ksquared Posted January 18 Share Posted January 18 (edited) OK, yes, if you've heard both, but I'm hoping for a bit more technical explanation. One detail is the RF7-III is 2-way passive, but the Heresy IV is 3-way passive. As much as I've tried to research, I'm somewhat only understanding that the 3-way is better for the midrange, but the 2-way is better for the bass? This is probably the aspect that has me most confused. Is 2-way passive really best for 2-Channel Home Audio, and 3-way best for when there is a subwoofer? The RF7-III has a wider frequency range, and greater sensitivity (100 vs 99 so not a huge difference). The Heresy IV doesn't seem to be a "poor man's RF7-III," but somewhat a different speaker for a different reason but I can't figure this out either. I have watched the Paducah Home Theater test, and I know Cory answers many questions here, so maybe he will help. I came away from that video though more confused than I did before, because from that video it seems the Heresy IV is much better, but then 10 guys come on and say oh no the RF7-III is much better. Greatly appreciate any help! Edited January 18 by ksquared Fix initial mistake Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
babadono Posted January 18 Share Posted January 18 What's a Heritage IV? Did you mean Heresy? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksquared Posted January 18 Author Share Posted January 18 3 hours ago, babadono said: What's a Heritage IV? Did you mean Heresy? OK, yes, that is my mistake, it is the Heritage series, but the Heresy IV. I did go back and fix it in the original post. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wuzzzer Posted January 18 Share Posted January 18 Assuming you mean Heresy IV? Over the years I’ve owned a couple dozen pairs of Klipsch speakers including original RF-7s. My current setup is 5 original Heresys in a home theater. I have always preferred Klipsch 3-way speakers over any Klipsch 2-way speaker that I’ve had. If you watch movies or like music with a lot of bass you’ll want a subwoofer or two with Heresys. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksquared Posted January 18 Author Share Posted January 18 5 minutes ago, wuzzzer said: I have always preferred Klipsch 3-way speakers over any Klipsch 2-way speaker that I’ve had. If you watch movies or like music with a lot of bass you’ll want a subwoofer or two with Heresys. So if it is the 2-channel output, with two Heresys, can the subwoofer then still be somehow used when listening? And yes, I admit, you're trying to explain it to somebody who is fairly confused, but I appreciate. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter P. Posted January 18 Share Posted January 18 7 minutes ago, ksquared said: So if it is the 2-channel output, with two Heresys, can the subwoofer then still be somehow used when listening? I don't understand the question above, please rephrase. From your original post I'd say you understand the differences between the RF-7 and the Heresy well. I think a lot of people go for the Heresy because sound aside, of its long history, reputation, and vintage looks. It does voice differently than a 2-way but not alarmingly so. Many people, including myself, recommend adding a subwoofer if you get the Heresy as the Heresy IV doesn't play as low as even less expensive speakers in the Klipsch lineup including the RF-7. That holds true for music as well as movies but it also depends on what music you prefer and how you tend to play it, loud, moderate, or soft. I think the Heresy only begins to show its value when you're playing moderately to louder levels. If your statement above is "how do you wire a subwoofer to your system" when you have the Heresy, that will depend on the subwoofer you purchase as well as your power source. More information would help here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wuzzzer Posted January 19 Share Posted January 19 1 hour ago, ksquared said: So if it is the 2-channel output, with two Heresys, can the subwoofer then still be somehow used when listening? And yes, I admit, you're trying to explain it to somebody who is fairly confused, but I appreciate. What are/would you be using for a receiver or amp? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OO1 Posted January 19 Share Posted January 19 the Heresy IV sounds like a Studio Monitor with exceptional vocals and the purest Heritage sound ,, the RF7III are larger towers for a home entertainment sound system , 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MMurg Posted January 19 Share Posted January 19 With respect to Klipsch speakers in particular, it's not simply that a speaker is 2-way or 3-way. In my opinion what sets Heritage and the other 3-way Klipsch (like the 3-way Legend series and the Palladium series) apart from the 2-way Klipsch consumer lines is that more of the frequency range is covered by horn-loaded drivers. In the Klipsch consumer lines of speakers, most of the 2-way speakers hand off from horns to cones in the range of 1200 Hz to as high as 2500 Hz. In contrast, the consumer line 3-way speakers (that are not fully horn-loaded) transition