Klipsch Heresy II: The Iconic American Workhorse of High-Efficiency Sound

The Klipsch Heresy II came out in 1985 as the update to the original Heresy, which was introduced in 1959. It is a high-sensitivity, horn-loaded speaker built around Paul W. Klipsch's design ideas, sized for the home. Audiophiles, musicians and vintage gear collectors all rate it highly.

Historical Context and Evolution

Paul W. Klipsch, founder of Klipsch & Associates (now Klipsch Audio Technologies), developed the original Klipschorn in 1946. It was one of the first corner-loaded horn speakers and is still in production today. The Heresy, introduced in 1959, was a more compact and affordable alternative to the full-range Klipschorn. It gave up some bass extension in exchange for fitting a room more easily.

The Heresy II, launched in 1985, brought modern materials and better driver integration. The big change: the original's Alnico-magnet tweeter and midrange drivers were replaced with titanium diaphragm compression drivers using ferrite magnets. These were more powerful and more reliable. Output and durability went up, and the Klipsch "liveness" and dynamic punch stayed. The Heresy II stayed in production until 2005, when the Heresy III succeeded it. Many purists still call the Heresy II the sweet spot in the lineage.

Technical Specifications

Sound Quality: Power, Clarity, and Presence

The 99 dB sensitivity is the Heresy II's defining trait. It makes high sound pressure levels with very little amplifier power. That makes it a good match for low-wattage tube amplifiers (such as vintage McIntosh, Audio Research, or EL34-based amps) and for modern solid-state receivers too.

The Heresy II sounds forward, dynamic, and rhythmically engaging. The horn-loaded midrange and tweeter give clear, detailed sound, especially in the upper mids and lower treble, where vocals and acoustic instruments come through with immediacy. The 12" woofer gives solid bass down to 52 Hz. It lacks the deep extension of larger floorstanders or modern powered subs, so many owners add a subwoofer for full-range response.

High-efficiency designs can sound sterile. The Heresy II doesn't. Its sound is warm, rich, and harmonically full, with a slight upper-midrange emphasis that puts instruments and voices up front. It suits rock, blues, jazz and vocals, where timing, dynamics and presence matter more than absolute neutrality.

Notable Features and Innovations

• Tractrix Horn Geometry: Klipsch’s proprietary horn design minimizes internal reflections and improves high-frequency dispersion, resulting in cleaner, more accurate treble.
• Titanium Diaphragms: More durable and responsive than earlier aluminum or Mylar domes, these drivers handle high SPLs with minimal distortion.
• Modular Crossover Design: The Heresy II uses a passive crossover with accessible, replaceable components—making repairs and upgrades feasible decades later.
• Real Wood Veneer Cabinet: Built with quality craftsmanship, the cabinet is both sonically inert and visually striking, especially in walnut or rosewood finishes.

Market Value and Collectibility

The Klipsch Heresy II has strong collectibility in the vintage audio market. It was never out of production for long, and its reputation has only grown since the Heresy III arrived in 2005. Well-maintained pairs in desirable finishes (especially walnut or rosewood) routinely sell for $800 to $1,500 per pair on the secondary market. Exceptional mint-condition units reach $2,000 or more.

Factors influencing value include:

• Original finish condition (no veneer peeling or deep scratches)
• Presence of original grilles and feet
• Driver condition (especially the rubber surrounds on the woofer)
• Service history and recapped crossovers

They were widely produced and built to last, so many Heresy IIs are still around. Original-spec models from the 1980s and early 1990s are often preferred over later production runs, which saw minor material changes.

Common Issues and Maintenance Tips

Despite the rugged build, aging Heresy IIs can develop problems:

1. Woofer Surround Deterioration: The foam or rubber surrounds on the 12" woofer often degrade after 30+ years, causing flapping or distortion. Refoaming or reconing by a specialist (e.g., Audio Classics or The Speaker Exchange) is a common and cost-effective fix ($75 - $125 per driver).

2. Crossover Component Aging: Electrolytic capacitors in the passive crossover can dry out, leading to dull sound or tweeter failure. Recapping the crossover with modern metal-film and polypropylene capacitors ($150 - $250 per pair) restores clarity and reliability.

3. Tweeter Diaphragm Tears: Rare but possible, especially if overdriven. Replacing or repairing the 1" compression driver is possible but more involved.

4. Grille Fabric and Feet: Original grilles may have torn fabric, and Klipsch sells replacement kits. Rubber feet can harden and crack. Silicone replacements are a simple upgrade.

Clean the cabinets with a wood-safe polish and keep the speakers out of direct sunlight and humidity. That preserves both appearance and performance.

Comparison to Similar Models

The Heresy II is more compact than the Cornwall, more dynamic than the JBLs, and more affordable than vintage Altecs. It combines efficiency, build quality, and sonic character in one package.

Final Thoughts

The Klipsch Heresy II is built for durability and impact. It is still winning converts over 40 years after its debut. A vintage Marantz receiver or a modern tube amp will both drive it.

For vintage audio enthusiasts, it represents one of the best values in high-efficiency loudspeaker design—a true classic that remains relevant, repairable, and thrilling to listen to. If you find a well-cared-for pair, don’t hesitate: the Heresy II is one vintage gem that truly earns its legendary status.

Market Value

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ KLIPSCH HERESY II                                               Nov 2026 │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ High      $1,999                                  Latest          $1,385 │
│ Median    $1,073                                  Trend                — │
│ Low       $60                                     Volume           ~6/mo │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ $2,000 ┤                                                                 │
│        │    . .             .                     .         .            │
│        │  .         .    .                                               │
│ $1,164 ┤ .    . .       ..   .   .                   .      .    .      .│
│        │                 .                              ..    ..         │
│        │              .                            .      .   .          │
│        │..     .    .                                                    │
│    $50 ┤       . .   .     .    ..                                       │
│        ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│
│    vol │▂▄▂ ▂ ▄▄▂▂  ▆▂▂ ▂▆ ▂▂▂  ▄█                ▂▂ ▂  ▂▂▂ ▄ ▄▂ ▂      ▂│
│        └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│
│         2026-01                      2026-05                      2026-08│
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

eBay Listings

Recently sold on eBay: $98–$1,760 (median $1,073, based on 42 completed sales, past 12 months)

Klipsch Heresy II Speakers Tube Amplifier Friendly USA Soun

$1,500

Klipsch Heresy ii Must have!

$1,985

Single Klipsch Heresy II Vintage Floorstanding Speaker Oak C

$800

Klipsch Heresy II Speakers Tube Amplifier Friendly USA Soun

$1,700

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