By: Dipin Sehdev
 

Klipsch has long been synonymous with high-efficiency, horn-loaded loudspeakers that deliver a live concert experience in the comfort of your home. But as the company approaches its 80th anniversary in 2026, it's clear that the brand is not content to simply rest on its laurels. With a forward-looking strategy that marries its legendary acoustic performance with modern design sensibilities, Klipsch is breathing fresh life into its iconic Heritage Series. This evolution was front and center at the recent Audio Advice Live event in North Carolina, where Klipsch unveiled new finishes, groundbreaking technologies, and a renewed commitment to a premium audio experience that is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the ears.

The star of the show for many was the global debut of a stunning new Red Oak finish for two of its most celebrated loudspeakers: the Forte IV and the Heresy IV. Paired with a soft-gray heathered grille, this natural wood tone adds a contemporary, design-forward twist to the classic Heritage aesthetic. It's a subtle yet powerful statement—a nod to the past and a bold look to the future. Dave Gans, global vice president of marketing at Klipsch, perfectly captured the sentiment, stating, "Audio Advice Live is the perfect stage to showcase where our Heritage Series is heading. We’re merging tradition with innovation—giving people the experience of craftsmanship and acoustic excellence combined with modern-day versatility and beauty.”

Klipsch Forte IV: A Timeless Classic Gets a Modern Makeover

The Forte IV is a loudspeaker that needs little introduction. It’s a three-way, horn-loaded design that has been a fan favorite for decades, celebrated for its dynamic range and effortless power. With an impressive 86% CE Critic Score, the Forte IV is a proven performer. The new Red Oak finish elevates its visual appeal, making it a perfect fit for a wide range of modern interior designs.

But the Forte IV is more than just a beautiful box. Under the hood, it boasts a formidable array of drivers. The 12-inch woofer delivers deep, impactful bass, while the horn-loaded compression drivers for the midrange and tweeter ensure crystal-clear detail and a wide, immersive soundstage. A key feature is the 15-inch passive radiator on the back of the cabinet, which dramatically extends the low-frequency response without the need for a larger enclosure or complex porting. This design allows the Forte IV to produce a visceral, full-bodied sound that belies its relatively compact footprint.

The Red Oak finish on the Forte IV is a masterstroke of design. The natural grain of the wood provides a tactile, organic feel, while the soft-gray grille cloth adds a touch of Scandinavian-inspired minimalism. The combination is both warm and sophisticated, making the Forte IV a statement piece in any listening room. The Forte IV with the new Red Oak finish is available now at a price of $5,499.98 per pair.

Klipsch Heresy IV: Small in Stature, Big in Sound

For those with more modest space requirements, the Heresy IV has long been the go-to choice. With an outstanding 89% CE Critic Score, the Heresy IV is a testament to the fact that great things often come in small packages. Its compact footprint makes it a versatile option for both two-channel and home theater setups, and its high sensitivity means it can be driven by a wide range of amplifiers, including low-power tube amps.

Like the Forte IV, the Heresy IV is a three-way design featuring a 12-inch woofer, a horn-loaded midrange, and a horn-loaded tweeter. While it doesn't have the passive radiator of its larger sibling, its ported design and well-engineered enclosure still deliver a surprisingly potent and articulate bass response. The Heresy IV is known for its ability to project a huge, dynamic soundstage with incredible precision, making it an ideal choice for listeners who crave that live-performance energy.

The new Red Oak finish on the Heresy IV, also paired with the soft-gray grille, gives this classic loudspeaker a fresh, contemporary edge. It’s a look that will appeal to audiophiles who appreciate both acoustic excellence and refined aesthetics. The Heresy IV in Red Oak is now available at a price of $3,598 per pair. Klipsch also showcased the new KS-12 Speaker Stands alongside the Heresy IV. These metal stands, which raise the speakers 12 inches off the ground, are designed to optimize sound dispersion and feature a dust- and fingerprint-resistant finish. The KS-12 stands are available for $474.99 per pair.