from horns to cones in a range of like 500 Hz to 850 Hz. This means that the consumer 3-way and fully horn-loaded speakers will have less distortion and better coverage control in the critical lower and middle region of the mid-range frequencies where the bulk of the musical and vocal action is. To my ears the 3-way Klipsch consumer speakers and the fully-horn-loaded ones (whether 3-way or 2-way like the Jubilee) sound more effortless, cleaner, less veiled, and more accurate in the mid-range. I call it the Klipsch "mid-range magic". The difference in the bass response is mainly due to the RF-7 III having a much larger cabinet volume. The larger 3-way Klipsch speakers can go lower than the Heresy as well. The Forte IV might be closer to the "equivalent" of the RF-7 III in the Heritage line. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksquared Posted January 19 Author Share Posted January 19 35 minutes ago, MMurg said: With respect to Klipsch speakers in particular, it's not simply that a speaker is 2-way or 3-way. ... To my ears the 3-way Klipsch consumer speakers and the fully-horn-loaded ones (whether 3-way or 2-way like the Jubilee) sound more effortless, cleaner, less veiled, and more accurate in the mid-range. I call it the Klipsch "mid-range magic". The difference in the bass response is mainly due to the RF-7 III having a much larger cabinet volume. The larger 3-way Klipsch speakers can go lower than the Heresy as well. The Forte IV might be closer to the "equivalent" of the RF-7 III in the Heritage line. I'm going to say "That's it!" And thanks of course. I somewhat suspected that 3-way was better than 2-way, but it ends up being more complex. I want to listen to '60s records, others here want the 5.1 movie experience at home. And I end up confused about how the best way to do that. Heresy IV with the subwoofer in 5.1 and then Heresy IV with or without a subwoofer to listen to records, or use the RF7-III and not need the subwoofer to listen to the records and have the incredible 5.1 system. Or maybe the Forte IV might be the ultimate, but I have never looked at them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zen Traveler Posted January 19 Share Posted January 19 @ksquared Have you listened to any of the speakers? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksquared Posted January 19 Author Share Posted January 19 See, that's the other dilemma, as no I haven't heard any of them. I just know I like Klipsch. One of them, or all of them maybe, but I have to choose one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OO1 Posted January 19 Share Posted January 19 Cornwall IV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksquared Posted January 19 Author Share Posted January 19 001 wants to get me in trouble! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksquared Posted January 19 Author Share Posted January 19 OK, it seems I've figured out that the Forte IV is a 3-way speaker. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schu Posted January 19 Share Posted January 19 Three way is better than a two way??? So is a four way better than a three way? What about a single driver??? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derrickdj1 Posted January 19 Share Posted January 19 As a general rule, Thee way speakers don't have have to compromise on the crossover frequencies to cover or blend the tweeter, midrange or bass. The bottom line is what sounds good to you! Heritage speakers earned their reputation for a reason. Doing HT, get a sub for the 7"s or Heresy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
parlophone1 Posted January 19 Share Posted January 19 Even if this was accentuated many times, do not forget the effect of room you are placing the speakers in. I listened music through Heresy IV in hi-fi shop, and was not impressed. Meaning, I expected more out of them. And I know they must perform better according to data and measurements I saw. So have that factor in mind also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flevoman Posted January 19 Share Posted January 19 In my opinion, the choice between RF7 and Heresy is somewhat odd. A more logical counterpart for the RF7, in my opinion, would be the Forte instead of the Heresy. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flevoman Posted January 19 Share Posted January 19 So, you want to buy a Klipsch speaker, but you can't listen to them, and based on our input, you make your choice blindly with the speaker selection? Bold move. Perhaps it's a better idea to provide a list of your preferences so that you can receive more targeted advice. Still, with so many members, there are numerous opinions. Factors influencing the speaker choice could include: - Use for music only or also for movies - Preferred genre of music - Amplifier choice and whether considering alternative amplifiers - Size of the room they will be placed in - Emphasis on bass, a strong live experience, analytical sound, etc. - Budget - is visual aesthetics playing a significant role? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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