Audio Advice Live has quietly become one of the smartest moves in the Hi-Fi trade show calendar. Held annually in Raleigh, North Carolina since 2022, it’s a mid-summer event that makes perfect sense—just when most of the industry hits cruise control, this show rolls in with fresh gear, air-conditioned demo rooms, and an undeniable dose of Southern hospitality.
Raleigh might not shout like Vegas or Munich, but don’t sleep on it—it’s got a thriving downtown, one of the best hockey teams in the NHL (yes, the Hurricanes still slap), and a community that knows how to treat both locals and out-of-towners right.
At the 2025 edition, Klipsch and Onkyo are showing up with both style and substance. Klipsch is introducing a fresh Red Oak finish on its classic Forte IV and Heresy IV models—perfect for the design-savvy listener who still wants their system to shake the walls. Meanwhile, Onkyo is demonstrating its sleek new Icon Series, adding a layer of modernity and clean aesthetics to a brand that’s clearly not interested in resting on its laurels. There’s a lot to see and even more to hear—and Raleigh’s just the right place to do both.
Klipsch
First off, Klipsch will be running public demos of its Heritage La Scala AL6 loudspeakers, paired with the optional La Scala Active Crossover. This setup allows for greater system flexibility, more precise tuning, and increased dynamic range—features aimed squarely at listeners who actually care what their system is doing, not just how it looks in the living room.
For more background on the tech behind these updates, check out our previous coverage.
That’s not all Klipsch is bringing to the show. They’re also unveiling a brand-new Red Oak finish for their Heritage Forte IV and Heresy IV loudspeakers (now available at Certified Klipsch Dealers). Paired with a soft-gray heathered grille, the Red Oak option gives these iconic models a contemporary, design-forward edge while staying true to the Heritage lineage. Just in time for Klipsch’s 80th anniversary, this new finish is equal parts tribute and refresh—a nod to the past with an eye on the modern living room.
From Dave Gans Klipsch’s Global Vice President of Marketing. “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.”
In addition to the Red Oak finish, Klipsch is also spotlighting its new KS-12 speaker stands ($474 each), designed specifically with the Heresy IV in mind. Built from durable, low-maintenance metal, the KS-12 stands feature a finish that resists dust and fingerprints—because no one wants to polish between every playlist.
They elevate the speakers by 12 inches, hitting that ideal height for seated listening and giving the Heresy IV the stage presence it deserves without messing with the vibe of your room. Form meets function, Klipsch-style.
Klipsch & Onkyo
The Klipsch presentation will be in the Willow Oak room at the Sheraton Hotel, Raleigh, North Carolina, where Audio Advice Live 2025 is being held. Here is what to expect.
Pro Tip: For more details on the Onkyo components used, refer to our previous report: Onkyo’s Icon Series Paves a New Path Forward and Includes Dirac Live: CES 2025
System #1 – Home Theater
- Klipsch La Scala AL6 louds[eaker: $15,399/pair at Crutchfield
- Klipsch La Scala Active Crossover: $3,499 at Crutchfield
- Onkyo Icon P-80 preamplifier: MSRP: $1,999 – Coming Soon
- Onkyo Icon M-80 power amplifier ( x 3): $1,999 – Coming Soon
- Onkyo Icon C30 CD player: $349 – Coming Soon
System #2 – Two-Channel
- Klipsch Forte IV loudspeaker (new Red Oak finish): $5,499/pair at Amazon
- Onkyo Icon A-50 integrated amplifier: $1,599 – Coming Soon
Static Display
The following will not necessarily be demonstrated at Audio Advice Live, but will be displayed for attendee inspection.
- Klipsch Heresy IV (new Red Oak finish): $3,599/pair at Amazon
- KS-12 Speakers Stands: $474.99/pair
The Bottom Line
Klipsch and Onkyo’s presence at Audio Advice Live 2025 isn’t just about showing off new gear—it’s about demonstrating real system synergy. With the first public demo of the updated La Scala AL6 and its optional Active Crossover alongside Onkyo’s upcoming Icon Series components, this isn’t just a booth—it’s a statement. Klipsch brings the thunder with decades of loudspeaker mastery, while Onkyo signals a serious return to high-end audio with gear built to match in performance and aesthetic. If you’re looking for proof that thoughtful collaboration still matters in hi-fi, this is the exhibit to watch.
Related Reading
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- Onkyo and Klipsch Expand Dirac Partnership But What Does That Mean For Consumers?
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