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Energy Owners Thread - Page 91

post #2701 of 48191
3/15/08 at 7:07pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by WestCoastD View Post

these are essentially the retail price's respectively.

That's good to know. I'll negotiate from there. I tend to lean toward buying this kind of thing locally and developing a relationship with the employees, rather than buying it online. However, if there is a reputable on-line establishment, I wouldn't be opposed to considering it. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Dave
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Gear mentioned in this thread:

post #2702 of 48191
3/15/08 at 9:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by 73dodgeboy View Post

I'm interested in buying an almost complete set of Energy speakers from the only local reseller that carries them. The prices seem a bit high to me, so I wanted to run them by you guys to see what you think:

RC-70: $1000/ea.
RC-LCR: $600
RC-R: $600/pr.

$3200 is more than I was expecting to have to pay for this setup. I'm a bit hesitant to buy them online for obvious reasons. What are you guys paying locally for these speakers?

Thanks,
Dave

audioadvisor has some great prices on the RC-30's and RC-10's. I know they aren't local but they have great service. They have multiple listings so make sure you look at all of them. They have package deals as well.


Only thing I've never been lucky to find is the RC-LCR for a great price. Tempted to get another pair of RC--10's to cover the center channel.
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post #2703 of 48191
3/15/08 at 11:06pm
Does anybody know where I could pick up 3 Veritas 2.2i's near Toronto? (or somewhere reputable online I suppose). I hope it's not too late to pounce now that they're being cleared out...
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post #2704 of 48191
3/16/08 at 6:10am
Quote:
Originally Posted by kriktsemaj99 View Post

Are you suggesting you won't be able to find the RC series anywhere before long? I need to grab another pair of RC-Minis to complete a 7.1 system and I like the $149 FS sale price a lot better than the regular $249 (or even the current $199 sale). But I wouldn't want to wait too long and find there's no stock anywhere.

WestCoast,

have you heard anything about a possible end-of-life of the current RC series?
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post #2705 of 48191
3/16/08 at 6:55am
Quote:
Originally Posted by 73dodgeboy View Post

I'm interested in buying an almost complete set of Energy speakers from the only local reseller that carries them. The prices seem a bit high to me, so I wanted to run them by you guys to see what you think:

RC-70: $1000/ea.
RC-LCR: $600
RC-R: $600/pr.

$3200 is more than I was expecting to have to pay for this setup. I'm a bit hesitant to buy them online for obvious reasons. What are you guys paying locally for these speakers?

Thanks,
Dave

70: 1500/pr
LCR: 500
RC-R: 500/pr

Those are the prices you should be paying for that setup, especially with sales going on all over the place.
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post #2706 of 48191
3/16/08 at 7:34am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mouettus View Post

You couldn't be more wrong my friend. The ESW-V10 and the S10.3 are two VERY different sounding subwoofers. Muddy -vs- clear that is, maybe not for maximum output. But I'm a punchy-and-accurate type of guy. Not much into insane SPLs and subsonic frequencies.

I must check them out @ FS. However, at that price point for the ESW-v10 you can buy a 12" SVS sb12 for $780.00.
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post #2707 of 48191
3/16/08 at 9:01am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Billy p View Post

I must check them out @ FS. However, at that price point for the ESW-v10 you can buy a 12" SVS sb12 for $780.00.

I don't think you can compare the two. I'm pretty sure the Energy is more accurate, more musical. The SVS will have more output and will put out much more deeper bass. I don't care anyways because as far as the specs go, the energy goes down to 24 and my DPS-10 (velodyne) have a response of 28-120. I just discovered that. What a shame. 180watts amp with a 28hz lower frequency response. eek!
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post #2708 of 48191
3/16/08 at 9:02am
Would you guys know if Audio Advisor ships to Canada?
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post #2709 of 48191
3/16/08 at 9:51am
I believe AA ships to Canada, but don't expect free shipping on speakers. I got our Energy speakers from there. Audio Advisor has the LCR on special now, also AVDepot has it at a discount. I also see shopaudiovideo.com has a very low price for the LCR (349) and ships to Canada, but I have never dealt with them.

Service on the ordering side from AA was good. We'll see how they are with problems. The power light on our 3 wk old sub-woofer went out yesterday.
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post #2710 of 48191
3/16/08 at 10:08am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mouettus View Post

I don't think you can compare the two. I'm pretty sure the Energy is more accurate, more musical. The SVS will have more output and will put out much more deeper bass. I don't care anyways because as far as the specs go, the energy goes down to 24 and my DPS-10 (velodyne) have a response of 28-120. I just discovered that. What a shame. 180watts amp with a 28hz lower frequency response. eek!

