Hey all...
Just checking back in. I haven't seen much in the way of reviews of Energy's new line of their Veritas series, but I thought I'd give a well thought out review for you folks looking at them:
I've owned a wide array of loudspeakers and HT setups ranging from Paradigm Studios to Klipsch Icon and Klipsch Reference to some of Axiom's products and various other manufacturers. I won't comment on all of my older setups, however I liked the Paradigms and the Klipsch were too bright.
My setup right now driving and combined with the Energys:
Pioneer SC-57
PS3
300 Disc Sony Mega changer
Acoustically treated room
Bowers Wilkins 10 inch CM subwoofer
Veritas 6.3 towers fronts
Veritas center
Veritas monitor bookshelves as surrounds
Not that it matters, but currently using the HX929 XBR as a TV.
I was hesistant to the pull the trigger on these. I usually don't love going for the expensive big name, because your usually paying for the name. However, don't regret it for a second. Very impressed because these speakers are very musical and sweet, and at the same time they are punchy enough for HT and gaming. First thing I'll say is that they are expectionally beautiful. The Piano rosenut lacquer isn't cheap at all. It's decently scratch proof. Woofers feel solid, and the titanium tweeter is protected by plastic. Yada yada, your regular stuff here boys.
Speakers are pretty sensitive, above 90dB. I couldn't pass up a certain site's sale for these speakers and decided to add them to my theater. Extremely impressive for a very skinny and not so large speaker. The first thing you notice (especially when hooking them up with a decent amp and a clean sounding pre amp or receiver) is that they are a benchmark for clarity in this price range. While not as warm or "polite" as the Paradigm Studios were, they exhibit very accurate detail without slurring high end or low end. There's no particular area where these speakers shine, because they shine in all spectrums. At first I thought low end would be a problem but in a properly treated room these bad boys have more than enough clean midbass for music and other listening. Comparitively speaking using the Klipsch Reference and the Paradigm Studios, I'd say in terms of harshness they are right in the middle. Not too harsh on highs, but not too warm where your missing the extra 'umph' associated with mid-high end speakers. Transient response is great, but not ultra fantastic.
However, like anything, a cheap receiver or low end pre-amp will not bring out the best in these speakers. Something clean and uncolored is the best way to enjoy these as that's how I can describe them best. Uncolored with a pinch of 'fluff', meaning they have a characteristic of mellowness which really makes the mid-end range of the speakers give depth to instruments.
Demos:
I inserted Norah Jones album "Come Away With Me" into my CDP to start the auditioning. (Once the speakers were broken in with a few hours). The track "Don't Know Why" sounded so incredibly accurate I forgot how much I paid for these. After auditioning the Focal Scala Utopia towers, I never thought I'd find a speaker which I would like nearly as much. As Norah's voice raised higher and higher, the tweeter followed through sweeter and sweeter. Her voice was never harsh or colored. It was as if she was singing in my bedroom right in front of me.
The light striking of the piano was brought on smoothly and filled the soundstage just the right amount.
The next track Seven Years was where I like to test the mid-range of loudspeakers. Too often I find speakers muddying the introductory bass and thining out the lightly plucked guitar strings. The Veritas 6.3 towers created a full yet clean midbass packed with a clean and full mid-range. Again, not too thin and raspy, but not too warm and laid-back. That's not to say these speakers don't have any characteristics, they just dont focus on over-exaggeration.
The next CD I demod was Pearl Jam's Rear View Mirror. This is where some may have issues with these speakers. They aren't punchy - at all. That's not to say they won't crank up and blast Pearl Jam's 12 guitarists and Veder's voice though. This is where the Veritas slightly small woofers wont give you a super Porterhouse thick mid-range. Where they will punch you though is when the guitar chords hit you will feel a certain depth and clarity and large soundstage. If you want a high end hitter, go for the Klipsch or something along those lines. However, if you pair the Veritas with a nice clean subwoofer, you'll find they will compliment each other very well - and that's the problem. If using these for a dedicated Stereo setup for music, don't cheap out on the subwoofer (you should know that by now). I used the Klipsch RW-12D when I first had these speakers and while it had the volume and power, it lacked dynamics and cleanliness. Upon adding the B and W, the system was transformed and the subwoofer acted as an extension of the speakers - how it should be.
