Klipsch Just Gave Its Iconic Heritage Loudspeakers a Refined Upgrade

Klipsch’s Heritage loudspeakers are a true staple of American hi-fi. Dating back to the mid-20th century, they combine the brand’s signature horn-loaded designs with beautifully crafted cabinets made from high-quality hardwood, resulting in a look and sound that is truly unique.

Its Heritage line started in 1946 with the original Klipschorn — which still holds the distinction of being the longest-continuously produced speaker in history — but now features several other models, including the Heresy (’57), Cornwall (’59), La Scala (’63), Forte (’85) and Jubilee (2022).

Today, Klipsch continues to manufacture these same Heritage loudspeakers in Hope, Arkansas, just like it has been doing for nearly eight decades. Although today’s breed of Heritage loudspeakers has been updated with modern acoustic and aesthetic upgrades.

Earlier this year, it introduced new versions of its Klipschorn and La Scala loudspeakers, giving them updated drivers and crossovers. And now, while not as drastic an enhancement, Klipsch has revealed that it is bringing an aesthetic change to two of most popular Heritage loudspeakers.

Heresy IV and Forte IV, refined

Klipsch

A Red Oak finish

This week, Klipsch announced that it will offer its Heresy IV and Forte IV loudspeakers in a new “Red Oak” finish, paired with a soft-gray heathered speaker grille. According to the brand, this “adds a contemporary, design-forward twist to the celebrated Heritage aesthetic.”

Both Heresy IV and Forte IV loudspeakers are also available in three other finishes: American Walnut, American Auburn or Black Ash.

Klipsch

As a reminder, the Heresy IV are the company’s fourth-generation Heresy loudspeakers. The compact three-way floorstanding loudspeakers were originally designed as a “two-thirds version” of the Klipschorn, featuring the same midrange and tweeter drivers, but a different woofer.

Out of all Klipsch’s Heritage loudspeakers, the Heresy is the most compact and most affordable … which is why it’s also one of the most popular.

Klipsch

The Forte is the larger of the two floorstanding loudspeakers. In fact, it’s the next step up, as it sits between the Heresy and the Cornwall — it’s taller than the Heresy, thinner than Cornwall — in the company’s Heritage lineup.

The Forte IV is the latest version. It has a design very similar to the original Forte, which was released in 1985 (making it one of the newer Heritage models), but it has been updated with modern crossover networks.

Klipsch

Price and availability

Both the Heresy IV and Forte IV loudspeakers in the new Red Oak finish are available via the company’s website.

The Heresy IV in Red Oak costs $3,589 (pair), while the Forte IV in Red Oak costs $5,499 (pair). These prices are the same as those for the other finish options.

Klipsch

Klipsch Heresy IV (Red Oak)

• $3,598 at Klipsch (Pair)

Klipsch

Klipsch Forte IV (Red Oak)

• $5,500 at Klipsch (Pair)

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