Actually the SB12 should blow the energy out of the water for accuracy and musicality. This isn't the big HT series. The SB is a sealed design. It is flat to 22 Hz.

kw.........
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post #2711 of 48191
3/16/08 at 10:30am
Not to start a sub war or anything, but the SVS subs are very accurate and very musical. My buddy has a PB-10 and it's very very impressive. I bought the PB-Ultra and there's absolutely nothing Future Shop carries that is even remotely in the same league as this sub. Not even close actually, and I've heard the TOTL Velodyne they carry boom boom boom. For kicks, I'd take my PB down there just to watch them drool, but at 150lb's it's not exactly portable

That being said, I haven't heard the new ESW series. Everyone has different tastes and what they want out of a sub. I'm sure the ESW will be decent sub, but I doubt it would be comparable to an SVS sub. If those were sold at Future shop, the MSRP would be at least 30% more than what they sell for direct.
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post #2712 of 48191
3/16/08 at 10:34am
Quote:
Originally Posted by kwtoxman View Post

Actually the SB12 should blow the energy out of the water for accuracy and musicality. This isn't the big HT series. The SB is a sealed design. It is flat to 22 Hz.

kw.........

Oh. thanks for pointing me out. I thought it was the PB12. Now the SB12-Plus looks promising. But I'm too chicken **** for ID yet. I'm afraid I wouldn't like the speaker and sending it back with all the hassle. I prefer hearing before buying. If it doesn't do as well in your home, take it back to the store. 30 minutes later, you're all done with it. I'd love to do a comparison though. Anyone here owns the SB12?
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post #2713 of 48191
3/16/08 at 10:39am
I've been reading through the thread and think I have a pretty decent idea of what I'll need for my 7.1 setup but since I'm buying without hearing and going by research only I want to make sure.

One thing I haven't seen discussed is which speakers to pick for behind an AT screen. Based on what I've read in other general speaker threads it's best to have the LCR's identical so I'm looking at 3 RC-LCR's, and 4 RC-R's.

I believe the RC-R's for sides is a good choice since THX recommends di-poles for the sides. I'm curious how the RC-R's work though, most people who have RC-R's for sides seem to like them, but there's only a couple people I have found who have posted on what they've used for sides.

I'm surprised I haven't seen the C-R100's being used for sides, or better yet as rears. For home THX setup, they recommend not using di-poles but mono or bi on the rears. Everyone here seems to use RC-R's for rears but I'm not sure why (except when seating is near the back of the room). From other reports, >=7' is about the distance from speakers where di-poles are dropped as more liked and mono's sound better, which is about where my second row of seats will be.

My HT is 21'longx16'x8' with seating at 10' and 15 feet back so I have about 6' behind the last row (unless I drop the counter and put in a third row of seats, which I may do, but either way that part of the theater won't be built for a couple of years as I have no need for it now).

Anyway, I'm just looking for some tips before I make my final choices. My budget is $1500'ish (I can go more if it's worth the cost). It seems though that mono/bi/di depends much on the specific speaker. For instance, I was looking at RBH's MC-616C's for LCR, 44-SE for di-pole sides and 41-SE for rear but because of acoustical matching I don't think that option would work, which has led me to look at what energy provides.

(Edit) I should note my HT will be 95% movie and 5% music use. I also have diagrams and pictures of the HT in my sig construction thread.
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post #2714 of 48191
3/16/08 at 10:46am
I'll wait 'till someone else gets to listen to the new energy line so they will be able to give feedback compared to other subs.

All I know is that when I demoed the ESW, I shut the speakers off, leaving only the sub to play, and I could hear the music, not only boom boom. (crossover at 80hz along with RC-70s). And when I turned the speakers back on, I couldn't tell there was a subwoofer. I could only feel the kicks (bass drum). That's what I like about subs. Punchy and accurate, so it blends well, unlike ANY other sub at futureshop that goes woo woo woo. Sure it stomps like hell, but what the f00k is playing right now?! And yeah... your subwoofer is located right there (eyes closed). If you guys know of a sub available in Canada that could do as well for less, then speak!

The esw is beautiful as well. I actually like the Mirage Prestige S10 better (sitting on spikes like the RCs). I wonder if it's the same cabinet, as I know it's the same driver and same amp.

Finally, if AA is shipping to Canada for a good price, I have a pair of RC-10 on the way! :P
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post #2715 of 48191
3/16/08 at 11:17am
Quote:
Originally Posted by distoga View Post

I've been reading through the thread and think I have a pretty decent idea of what I'll need for my 7.1 setup but since I'm buying without hearing and going by research only I want to make sure.

One thing I haven't seen discussed is which speakers to pick for behind an AT screen. Based on what I've read in other general speaker threads it's best to have the LCR's identical so I'm looking at 3 RC-LCR's, and 4 RC-R's.

I believe the RC-R's for sides is a good choice since THX recommends di-poles for the sides. I'm curious how the RC-R's work though, most people who have RC-R's for sides seem to like them, but there's only a couple people I have found who have posted on what they've used for sides.

I'm surprised I haven't seen the C-R100's being used for sides, or better yet as rears. For home THX setup, they recommend not using di-poles but mono or bi on the rears. Everyone here seems to use RC-R's for rears but I'm not sure why (except when seating is near the back of the room). From other reports, >=7' is about the distance from speakers where di-poles are dropped as more liked and mono's sound better, which is about where my second row of seats will be.

