Energy Owners Thread - Page 54

Ya...FS is giving $49 in instant savings right now and selling them for $1350, but you're right next month it will be a back to school sale or something. However, if the sale price is $1050 again it isn't much cheaper than at a Hi-Fi store.

I have the RC30's and love them, but I'm also trying to complete the system. Do you recommend keeping the 30's up front and purchasing the 10's for the rear, or buying the 70's or 50's and moving the 30's to the rear. I'm going to purchase the matching center also. Please, those that have heard the 70's and 50's please let me know the difference. Thank you.

If you can accomodate the RC30's in the rear, then the advantage is the following:
Having RC30 at the back with RC50 or RC70 will let you choose a lower crossover point, and run the system closer to full range. This sometimes has benefits for music.

However, for HT, I think I'd rather divert my money on a great sub than spend the money on the RC50 or 70. Getting the RC70 makes more sense if you are running them in a large room. The RC50/70 has more headroom (provided you have an amp to back them up) and can handle big movie dynamics more effortlessly if you are running at higher volumes. Overall, they aren't going to sound that different than the 30's when running them with a sub, in fact, in some ways, the smaller profile of the RC30 lends itself to a more precise image, and is easier to place (more options)

Thanks Warpdrive, the sub(Outlaw LFM Plus) is a big plus in my system. What if I can get a good deal on another set of RC30's and have RC30's all the way around with the RC-LCR center? The amplifier may be the Emotiva MPS-1 or the LPA-1 or if you have any recommendations I would appreciate it. Thanks

Having the RC30's all around would be sweet. The Outlaw LFM is a great complement to the Energys. The money you save (by not buying the 70's) would be well spent on a second sub . That would be one kick-butt system.

The RC's aren't particular picky about the amps. The Emotivas would be fine either way

Warp, I do have an Onkyo NR801 receiver that I'm using for the RC's which is about 100x7. Do you think this is enough to drive the energys or should I go for the Emotiva LPA-1 which is about 125x6 or the MPS-1 which is about 200x7? The LPA-1 is 449.00 and the MPS-1 is 1530.00. Or just keep the Onkyo?

if it were me my first-choice would be the MPS-1 (200 X 7), more dynamic. Second choice would be the LPA-1 (125W X 6), Third choice would be to use the Onkyo NR801 (by-itself). The separate (Emotiva) amps will be more efficient than the (Onkyo) receiver's amp's.

What are you planning to use as pre-amplifier/processor, the Onkyo NR801, or an Emotiva pre-pro (DMC-1)?

I've read the Emotiva amps/pre-pro's sound pretty impressive for the price.

Westcoastd, for right now I'll use the Onkyo and then order a pre later. What will be the big difference in the LPA-1 compared to the Onkyo? Will there be a big difference in the LPA-1 and the MPS-1? I'm just looking at cost, will I notice a 1000.00 difference?

a bit more efficiency. Although the Onkyo has a pretty good power-supply/amplifier design (for an AVR), and it is THx Select certified, will work good in most small/medium size rooms. However the LPA-1 will probably drive the RC-Series speakers with less strain.


more head-room (a few extra dbW). Nice dynamic power at lower volume. Able to leap tall buldings in a single bound

Although sound-quality will basically be similiar whether using the Onkyo receivber by itself, or combined with either of the Emotiva amps, as the same (Onkyo receiver) pre-amp section is being used.

Having a more powerful [separate] multi-channel amp provides for a more versatile system- able drive more of a variety of different speaker types, more efficiently. Also provides the capability to graduate to a dedicated (separate) pre-pro later.

The LPA-1 should be more dynamic than the Onkyo, it would definitely be a good move, but I'd personally aim higher, because a power amp is something that you never want to be caught short on (since it will likely stay with you until it breaks or you break While receivers come and go, a good amp is like a good speaker, you buy for the long haul.

I've never heard the Emotivas but I've heard other high grade amps and well, everything just sounds cleaner. It's not a night and day difference though.

