Klipsch is giving two of its most recognizable speakers a fresh new look. At this year’s Audio Advice Live event (August 1-3) in Raleigh, North Carolina, the company will introduce a Red Oak finish for its Heritage Forte IV and Heresy IV loudspeakers. It’s a clean, natural wood tone that pairs with a soft-gray heathered grille—giving the speakers a lighter, more modern appearance while still sticking to the Heritage Series’ familiar design.
This marks the first time Klipsch has offered the Red Oak option, and for now, it’s limited to just the Forte IV and Heresy IV models. The updated look is part of a broader showcase that also included new tech and gear from the brand as it looks ahead to its 80th anniversary in 2026.
If you’ve been following furniture and interior design trends, it probably won’t surprise you that lighter woods like oak are making a comeback. Klipsch’s darker finishes—like walnut or black ash—still have their place, but the Red Oak option is clearly aimed at listeners who want gear that fits better in brighter, more open spaces.
“Audio Advice Live is the perfect stage to showcase where our Heritage Series is heading,” said Dave Gans, global vice president of marketing, Klipsch. “We’re merging tradition with innovation—giving people the experience of craftsmanship and acoustic excellence combined with modern-day versatility and beauty.”
From a performance standpoint, the speakers themselves haven’t changed. The internal components and sound tuning of the Forte IV and Heresy IV remain the same. But for people who care about how their gear looks in the room (which, let’s face it, is most of us), having more finish choices is a welcome update.
Here’s the breakdown on pricing:
Klipsch will also use the event to show off the latest version of its La Scala loudspeaker—the AL6—along with an optional external active crossover. If you’re someone who enjoys dialing in your system for precise performance, the crossover allows for more control over how the speakers behave in your room. It’s meant to help with system flexibility, tuning, and dynamic range.
The full setup wasn’t cheap: the La Scala AL6 carries a price tag of $15,399 per pair at Crutchfield, and the active crossover adds another $3,499. But this setup wasn’t shown in isolation—Klipsch teamed up with Onkyo to demo two complete systems at the event.
Here’s what was in each setup:
System 1 (La Scala + Crossover):
System 2 (Forte IV Red Oak):
If you’re thinking about getting the Heresy IV and want to elevate them (literally), Klipsch also unveiled the new KS-12 speaker stands. These stands are designed specifically for the Heresy IV, raising them 12 inches for better sound positioning, especially when you’re seated. They’re made from low-maintenance metal and feature a finish that’s resistant to dust and fingerprints—something any long-term owner can appreciate. They’re priced at $474.99 per pair.
The Red Oak finish might seem like a small update, but it’s a clear signal that Klipsch is paying attention to how its products fit into people’s homes—not just how they sound. Audio gear, especially speakers, is often a focal point in a living room or dedicated listening space, so giving customers more visual options makes sense.
As Klipsch approaches its 80th year in business, the company appears to be balancing its heritage with small, thoughtful updates that keep the lineup feeling current. No word yet on whether the Red Oak finish will make its way to other models, but it’s now available for order through select dealers for both the Forte IV and Heresy IV.
If you can’t make it to Audio Advice Live this year, don’t worry—the Red Oak models are already listed on Klipsch’s website and should start showing up at retailers soon.
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