What’s the best amp for Klipsch Heresy IV? We know the right answer to this question.
The Klipsch Heresy IV is an updated and advanced version of the original Heresy speaker introduced in 1957. The compact Heresy IV features a three-way standard precipitous sloping design inspired by iconic Klipsch speakers like ‘Cornwall,’ ‘La Scala,’ and ‘Klipschorn,’ which delivers consummate sound.
Unlike all earlier models, the Heresy IV has a rear-firing port for lightning-fast air circulation for punchier bass with minimal distortion.
One good reason why the Heresy IV enjoys universal popularity with audiophiles is that the unit can be mated with a variety of amps. Connect the Heresy IV with a matching vintage tube/valve amp or a modern-day solid-state or modeling amp, and you bet you’ll scream with delight! As a result, the Heresy IV can effortlessly outperform most contemporary speakers having a similar price with its crisp, punchy, and heavy sound.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at our list of the best amps for Heresy IV.
The 3 Best Amplifiers for Klipsch Heresy IV
| Image | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Willsenton R8 (Top Pick) | Check Price |
 | Yamaha A-S301BL (Close Runner-Up) | Check Price |
 | Yamaha Audio A-S2200SL | Check Price |
Willsenton R8 (Editor’s Choice)
The Willsenton R8 Integrated Tube Amp is a versatile valve-amp that doubles up as a power- and headphone amp. The versatility of this integrated-tube cum headphone amp is also embodied by the fact that the R8 is compatible with various tubes. For example, you can use the R8 tube amp with EL34 or 6550EH, KT88 (Gold Lion), 6SN7, 5962, and a host of other tube configurations.
Being an ultra-linear switchable triode amp, R8 lets you use three discrete tubes (say 6550, KT88, and EL34) altogether. The most practical benefit of using three distinct tube types is enjoying different kinds of top-quality sounds. In addition, tIn addition, the R8 integrated stereo amp from Willsenton comes with a full-function IR (infrared) metallic remote control for comfortable yet firm holding.
The entire amp is handmade, not by machines, and therefore is of superior quality. Most components, including the knobs, body cover, and switches, have been shaped from industrial-grade metal.
Additionally, all the parts have been welded to each other from point to point to ensure a long-lasting life. The output power rating allows you to drive a 2-channel audio rig-25W per channel in an RMS triode working state using EL34, 6550EH, or KT88 valves.
Using the same vintage tubes, you can also power a two-speaker system at 45W per channel/40W per channel in an RMS ultra-linear working state. Audiophiles who don’t have the experience of using vintage valves and NOS tubes will found the soundstage remarkably warm and refreshing. The embedded hefty transformers contribute towards reproducing a clean and dynamic low-end, letting your eardrums pick up all the notes of a song.
You’ll also be blown away by the high-quality stereo imaging owing to the extremely clean phase response vis-à-vis the frequency. To say last but not least, you can take pleasure in listening to high-quality music even at high volumes without any noticeable distortion.
Pros
- Fully handmade amp with point-to-point manual welding
- Output transformer reinforced with top-quality dual wideband EI output transformers
- A square powered transformer created particularly for this amp boosts its efficiency
- 4ῼ-8ῼ impedance capability enables companionability with a wide range of speakers
- Easily installable and detachable plug-in tube cage cover
- Integrated with premium Japanese ALPS motor potentiometer
- Soft-start function for extended tube life
- Connectible with individual preamp signal input thanks to clean post-level function
- Ultra-linear operation mode ensures a wide and open soundstage for enjoying movies and music
- IR full-function remote
Cons
- The volume control on the remote does not function properly
- Changing or inserting batteries of the remote is also an issue (poorly designed remote)
Yamaha A-S301BL (Close Runner-Up)
The A-S301BL Natural Sound Integrated Stereo Amp’s heavy-duty circuitry optimally exploits Yamaha’s patented ToP-ART design technology to maintain two-channel symmetry. ToP-ART (Total Purity Audio Reproduction Technology) amp design technology guarantees clean processing and transmittance of the audio signal for unmatched sound. In addition, the signal pathway being simple helps in upholding a low noise floor with minimal distortion.
Perfect symmetry is maintained between the left and right channels (i.e., between your pair of speakers) for well-balanced reproduction of the entire audible frequency spectrum. At the same time, the ‘Anti-Resonance and Tough’ (ART) bottom bodywork together with a solid center bar thwarts vibration and furnishes firmness.