I recently bought a Onkyo 604 (claims 90x7) for $255 as it does lossless audio. My RC-30's sound much fuller running in stereo mode versus running them with the RC-10's as well with music. I'm guessing the receiver simply can't handle driving all four at the same quality. Also I"m thinking I could just add a dedicated amp for the fronts down the line and use the receiver to drive the rear RC-10's. Or perhaps when I pick up a sub having the fronts cut off on the lower frequency's will help as well, not really sure.

Anyways what kind of amp do people recommend for 2 channel on the RC-30's. Honestly I probably will not buy any time soon but curious as to what people really feel would make a worth while difference. Also would your priority be a sub (probably would go with a HSU or SVS) or amp first in the upgrade list?

I first used an NAD C272 amp (150W X 2) together with a Yamaha RX-V1600 (120W X 7) to power my RC-30 fronts.
http://nadelectronics.com/products/h...ower-Amplifier
This amp sounds very nice in-general (dynamic and clean), and works very well with the RC-30's (drives them with ease). NAD makes very good amps (good price $700.00).

Now I use three C272 amps, combined with a Yamaha RX-V2700 (as pre-pro only), it's a very nice sounding, versatile, system. Great 2-channel and multi-channel audio.

Using a single C272 with your Onkyo to drive your RC-30 front's will work good to provide that extra horse-power (efficiency) and clean 2-channel performance. Will also add extra dynamics when used for multi-channel/surround sources (DVD-Movies, digital-cable broadcast's, multi-channel music). Moreover there are other good 2-channel and multi-channel brand/model amps as well (ie. Rotel, NAD, etc.,...), I would prefer 150W per/chan minumum.

I prefer using RC-30's full-range with music (no-sub), I think bass response has a nicer "natural" sound. However I use sub (S8.3) with DVD-Movie and digital-cable broadcasts, handles LFE dynamics better.

Actually - I disagree to a point. Energy is a CANADIAN company. I've already emailed them to find out why Americans pay so much less than us (25% on average). If u check out Paradigm prices in the US and Canada, you'll find them almost a wash.

Of course, the speakers are made in China now, not here per say (though from what I understand the Veritas still are made here) so until I hear a plausible explanation as to why this is, I'll spend my money elsewhere (or until FS offers a sale that beats US prices, then I'll consider )

I am glad your not regretting the purchase of the 30's . Since you've committed to the 30's you shouldn't bother with the lager speakers unless your room is huge and it appears that your other questions where answered. I have a question. How do the RC's sound compared to your other speakers and are they fully broken in, yet ?

Good luck, Billy p

I guess you missed the memo that Klipsch owns them?

Klipsch obviously has different things in mind for Energy since they canned Athena and is now positioning Energy in big box stores.

Hi Billy P, compared to my other speakers(Phase Tech Teatro's) the RC's are alot more detailed and open without being harsh. Bass response is really good in 2 channel. I haven't done the HT test yet, but today I will. I can't wait to get the center and maybe another set of 30's. I just want to give these things some juice to see them open up a little more. I know they have more to offer and also my Onkyo NR801 gets pretty hot within 45 minutes of playing. Thanks alot.

I think you'll be very impressed.


definitely get an RC-LCR, this will bring your L-C-R together, seamlessly.

Also, four RC-30's will be awesome especially for multi-channel music (SACD, DVD-A, etc.,...), which is the reason I would go that way. However, if you are primarily into HT (DVD-movies, digital-cable broadcasts, etc.,..) I would consider, either, RC-10's or RC-R's, and mount them approx 1 to 2 ft. above ear level.

Moreover, if you go with four RC-30's I would definitely use a separate amp (either a 2-channel for your fronts or a multi-channel), as your Onkyo would be over-driven (especially if running fronts and rears at full-range).

Have fun!

I'll definitely get the RC30's if audioadvisor.com has another great deal on them, but if not I'll get the RC10's and the RC-LCR for the center. I'll see how that sounds and if not I'll upgrade the amplifier. Thank you.

I just brought a pair of c-200 from FutureShop website for 360$CA (with shipping and Taxes...). They had a 3-day sale at the beginning of the month. All speakers were at 25% reduction. (original price was 400$CA).

