Are Energy RC-10s OK to use as surround and center channel speakers?

I have a pair of RC-70s for main fronts and want to build a 5.1 HT setup around them, but the RC-LCR is a pretty expensive piece and from what I've read it may not be worth the cash as some feel its sound is a bit different from the RC towers.

I've heard the same for the RC-R surround speakers, leading me to believe the culprit is the 2" midrange.

The RC-10 uses the same mid/tweeter as the rest of the RC towers, so it likely has a very similar sound quality.

Thoughts? Are there real advantages to using the RC-LCR for a center? Are there real advantages to using the RC-R for surrounds?

I would like to know the same thing too :)

The advantage of the RC-R as a surround speaker its that it diffuses the sound due to its bipole design. So the surround effects will be dispersed more throughout the room as the speaker fires sound in two directions. Plus a speaker like the RC-R can be easily wall mounted, its is designed for it.

A standard bookshelf speaker such as the R-10 is direct radiating speaker or monopole design. It'll be more localized and thus easier to pinpoint where the sound is coming from when compared to a bipole speaker.

Both can be used effectively as surrounds. I'd get the RC-10s myself because I like to listen to multichannel music and the RC-10 would be better than a bipole speaker for that.

Thanks for your input!

I see what you're saying about the RC-R, but in my room the couch is on the rear wall so the rear speakers will be firing along the wall anyway... I sort of doubt the bi-pole design would benefit much there. Am I right?

Also, any thoughts on the RC-10 as a center channel vs. the RC-LCR?

RC-10 would be great as a center channel with your RC-70. RC-10 would work well in any situation with the RC towers, surrounds or as a center.

see what you're saying about the RC-R, but in my room the couch is on the rear wall so the rear speakers will be firing along the wall anyway... I sort of doubt the bi-pole design would benefit much there. Am I right?


I think bipoles are supposed to be better as side surrounds instead of on the rear wall. I'm sure someone else will chime in that has more experience with bipoles.

Don't know about the 70's but I've never noticed any timbre differences between my RC-50s and my RC-LCR.

Thanks for your input, guys!

I just bought a pair of brand new RC-10s on Ebay for US$321 in Montreal... shipped to my door they'll be less than CAN$400. I couldn't pass it up!

Now it seems I need to find a deal on an RC-LCR and I'm all set for a pretty fine surround system...

Oh you're from Montreal? Heh, I was born there but now I'm working in Jersey :)

I also bought pulled the trigger, I got mine from Vanns for $300 (Rosenut). In the energy speaker thread, they have a picture comparing the RC-10 to the mini and the RC-10 is so much bigger lol...

Speaking of which, I need to get some stands, anyone have suggestions for speaker stands?

Futureshop occasionally puts the LCR on sale in the mid $400s but they only stock black now. Another native Montrealer here now living in BC. (Go, Habs, Go!)

Oh you're from Montreal? Heh, I was born there but now I'm working in Jersey :)

I also bought pulled the trigger, I got mine from Vanns for $300 (Rosenut). In the energy speaker thread, they have a picture comparing the RC-10 to the mini and the RC-10 is so much bigger lol...

Speaking of which, I need to get some stands, anyone have suggestions for speaker stands?


A lot of people have been using one of these stands. If you search you may be able to find it cheaper.

http://www.amazon.com/Sanus-BF31B-Speaker-Stands-Foundations%C2%AE/dp/B001R7QOOQ

http://www.amazon.com/SANUS-SYSTEMS-BF-24B-Speaker-Stands/dp/B00006JQ5N/ref=pd_cp_e_1

Actually, I'm originally from NE of Toronto, but I'm in Ottawa now.

Yep, hoping FS puts the LCR on for a big discount to complete my project.

I tried dealing with Vanns, but they can't process CDN credit cards... DOH! Though, quoting Vanns pricing got me a great deal on my RC-70s, maybe I can play the same card for a deal on the LCR? :)