Anyways, next was Home Theater experience. The first movie I threw in to listen to was the Dark Knight. Dialogue from Batman was crisp and flat, and the epic soundtrack brought out the fantastic soundstage of these speakers. Explosions and rumbles never fatigued your ears, but rather they brought you closer to the action. If I could explain these speakers in easy terms, I'd say they never "try too hard". Even when cranking up my receiver to +1.0dB, they never strained and never thinned out. Sound effects from the movie felt realistic. At some points during the movie I wanted to reach out and grab what I thought was Batman's cape flying at me. Iron Man 2 was similar in terms of overall clarity and range. The opening flying scene never punches you in the face like it did with the Klipsch Reference, but it breathes down your neck with no distortion. However, the B and W CM subwoofer LOVED that scene and plunged down to hell and back and ripped out my intestines in the process. (Well treated room to blame too)
I do a fair amount of gaming, and Modern Warfare 3 was first on the list. Guns sounded crisp and detailed while firing and reloading, and I felt the bullet cases fall on the ground in every direction. I never felt that presence of realism with the Paradigms or the Klipsch. However nothing ever leaps out at you in the game sound wise.
On the other hand, Battlefield 3 is a different story. Firing the M4 makes my stomach rumble while the never thin mid-range recreates the firing sound very well. Explosions sound fierce but not ear shattering, again.
Conclusion:
If your looking for a speaker that demonstrates a certain characteristic, this isn't for you. If your looking for something which will thrill you with high-end prowess, this isn't for you. If you are however looking for an accurate, slightly warm, and detailed speaker, it's a revolution for it's price tag. (Assuming on sale). I used to think Axiom's products were great deals, but this just takes my ears to a new level. (For the price).
Sure, they wont match the Focal Utopias, or high end Ariels or say the Kef 205/2 reference series. But hell, they offer a fantastic sound with a nice soundstage which when paired with a subwoofer puts an ear-to-ear smile on my face.
If anyone wants me to go into detail or review the B and W sub, just let me know. Hope this all helps!
Just checking back in. I haven't seen much in the way of reviews of Energy's new line of their Veritas series, but I thought I'd give a well thought out review for you folks looking at them:
I've owned a wide array of loudspeakers and HT setups ranging from Paradigm Studios to Klipsch Icon and Klipsch Reference to some of Axiom's products and various other manufacturers. I won't comment on all of my older setups, however I liked the Paradigms and the Klipsch were too bright.
My setup right now driving and combined with the Energys:
Pioneer SC-57
PS3
300 Disc Sony Mega changer
Acoustically treated room
Bowers Wilkins 10 inch CM subwoofer
Veritas 6.3 towers fronts
Veritas center
Veritas monitor bookshelves as surrounds
Not that it matters, but currently using the HX929 XBR as a TV.
I was hesistant to the pull the trigger on these. I usually don't love going for the expensive big name, because your usually paying for the name. However, don't regret it for a second. Very impressed because these speakers are very musical and sweet, and at the same time they are punchy enough for HT and gaming. First thing I'll say is that they are expectionally beautiful. The Piano rosenut lacquer isn't cheap at all. It's decently scratch proof. Woofers feel solid, and the titanium tweeter is protected by plastic. Yada yada, your regular stuff here boys.
Speakers are pretty sensitive, above 90dB. I couldn't pass up a certain site's sale for these speakers and decided to add them to my theater. Extremely impressive for a very skinny and not so large speaker. The first thing you notice (especially when hooking them up with a decent amp and a clean sounding pre amp or receiver) is that they are a benchmark for clarity in this price range. While not as warm or "polite" as the Paradigm Studios were, they exhibit very accurate detail without slurring high end or low end. There's no particular area where these speakers shine, because they shine in all spectrums. At first I thought low end would be a problem but in a properly treated room these bad boys have more than enough clean midbass for music and other listening. Comparitively speaking using the Klipsch Reference and the Paradigm Studios, I'd say in terms of harshness they are right in the middle. Not too harsh on highs, but not too warm where your missing the extra 'umph' associated with mid-high end speakers. Transient response is great, but not ultra fantastic.
