Advice on Energy Take 5

Newegg is offering the Energy Take 5 Pack for $149 today, and I've been wanting to upgrade my speakers and receiver as I just got a ps3 as a bluray player and am currently using bose acoustimass speakers (no sub, just the base module, though I do have 2 fronts, 2 surrounds and a center) with an older Onkyo receiver (no video, just DD5.1 and DTS 5.1) which I've had for 5-10 years depending on the pieces, and I'm tired of the missing mid-range bass, as well as the lack of a true sub. Also I want to be able to take advantage of the new lossless audio formats, which I currently can't with my older receiver.

I'm a little wary of getting another set of lifestyle sized speakers, and I was reading an old thread saying the Energy c-50 line was a better option (I would like to stay to bookshelf sized, not looking for tower speakers) but I can't find anywhere that sells them anymore other than the manufacturer and those prices are MSRP.

The price looks too good to pass up, though I was originally looking to spend about $400-600 on speakers and a sub.

I'm likely going to purchase the Pioneer VSX-919AH-K as my AV Receiver.

I sit about 12 feet from the TV Which is basically the width of the room, though the room extends left into my dining room and kitchen so in total it is probably 400 sqft, but my viewing area is much smaller, say <200 sqft.

I live in a one bedroom condo with neighbors above and below me, so I'm not looking to shake walls here, but I do want good sound.

Should I grab this deal which I think expires today? Are there other speakers of the bookshelf or lifestyle variety I should consider? Also what do people think of these in combination with the pioneer receiver? And lastly, can anyone recommend a sub to go with the speakers or the speakers you recommend?

I was originally going to replace my receiver, then get a sub, then add speakers piecemeal due to the cost, but at $149 I can afford to do everything at once.

Sorry for the laundry list!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm not EXACTLY a novice, but I really don't know much about speakers.

Oh, and I primarily use the system for TV, Blu-ray and DVD. Music is secondary, but I do still use it for music.

I just found that code thanks! So this makes my question even more urgent!

Oh, I'm quite sure these will be an upgrade over my bose speakers, but I'm wondering if there's something a little larger (ie bookshelf) sized that would be better for me, given the size of my room. Or do you think these will be enough? I'm just concerned over a previous thread (which was from 6 months ago) which stated the C-50s were clearly better and not much more expensive, but I can't find those.

Also, yeah, I know I'll need a sub, do you know of one you'd recommend that would match well with these?

Thanks for the quick reply!

I'd say about $200, though I'm not really sure what's reasonable for a decent sub. As I said, I'm really looking for something to fill the sound, not shake walls as I don't really want to disturb my neighbors (too much).

Unless I'm reading you wrong, you seem to think I'd be happy with the Takes. Sounds like the Takes are the way to go with the price, and upgrade if I need more. That said, as far as the sub goes I'd rather not have to replace THAT, if I end up upgrading from the Takes.

Ron,

You know that might not be a bad option as a hybrid between this deal on the Takes and my original plan of going piecemeal. I mean for $119 I'm not going to get a five better speakers, but $119 is not a lot to spend for surrounds in the long run. So as long as they're timbre matched (which I'm guessing all Energy speakers are), your idea is actually well taken!

Yeah, I've pretty much decided to do that. Too good a deal to pass up.

Any recs on a sub? Should I stick with Energy or does it not matter what brand of sub I buy (as far as timbre matching)?

Sadly, there are no Frys in my area either. I'm not in the sticks either. Philadelphia... but I don't think there are frys on the east coast.

Just took a look at that. Seems like a lot more sub than I need. I say that just because it's a 12-inch sub and 400+ watts. That said, the price is right about where I'd like to be.

I don't know much about subs. It more power always better? Or is it possible to get a smaller sub that will provide me with better sound quality at a similar price? As I was saying originally I live in a mid-rise condo, so I'd rather not disturb my neighbors TOO much.

Ha, I might have to check that forum out. And yeah, I'm sure my neighbors would love me if I had four subs! and if they went that low...

frankly I think my cat might have a heartattack!

Okay, so I ordered the Takes. Would this sub work? The Energy ESWC10. http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/it.../energy-eswc10

I'm concerned about crossover given the comment above about the pioneer 919 only having 100hz and 150hz settings where Ron said to make sure the sub goes up to 120hz. Concerned I may lose range.

Howso?

Any advice on a sub that goes to 150?

It looks like that BIC may be the winner. It has the really broad range it looks like I'll need.

Thanks!

I ended up going with the BIC V1020 which I was able to get for $150. Had the frequency response and crossover range I needed. Now, if only Amazon would ship the thing... my fronts, center and surrounds are being delivered today, and my banana plugs tomorrow... but don't want to hook everything up until I get the sub.

That said, thanks for the tip!