La Scala AL6 with Active Crossover: A Glimpse into the Future of High-End Audio

While the new finishes stole the show for many, the true technological highlight of the Klipsch display was the public demonstration of the Heritage La Scala AL6 loudspeaker with its optional La Scala Active Crossover. This addition is a game-changer, enabling a level of system flexibility, precision tuning, and dynamic range that was previously unattainable.

The La Scala AL6 is an uncompromising loudspeaker, a three-way, fully horn-loaded design that delivers a breathtakingly realistic sound. With an MSRP of $15,399 per pair, it is a statement piece for the most discerning audiophiles. The introduction of the La Scala Active Crossover, priced at $3,499, allows listeners to take their system to the next level. An active crossover separates the audio signal into different frequency bands before amplification, allowing each driver to be driven by a dedicated amplifier channel. This not only eliminates the passive components that can introduce distortion and signal loss but also provides a level of control that is impossible with a passive design.

At Audio Advice Live, Klipsch demonstrated the La Scala AL6 with the active crossover in a truly high-end setup. The system featured an Onkyo Icon P-80 preamplifier, a trio of Onkyo Icon M-80 power amplifiers, and an Onkyo Icon C30 CD player. This multi-amp configuration allows each of the La Scala's drivers—woofer, midrange, and tweeter—to be powered independently, unlocking a new level of performance and customization.

Audio Advice Live: A Showcase of Klipsch and Onkyo Synergy

The Audio Advice Live event was not just about Klipsch's latest offerings; it was also a showcase of the synergy between Klipsch and Onkyo, two brands under the same corporate umbrella. The Klipsch Heritage loudspeakers were paired with Onkyo's upcoming Icon series of electronics, creating systems that were both acoustically and visually cohesive.

In addition to the La Scala setup, a second system in the Willow Oak room featured the Forte IV in its new Red Oak finish paired with the Onkyo Icon A-50 integrated amplifier. This more streamlined system demonstrated that you don't need a massive stack of components to achieve a premium listening experience. The A-50, with its modern design and powerful amplification, proved to be an excellent match for the Forte IV, providing a dynamic and detailed sound that would satisfy even the most demanding listeners.

The Onkyo Icon components—including the P-80 preamplifier ($1,999), M-80 power amplifier ($1,999), A-50 integrated amplifier ($1,599), and C30 CD player ($349)—are all scheduled for release in Q4 2025. This timing, just ahead of Klipsch's 80th anniversary, suggests a coordinated effort to launch a new generation of audio products that blend timeless design with cutting-edge performance.

The Big Picture: A Bold Step Forward

With the introduction of the Red Oak finish and the La Scala Active Crossover, Klipsch is making a clear statement about the future of its Heritage Series. The company is not abandoning the core principles that have made it a legend, but it is embracing new ideas and technologies to ensure that its loudspeakers remain relevant and desirable for a new generation of audiophiles.

The new finishes provide a fresh aesthetic that appeals to modern design sensibilities, while the active crossover technology offers a path for high-end listeners to push the boundaries of system performance. As Klipsch looks ahead to its 80th anniversary, it's clear that the company is not just celebrating its past; it is actively shaping its future. And based on the positive reception at Audio Advice Live, the future of Klipsch Heritage is looking very bright indeed.

Audio Advice Live Event Details:

• Dates: August 1-3, 2025

• Location: Sheraton Hotel, Raleigh, North Carolina

• Show Hours:

  • Friday, August 1: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (A special kickoff event with a keynote and concert will be held from 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM)

  • Saturday, August 2: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Sunday, August 3: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

• Ticket Pricing (Online in advance):

  • Three-day pass: $45

  • Single-day pass: $25

• Ticket Pricing (After August 1):

  • Three-day pass: $50

  • Single-day pass: $30

• Note: Students with a valid ID and children attend free.