However, like anything, a cheap receiver or low end pre-amp will not bring out the best in these speakers. Something clean and uncolored is the best way to enjoy these as that's how I can describe them best. Uncolored with a pinch of 'fluff', meaning they have a characteristic of mellowness which really makes the mid-end range of the speakers give depth to instruments.
Demos:
I inserted Norah Jones album "Come Away With Me" into my CDP to start the auditioning. (Once the speakers were broken in with a few hours). The track "Don't Know Why" sounded so incredibly accurate I forgot how much I paid for these. After auditioning the Focal Scala Utopia towers, I never thought I'd find a speaker which I would like nearly as much. As Norah's voice raised higher and higher, the tweeter followed through sweeter and sweeter. Her voice was never harsh or colored. It was as if she was singing in my bedroom right in front of me.
The light striking of the piano was brought on smoothly and filled the soundstage just the right amount.The next track Seven Years was where I like to test the mid-range of loudspeakers. Too often I find speakers muddying the introductory bass and thining out the lightly plucked guitar strings. The Veritas 6.3 towers created a full yet clean midbass packed with a clean and full mid-range. Again, not too thin and raspy, but not too warm and laid-back. That's not to say these speakers don't have any characteristics, they just dont focus on over-exaggeration.
The next CD I demod was Pearl Jam's Rear View Mirror. This is where some may have issues with these speakers. They aren't punchy - at all. That's not to say they won't crank up and blast Pearl Jam's 12 guitarists and Veder's voice though. This is where the Veritas slightly small woofers wont give you a super Porterhouse thick mid-range. Where they will punch you though is when the guitar chords hit you will feel a certain depth and clarity and large soundstage. If you want a high end hitter, go for the Klipsch or something along those lines. However, if you pair the Veritas with a nice clean subwoofer, you'll find they will compliment each other very well - and that's the problem. If using these for a dedicated Stereo setup for music, don't cheap out on the subwoofer (you should know that by now). I used the Klipsch RW-12D when I first had these speakers and while it had the volume and power, it lacked dynamics and cleanliness. Upon adding the B and W, the system was transformed and the subwoofer acted as an extension of the speakers - how it should be.
Anyways, next was Home Theater experience. The first movie I threw in to listen to was the Dark Knight. Dialogue from Batman was crisp and flat, and the epic soundtrack brought out the fantastic soundstage of these speakers. Explosions and rumbles never fatigued your ears, but rather they brought you closer to the action. If I could explain these speakers in easy terms, I'd say they never "try too hard". Even when cranking up my receiver to +1.0dB, they never strained and never thinned out. Sound effects from the movie felt realistic. At some points during the movie I wanted to reach out and grab what I thought was Batman's cape flying at me. Iron Man 2 was similar in terms of overall clarity and range. The opening flying scene never punches you in the face like it did with the Klipsch Reference, but it breathes down your neck with no distortion. However, the B and W CM subwoofer LOVED that scene and plunged down to hell and back and ripped out my intestines in the process. (Well treated room to blame too)
I do a fair amount of gaming, and Modern Warfare 3 was first on the list. Guns sounded crisp and detailed while firing and reloading, and I felt the bullet cases fall on the ground in every direction. I never felt that presence of realism with the Paradigms or the Klipsch. However nothing ever leaps out at you in the game sound wise.
On the other hand, Battlefield 3 is a different story. Firing the M4 makes my stomach rumble while the never thin mid-range recreates the firing sound very well. Explosions sound fierce but not ear shattering, again.
Conclusion:
If your looking for a speaker that demonstrates a certain characteristic, this isn't for you. If your looking for something which will thrill you with high-end prowess, this isn't for you. If you are however looking for an accurate, slightly warm, and detailed speaker, it's a revolution for it's price tag. (Assuming on sale). I used to think Axiom's products were great deals, but this just takes my ears to a new level. (For the price).
Sure, they wont match the Focal Utopias, or high end Ariels or say the Kef 205/2 reference series. But hell, they offer a fantastic sound with a nice soundstage which when paired with a subwoofer puts an ear-to-ear smile on my face.
If anyone wants me to go into detail or review the B and W sub, just let me know. Hope this all helps!
also, what center do you have? 5.2c? Oh wait, I remember you, your the one that had the fatty gift card from vanns. Yeah I sent you a pm asking how you liked the veritas. Glad you posted your review.. Now, pictures!!! 
