Reasons to choose Klipsch Heritage Heresy IV over Polk Audio Reserve R700
    Sensitivity 99 dB vs 88 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    Woofer Size 12 inches vs 8 inches Larger woofer
    Height 631mm vs 1143mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 1327cm2 vs 1373cm2 Takes less floor space

    Reasons to choose Polk Audio Reserve R700 over Klipsch Heritage Heresy IV

    Max Input Power 300 watts vs 100 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    Number of Woofers 2 vs 1 More woofers
    Low Frequency Response 38 Hz vs 48 Hz Generates deeper bass
    High Frequency Response 38k Hz vs 20k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Price per pair* 2198USD vs 3198USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
    Klipsch Heresy IV vs Polk R700 Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Klipsch Heritage Heresy IV Polk Audio Reserve R700
    Brand Klipsch Polk Audio
    Speaker Type Floor-standing speaker Floor-standing speaker
    Power Range up to 100 watts 50-300 watts
    Sensitivity 99 dB 88 dB
    Impedance 8 ohms 8 ohms
    Impedance n/a 3.6 ohms
    Frequency Response 48-20k Hz 38-38k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 2
    Woofer Size 12" 8"
    Woofer Composition Fiber-composite Polypropylene
    Woofer Surround Material Treated cloth Rubber
    Tweeter Size 1" 1"
    Tweeter Type horn-loaded Pinnacle Ring Radiator
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver 1.75" 6.5"
    Crossover Frequency n/a 350Hz and 2700Hz
    Firing Direction n/a bottom
    Physical Specs
    Height 631.0mm (24.8") 1143.8mm (45")
    Width 394.0mm (15.5") 320.7mm (12.6")
    Depth 337.0mm (13.3") 428.3mm (16.9")
    Weight 20.45kg (45lbs) 35.90kg (79lbs)
    Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass Reflex
    Finish MDF/Wood veneer MDF/Vinyl
    Available Colors Black Black, Walnut, White
    Grille Yes Yes
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Biamp Inputs Yes Yes
    Other
    Parts Warranty 10 Years 5 Years
    Labor Warranty 10 Years 5 Years

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