The A-S301BL draws on Yamaha’s more than 125 years of musical instrument-making experience and takes inspiration from the ‘Natural Sound’ concept for delivering realistic sound.
The Yamaha A-S301BL integrated amp comes equipped with high-quality components for reproducing natural-sounding music that resonates throughout the room. In addition, this amp comfortably handles everything you throw at it. It is integrated with bespoke block capacitors, custom-built power transformer, one-point grounding module, extruded aluminum heat sink, and dual direct signal path speaker relays.
Every component delivers its best both individually and in concert, thereby contributing towards the reproduction of sound you bet you haven’t heard before. In addition, this function features a brand new analog loudness control at the front and takes advantage of electronic or digital volume adjustment.
So you have it remarkably easy to adjust the loudness as per your preference and convenience. Moreover, this loudness control functionality distinct from the overall volume adjustment function allows you to strike a perfect balance between high and low frequencies.
In other words, by using this feature, you can achieve the entire gamut of tonality regardless of the volume level. On the other hand, the ‘Pure Direct’ mode facilitates the transmittance of audio signals through the shortest circuit route possible. Consequently, the music signals circumvent the buffer amp, balance, loudness, and tone controls to purge signal distortion for delivery of the cleanest sound practically.
At the back panel of the A-S301BL, you’ll find digital audio inputs where the optical terminals enable audio transmission from a TV. On the other hand, the coaxial terminal allows you to enjoy music from a Blu-Ray/DVD player. So at the end of the day, you get to enjoy both pristine vintage-quality music as well as digital audio rich in dynamics.
If you’re looking for a cost-effective means of setting up a two-channel audio system in your living room, you don’t need to look any further. You can place the two pairs of speakers in two different rooms and play them separately or operate them simultaneously. All you need to do is turn a plain selector knob to switch between the two speaker pairs for playing your preferred source.
The Yamaha A-S301BL stereo amp lets you stream music wirelessly from your Bluetooth-companionable desktop, laptop, or smartphone via its Bluetooth-compatible adapter YBA-11. Rest assured that the wireless music streaming will be of the best possible quality thanks to the aptX™ audio coding algorithm and the digital coax connectivity. This amplifier’s back panel also has a DC output if you need to operate the YBA-11 using direct current.
Pros
- Circuitry based on Top-ART: Efficient audio signal processing and broadcasting for high-quality sound
- Continuously variable analog loudness control
- Auto standby function
- Puts out up to 60W + 60W (2-channel) at 8ῼ (20Hz-20,000Hz) at 0.019% THD
- Pure Direct Mode facilitates signal transmission via the shortest route possible for a brighter sound
Cons
- The dials or knobs feel somewhat flimsy and light
Yamaha Audio A-S2200SL
Set up your stereo rig with the Yamaha Audio A-2200SL Integrated Amp and wallow in the luxury of immersive sound. Incorporating most of the A-S3200 SL-its elder sibling features, the A-S2200 puts out a beefier sound without sacrificing elegance. Crafted using premium components such as PC-Triple C internal speaker wires and 22,000uF x 4 capacitors, the A-S2200SL performs beyond your expectations.
The A-S2200 will perform smoothly for years as the components, including the heat sink, block capacitors, and oversized power transformer, are all directly and firmly tethered to the chassis. The feet, on the other hand, which are directly welded to the bodywork, not only help in stable placement but also add to the overall durability.
The meticulous selection of components and the cutting-edge design contribute towards full and unhindered delivery of an encompassing soundstage.
Yamaha engineers chose thick ground wires by design to develop an amp with low nominal impedance, thereby guarantee a sweeping soundstage. The speaker terminals exquisitely shaped out of solid brass guarantees effortless hand tightening for highly safe and secure connectivity. The phono amp has been configured in a way to enable pairing with both MC and MM turntables.
The powerful toroidal transformer embedded in the amp serves as an efficient power reservoir. The transformer adeptly transforms the wall socket’s higher voltages into lower voltages to enable the AS-2200SL to amplify your speakers’ signals in a controlled manner. The transformer’s core is crafted from banding high-quality clean steel wound to ensure the best possible electrical energy transfer.
On the other hand, the copper windings help minimize specious, redundant emissions that may adversely influence other sections of the circuit. As a result, the copper windings ultimately go a long way in reducing audio signal distortion and lowering the noise floor. The Yamaha A-S2200SL Stereo Integrated 180W Amplifier delivers up to 90W per channel at 8ῼ, delivering the full frequency range (20Hz-20,000Hz) at 0.035% THD.
