In this review, we will be comparing Ultra Tower and Heresy IV, two Passive Floor-standing speakers from SVS and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of SVS Ultra Tower and Klipsch Heresy IV 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 SVS Ultra Tower and Klipsch Heresy IV 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 Ultra Tower and Heresy IV are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
SVS Ultra Tower |
Klipsch Heresy IV |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.0-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
2 x 6.5-inch |
1 x 1.75-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 8.0-inch
|
1 x 12-inch
|
Ultra Tower features a 1.0" aluminum Dome Tweeter , a 6.5" Midrange and 2 x 8.0" Polypropylene Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 160HZ and 2000Hz. On the other hand, the Heresy IV features a 1" titanium-diaphragm compression horn-loaded Tweeter , a 1.75" Midrange and 1 x 12" Fiber-composite Woofer .
Frequency Response
Ultra Tower has a frequency range of 28-32k Hz whereas Heresy IV has a frequency range of 48-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 28Hz, the Ultra Tower 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
Ultra Tower and Heresy IV have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Ultra Tower sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the Heresy IV's is at 99 dB. This 11 dB difference makes the Klipsch Heresy IV a more sensitive speaker compared to SVS Ultra Tower, 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.
Ultra Tower 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 Ultra Tower.
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 Ultra Tower and Heresy IV features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
SVS Ultra Tower'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 SVS Ultra Tower's and Klipsch Heresy IV's external dimensions. SVS Ultra Tower has external dimensions of 1159.0 x 355.0 x 445.0mm ( 45-5/8 x 13-15/16 x 17-1/2inch) whereas 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) .
Klipsch Heresy IV is 528mm shorter and 108mm less deeper than SVS Ultra Tower but it is also 39mm wider.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of SVS Ultra Tower and Klipsch Heresy IV in scale.
Comparison image of SVS Ultra Tower and Klipsch Heresy IV 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 SVS Ultra Tower is approximately 1579.8cm2 / 244.9inch2 and base area of the Klipsch Heresy IV is approximately 1327.8cm2 / 205.8inch2. The Ultra Tower requires 19% more surface area than the Heresy IV 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 SVS Ultra Tower weighs 34.27kg / 75.4lbs and the Klipsch Heresy IV weighs 20.45kg / 45lbs. This makes the Ultra Tower 68% heavier than the Heresy IV.
Here is a comparison of how Ultra Tower and Heresy IV'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 SVS Ultra Tower?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Ultra Tower:
Floorstanding loudspeakerCloth grille2 Metal grillesFoam port plug4 Elastomer isolation feet (pre-installed)4 Spike feet4 Nuts4 Protective discs2 Terminal jumpers (pre-installed)Owners ManualSVS brochureOnline Product Registration Card
What's in the Box of Klipsch Heresy IV?
Here are the items that come with the 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
 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 |
28 Hz
vs
48 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
32k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
2600USD
vs
3198USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Sensitivity |
99 dB
vs
88 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
| Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8.0 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Height |
631mm
vs
1159mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1327cm2 (394x337mm)
vs
1579cm2 (355x445mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
SVS Ultra Tower |
Klipsch Heritage Heresy IV |
| Brand |
SVS |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Floor-standing speaker |
Floor-standing speaker |
| Power Range |
20-300 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
88 dB |
99 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
28-32k Hz |
48-20k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8.0" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Fiber-composite |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Treated cloth |
| Tweeter Size |
1.0" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Dome |
horn-loaded |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
6.5" |
1.75" |
| Crossover Frequency |
160HZ and 2000Hz |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
1159.0mm (45.6") |
631.0mm (24.8") |
| Width |
355.0mm (14") |
394.0mm (15.5") |
| Depth |
445.0mm (17.5") |
337.0mm (13.3") |
| Weight |
34.27kg (75.4lbs) |
20.45kg (45lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Oak veneer |
MDF/Wood veneer |
| Available Colors |
Black Oak,Piano Gloss Black,Piano Gloss White |
Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
10 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
10 Years |