I will power them with my Onkyo TX-8522 stereo receiver, connected to a DX-C390 cd player. If I had more room (I will use them on my desk, in my bedroom...) I would have brought the c-500 ... If I ever have an suround system, I might use the c-200 as the rear speakers.

Ok heres a little update on my gear and my initial impressions.

My setup right now is 4 RC30's and a LCR. In my previous post I said that I had a broken RC30. Its still broken. Im currently still talking to audio advisor and Damian Peoples from klipsch. Ill update about this when things start moving forward.

All the speakers are on an onkyo 605 right now and initially wasnt too impressed with the speakers. They just didnt have the clarity I crave. So I connected the pc to the receiver mult channel input and wow. The X-fi elite pro does a helluva job processing audio. The speakers are clear! The bass hits harder too! So it looks like the 605 isnt that great SQ wise. I really hope the 875 is better since I have it preordered. Im very satisfied with the speakers now that I know what they can do. I just hope I dont have to use my pc to play mp3s through them in the future.

HybridHB, Do you speakers sound much fuller on 2 channel as opposed to your 605 running 4 channel? My Onkyo 604 is that way as I mentioned in an earlier post.

Also, Damien sent me out a replacement driver (quite a hefty magnet for a small driver) for my RC-30 and I received it over the weekend. I just haven't borrowed a Alan wrench to swap out the defective one yet.

I havent tried running 4 channels for music so I cant say. Ill do it over the weekend and let you know.

what source were you using before you experimented using the X-fi set-up (were you using CD or DVD player, or an iPod dock, etc.,...)? How was this original source connected to the Onkyo?

I'm really curious about your impressions of the Onkyo 875. I almost pre-ordered it from AVS, but I decided to stay with my Denon 3805 (powering RC-LCR's in the front) a while longer. I love the Denon sound, but I'm looking to upgrade to HDMI eventually. Keep us posted on your Onkyo impressions.

I was streaming media from the pc to PS3 through hdmi.

How high do you have your rear speakers (back wall) speaker mounted. I'm about to mount 2 C-R100's and the owners manual suggests 6' or approx or 2' above your head while in normal listening position. Does this seem too high you you guys?

that should work out fine (approx. 1.0ft to 2.0ft above ear-level). I have two RC-R's mounted on my back walls approx. 1.5ft above ear-level, they sound beautiful, great sound-stage.

HybridHB, what is your impression on the overall performance of the RC-LCR?

Ill post my impressions of it in a few days. I havent had a chance to really play with it during the weekend.

Hi all,

New to the audio forums and Energy, as I'm slowly trying to assemble the el-cheapo audio setup via craigslist and a popular auction site. I'm taking the approach of trying to get high-end stuff from 5-7 years back and get solid performance for bargain basement pricing.

Anyway, I've got a Sony DA555ES receiver ($50 off craigslist), and have been enjoying a pair of e:XL-15's that the guy who sold me the receiver threw in for $20. Pretty nice $70 spent for an audio set-up though would have cost close to a grand back in 2000! I wasn't expecting much, but have been extremely impressed with the sound quality of those little XL's. In the process of learning about my speakers (I had never heard of Energy before), I have become quite a fan of Energy stuff and gained a lot of knowledge.

Anyway, I've always got my eye out for a cheap upgrade to the smallish XL-15's, and a couple of days ago I snapped up a pair of Connoisseur C-2's for $50 off craigslist. They look to be in great shape save some minor scratches on the piano black finish, and sound great in limited testing.

After the intro, my two questions -- bear with the audio newb:

1. When I got the speakers home and was checking them out, I noticed some "fuzz" stuffed in the ports -- looks almost like dryer lint or insulation or something. It's in both speakers, which makes me think it's normal.... but is it normal? Do manufacturers put soft material in the speakers to dampen resonance or something?

2. What do you folks recommend as a cheap, easy way to make the scratches on the piano black finish look better? Is there a certain type of black polish that works well for this type of stuff? I don't want to try something and ruin the finish of the speakers, but I'd like to mitigate the scratches.

Thanks!