The level meters come in handy for modulating the pulse in bespoke rhythmic patterns and the musical dynamics. The built-in LEDs mildly illuminating the level markings lend a feeling that is intensely warm and evocative. Music enthusiasts can dial in Hi-Fi tones and tunes seamlessly, embodying modern-day sounds and capturing vintage-era music.
The clean and wholesome open soundstage of S2200SL has been skillfully and innovatively designed to simulate a live show impeccably. The A-S2200SL, like all other Yamaha integrated stereo amps, has been crafted with meticulous care by joining forces with acclaimed musicians. No wonder this Yamaha amp does not leave any stone unturned in laying bare all the notes embedded in music.
Pros
- 4ῼ nominal impedance for across-the-board mating with a variety of speakers
- 90W x 2-channel at 8ῼ/150w x 2-channel at 4ῼ (with 20Hz-2kHz at 0.07% THD)
- It comes with a full-function remote
- Analog level meters with soft LED lighting
- Well-balanced circuit layout starting from the speaker terminals right up to the inputs
- Extra-large toroidal transformer with tightly wound copper wires for delivery of electrifying music
- High-current/voltage output thanks to four discrete circuits
- Crisp and detailed sound with crystal clear vocals
Cons
- Nothing to complain about except that it’s a tad too expensive
Klipsch Heresy IV: Recommended Amplifier Power and Nominal Impedance
The Klipsch Heresy IV floor-standing speaker, a redesigned version of its immediate predecessor, the Heresy III, is perfect for setting up your home theater or stereo system. You bet you’ll never go wrong with Heresy IV floor-standing speakers, as these speakers are crafted from scratch by hand. However, as the Heresy IV is a passive speaker (it doesn’t come with an integrated amp), you’ll need to connect the unit to a suitable amp.
Additionally, pairing the speaker with an appropriate amplifier allows you to make the most of its features, letting you enjoy immersive audio. Familiarizing yourself with the Heresy IV’s sonic attributes and its specs renders the task of choosing the right amp easier.
Klipsch Heresy IV: Sonic Features and Specs
As a three-way speaker, Klipsch Heresy IV scores both in terms of performance and aesthetics, the unit’s small footprint notwithstanding. The Heresy IV inevitably attracts everybody’s attention as well as fills up your TV room with booming sound. In addition, the speaker comes with a brand new K-702 midrange compression driver with a polyamide diaphragm for reflecting pure sound rich in details.
The K-702 for reproducing a fully open and wide soundstage is paired with a K-704 Tractrix® horn. The K-107-TI titanium diaphragm high-frequency compression driver is reinforced with a wide dispersion phase plug for promoting unprecedentedly high-frequency sonic diffusion throughout the room. The three-way slanted layout of Heresy IV goes a long way in delivering realistic and natural sound together with efficient power handling.
For the first time, Klipsch has installed a rear-firing port in the Heresy IV, which mainly goes towards boosting bass by nearly 10Hz. On the other hand, the rear port takes advantage of patented Tractrix architecture for reproducing crispier low-ends.
Specs:
- Bass-reflex rear-firing speaker
- Sensitivity: 99dB
- Recommended (amplifier) power: 100-watts RMS or continuous power handling; 400-watts peak power
- Nominal impedance: 8ῼ
- Frequency response: (+/-4dB): 48Hz-20kHz
With a speaker sensitivity of 99dB with a nominal impedance of 8ῼ, the Heresy IV is companionable with a range of amps. And given its relatively small size, this floor-standing speaker has an imposing frequency response (of 48Hz-20 kHz) which again corresponds with all the amps listed above. In addition, the speaker power handling ratings call for matching up the unit with premium and powerful amps.
Talking about the amp type to pair with the speaker works well with a solid-state unit and a vintage-valve unit. And yes, you can also connect the Heresy IV with an AVR (audio/video receiver). Nevertheless, keep the following aspects in mind before you make up your mind:
- The nominal impedance could plummet to as low as 3.6-ohms (approx.) below 5Hz. However, in most cases, the resistance load hovers around 5-ohms. So, you’d be better off mating an integrated amp with the speaker instead of an AV receiver.
- The speaker’s tuning frequency is about 35Hz
So, The Best Amplifier for Heresy IV Is…
All the amplifiers reviewed in this article have been carefully selected, so they’ll go with the Heresy IV. But to play it safe and for complete peace of mind, you should visit a showroom to personally experiencing how each amp bonds with the Heresy IV.
Willsenton R8 will be our favorite pick from the list because of its luxurious feel and fantastic performance.