Klipsch Heresy HBR good?

halo71
halo71 Posts: 4,603
edited January 2011 in Vintage Speakers
So anyone have any experience with this speaker? I know some don't care for horn loaded speakers, but I like them. Never heard this model before, may not be able to audition them either. Not sure yet. What would a pair be worth...say in average to good condition?
--Gary--
Onkyo Integra M504, Bottlehead Foreplay III, Denon SACD, Thiel CS2.3, NHT VT-2, VT-3 and Evolution T6, Infinity RSIIIa, SDA1C and a few dozen other speakers around the house I change in and out.
Post edited by halo71 on
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  • halo71
    halo71 Posts: 4,603
    edited January 2011
    nobody?
    --Gary--
    Onkyo Integra M504, Bottlehead Foreplay III, Denon SACD, Thiel CS2.3, NHT VT-2, VT-3 and Evolution T6, Infinity RSIIIa, SDA1C and a few dozen other speakers around the house I change in and out.
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,806
    edited January 2011
    Well they're efficient, aggressive, and lacking in bass and extended treble. They can sound pretty darned good with empathetic electronics (think low powered, single-ended vacuum tube amplifier and excellent sources). There's a cottage industry of mods (drivers, crossovers, parts, and tweaks) to improve their shortcomings.

    They usually go for about 400 smackers the pair in good condition.

    FWIW, I owned a pair of their big brothers (Cornwalls) for over a decade.

    There are forums at Klipsch's website and also a Klipsch forum at www.audiokarma.org Those are probably better places to learn about these popular but idiosyncratic loudspeakers.
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  • halo71
    halo71 Posts: 4,603
    edited January 2011
    Wow, with that many "short comings" maybe I should steer clear. IF I can audition them first I might check them out.

    Thanks!
    --Gary--
    Onkyo Integra M504, Bottlehead Foreplay III, Denon SACD, Thiel CS2.3, NHT VT-2, VT-3 and Evolution T6, Infinity RSIIIa, SDA1C and a few dozen other speakers around the house I change in and out.
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited January 2011
    I would go over to the klipsch forum or AVS. I'm sure you'll get a ton of responses. I've owned the Forte's and liked them.
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,806
    edited January 2011
    halo71 wrote: »
    Wow, with that many "short comings" maybe I should steer clear. IF I can audition them first I might check them out.

    Thanks!

    Well... the folks who like them like them a lot. They're just picky loudspeakers, but they're fun and can be rewarding with the right music, equipment, and space to play them in.
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,034
    edited January 2011
    halo71 wrote: »
    Wow, with that many "short comings" maybe I should steer clear. IF I can audition them first I might check them out.

    Thanks!
    Hey, now......they can be a really fun speaker, it's part of what actually got me into the hobby in the first place. I had [rather, my Dad had] the original Klipsch Heresey. I listened to these back in the day to Twisted Sister, Bon Jovi, RATT, Def Leopard, Pink Floyd, Kenny Rodgers, James Taylor, Alice Cooper, BTO along with a multitude of other bands and they never missed a beat.

    While it could have been because of the source back then [LP] and while it may have been because of vintage gear in today's terms, it sho' did sound GOOoooooood to my ears. I enjoyed MANY a night listening to Little Feat's "Waiting for Columbus" on those speakers. Ah, the great memories....I'd like to get a pair back one day just to hear where my audio roots came from again.

    Eh, I'll just ask my Dad for his again since my Mom doesn't allow music in the old folk's house but I think you get the drift...
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,806
    edited January 2011
    Definitely fun. FWIW, I'd opine that the Cornies are "funner" - virtually the same performance but the latter are capable of some pretty respectable bass. They're bigger, and 'spensive-er, too, though.

    I think the Chorus II was perhaps Klipsch's sonically most successful effort. The big K-horns are fun, but they're big, expensive, and require lots of room to breathe.
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,034
    edited January 2011
    Oh, no doubt the Cornies are mo' better on the bass. No doubt. Mo' betta' bass and lots more fun but the Heresey's aren't slackin', at all.

    Never heard the Chorus lineup but with your experience, I'd sure like too. Unfortunately, I did not grow up in the era of being able to hear a set of "the" Klipschorns properly set up. My ol' man tells me they were outstanding. Others I have talked to about them say otherwise. I don't know who to believe and I really don't care until I get my ears on some. My ears won't lie.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • halo71
    halo71 Posts: 4,603
    edited January 2011
    I have heard Forte II's before and liked them. As well as some of the newer towers in more recent years. That I didn't find all that special. If I can get back in contact with the seller I will see about demo'ing them.
    --Gary--
    Onkyo Integra M504, Bottlehead Foreplay III, Denon SACD, Thiel CS2.3, NHT VT-2, VT-3 and Evolution T6, Infinity RSIIIa, SDA1C and a few dozen other speakers around the house I change in and out.
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,967
    edited January 2011
    This is just me now, I've had friends over the years with just about every Klipsch speaker you can imagine. The Fortes,Chorus,Heresy, Klipshorns....for me, the Chorus was pretty darn good top to bottom,but on certain source material, those highs can send you packing. The old epics, or KG series had a more tame top end and a heck of alot of low end. I think the KG series is the real bargain in the Klipsch line up. Guy has the big ones,the 5.5's for sale by me with granite tops for 5 beans. Wish I had the coin right now. What I took away from years of listening to Klipsch was alot of people liked them for their clarity,good bass, nice wood cabinets, easy to drive. A different sound for sure,but if it's your bag, vintage Klipsch offers some good value.
    HT SYSTEM-
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,806
    edited January 2011
    I am far less familiar with the "post-Heritage" Klipsches; everything tonyb says about the "old epics or KG series" may indeed be Gospel :-)

    Generally, as a truism, I think that the take-home lesson is: Klipsch = fun

    "great for tube amps" :-)

    FWIW, I wouldn't hesitate to pick up a pair of Heresys in good condition if the price were right
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  • halo71
    halo71 Posts: 4,603
    edited January 2011
    Well he is in the Forte, Chorus range with these so I think I will pass!
    --Gary--
    Onkyo Integra M504, Bottlehead Foreplay III, Denon SACD, Thiel CS2.3, NHT VT-2, VT-3 and Evolution T6, Infinity RSIIIa, SDA1C and a few dozen other speakers around the house I change in and out.
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