The Article
Heresy IV and Cornwall IV Speakers From Klipsch
31st January 2020
First unveiled by Klipsch in late-2019, the latest-generation Heresy IV (below) and Cornwall IV (above) designs are now available in the UK
First introduced in 1957, the Heresy is a three-way loudspeaker design that started out as a compact centre channel to accompany the Klipschorn in three-speaker stereo arrays. The Heresy IV (£3,500) is an entirely re-voiced and re-worked latest generation design of this speaker.
The Heresy IV uses a K-107-TI titanium diaphragm high frequency driver, with a new wide-dispersion phase plug, above a new K-702 midrange compression driver, with a polyimide diaphragm mated to a K-704 Tractrix horn.
For the bass, there’s a K-28-E 305mm woofer. Elsewhere inside, there is a new crossover network, based on the Klipschorn’s three-way steep-slope design. Internal cabling is supplied by Audioquest.
The Heresy now also features a rear port. Cabinetry is still handcrafted in Hope, Arkansas. Each speaker pair has a book-matched wood veneer finish.
The taller and narrower profile, compared to its predecessor, as well as the updated grille, its available in American Walnut, Natural Cherry, Satin Black Ash and Distressed Oak finish.
The Cornwall (below) was introduced in 1959 to serve as a larger, full-range alternative to the Heresy and was so-named because you could conveniently position it either in a corner or against a wall.
Utilising a three-way design with horn-loaded compression drivers for the midrange and treble, alongside a direct-radiating 381mm woofer for the low frequencies, the Cornwall IV (£6,500) features a new mid-frequency driver and a new large format midrange horn with mumps technology.
Above the mid-range is Klipsch’s K-107-TI 25mm tweeter and below is a K-33-E 381mm fibre-composite cone woofer. Married together with a newly voiced cross-over network it features Audioquest cabling throughout.
The Cornwall IV retains the front-port design of its predecessor, but the system has been improved with Klipsch’s Tractrix port technology.
The outside of the Cornwall IV is a change from its predecessors as well. It features a new logo design grille to match other Heritage products and a new matte black riser to give a floating appearance.
Available in American Walnut, Natural Cherry and Satin Black Ash finish.
To learn more, click www.henleyaudio.co.uk
I do hope in the future, Klipsch could actually make something portable for audiophiles based on mobile phones and smartphone usage.
Lovely Article Paul, great content for the community.
On a side note, could you make an article on pairing Klipsch speakers with mobile phones?
I found out about Klipsch when I was serving in the Marine Corps and deployed to Japan. Back in those days i was always told by other military friends that if you wanted get the best speakers and other audio for a reasonable price, to buy overseas. He wasn’t wrong. I have always been a music lover but and was constantly searching for the best sound I could hear. In 1987 I was on my first deployment to Japan when I was introduced to the Klipsch “Forte” Speakers and was absolutely blown away immediately. I bought an Onkyo Amp and preamp to matched them with.
I don’t remember how much my Onkyo system was but I do remember the price of the Klipsch which was $500.00 a piece back then and that was a lot back then but oh my God we’re they worth it. Unfortunately I ran into some hard times and lost them along with all of my furniture that I had in storage in 2000.
To this day, they are still the best speakers that I have ever heard. I know there are probably a bunch of speakers that available now that can rival or sound better than the Forte did but neither have I heard them or was ever able to buy them. I did impulse buy a pair of high-end Martin Logan Speakers in 2006 which I paid a lot more for, around $2,500, but when I heard them at home, I could not believe that they didn’t sound nearly as good at home as they had in Best Buy‘s sound room.
Everyone has different tast when it comes to how they want to hear their music. Some like a lot of base and some want more clarity with more treble. I’m in the second group which is what most, if not all speakers will give you. That’s why I have never liked any Bose Audio products.
I ultimately want a pair of the Klipsch Heresy IV or the Cornwall IV’s before I die because I know that Klipsch definitely improved since 1989. I only gripe with these speakers is that Klipsch won’t update the look to match other high-end brands. But I will always prefer great sound from an old looking speaker over a great looking speaker that does not perform well.
Thanks for your thoughts, Gerald.
Please notify me of follow up post from my post that I just sent