My HT is 21'longx16'x8' with seating at 10' and 15 feet back so I have about 6' behind the last row (unless I drop the counter and put in a third row of seats, which I may do, but either way that part of the theater won't be built for a couple of years as I have no need for it now).

Anyway, I'm just looking for some tips before I make my final choices. My budget is $1500'ish (I can go more if it's worth the cost). It seems though that mono/bi/di depends much on the specific speaker. For instance, I was looking at RBH's MC-616C's for LCR, 44-SE for di-pole sides and 41-SE for rear but because of acoustical matching I don't think that option would work, which has led me to look at what energy provides.

(Edit) I should note my HT will be 95% movie and 5% music use. I also have diagrams and pictures of the HT in my sig construction thread.

Good thoughts. 3 LCR's have been used and recommended before. I'd recommend 2 RCR's and 2 RC10's for the 4 rear channels. IIRC this is the preferred set up. 4 bipole/dipole speakers at the rear would be too much IMO. I use the veritas 2.0Ri's in a 5.1 set up.

kw........
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post #2716 of 48191
3/16/08 at 11:23am
Quote:
Originally Posted by distoga View Post

I've been reading through the thread and think I have a pretty decent idea of what I'll need for my 7.1 setup but since I'm buying without hearing and going by research only I want to make sure.

One thing I haven't seen discussed is which speakers to pick for behind an AT screen. Based on what I've read in other general speaker threads it's best to have the LCR's identical so I'm looking at 3 RC-LCR's, and 4 RC-R's.
...
Anyway, I'm just looking for some tips before I make my final choices. My budget is $1500'ish (I can go more if it's worth the cost). It seems though that mono/bi/di depends much on the specific speaker...

I don't see how 3 RC-LCR's and 4 RC-R's meet your budget, and what about the subwoofer?

I have a 7.1 system that costs about the minimum you can do with the RC series: 2 RC-10, 1 RC-LCR, 4 RC-Mini (I already had a sub). It sounds good and plays plenty loud enough (driven by a Yamaha RX-V1800, all speakers set to small crossed over at 100Hz with a Paradigm PW2100 sub). Without paying much more you can up the fronts to RC-30s, but the RC-LCR is expensive (worth it for the centre though).

Also I wouldn't obsess too much about the type of surrounds, direct radiating speakers work fine as surrounds if they're mounted above ear level and not pointing directly at anyone.

Oh, and don't skimp on the sub!
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post #2717 of 48191
3/16/08 at 12:02pm
I don't consider the sub(s) part of my 1500 speaker budget, and I guess I should say my budget is 1500 with the option of up to 3000 if it's worth going up to that.

Anyone have an opinion of 3 LCR's to get balanced sounds vs RL towers and a RC-LCR for center, or even 3 towers for behind an AT screen?
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post #2718 of 48191
3/16/08 at 1:04pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by distoga View Post

I don't consider the sub(s) part of my 1500 speaker budget, and I guess I should say my budget is 1500 with the option of up to 3000 if it's worth going up to that.

Anyone have an opinion of 3 LCR's to get balanced sounds vs RL towers and a RC-LCR for center, or even 3 towers for behind an AT screen?

As I mentioned I think LCR's are going to be great for you in an HT application. Unless you have cash to burn to get RC70's. I recently sold my 2.4i towers and went with 2.2i monitors because my veritas system is going to be primarily used for HT in the near future. I'm splitting my 2 channel system out.

IMO, and as I've said before on this thread, bass is by far the biggest driver to wow factor and HT enjoyment (pun intended). I'd recommend two PB13 ultras and a parametric EQ, something like the SMS-1. No less. Factor this expense into your system when deciding on options.

kw........
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post #2719 of 48191
3/16/08 at 2:14pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mouettus View Post

Anyone here owns the SB12?

I own the SB12 and also the Mirage S12, and the SB12 is the indeed real thing, very clean and musical sounding. It also does pretty well for home theater too, which is usually the downfall of small box subs like this. It's actually amazing how close the SB12 comes to the performance of a larger box like the S12 which says a lot about how well made it is and the high quality of the design. The SB12 does sound a bit more musical than the S12 but I don't find the S12 that far behind either in musicality. They are closer in sound quality and output than you would expect otherwise
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post #2720 of 48191
3/16/08 at 9:25pm
I'm looking for opinions and insights from Energy owners who currently own or have owned the Audissey A2+2/series about a possible upgrade route in the near future. My system currently consist of a pair of Audissey A2+2, AC-300 center, and RVSSs, with a velodyne sub. Lately i've been looking at the Ascend Sierras and SVS MTS lineups and admittedly they look delicious. How much of an upgrade are these series compared to what i'm currently using, is it a justifiable upgrade or merely marginal?

These Energy speakers don't seem as clear as i wish they could have been when watching movies, especially in DTS and DD mode. They're old but are working just fine although the new stuff coming out have me thinking about replacing them. Any thoughts? I ask because I can't go and listen to those online speakers .
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post #2721 of 48191
3/17/08 at 8:29pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by begreen View Post

I believe AA ships to Canada, but don't expect free shipping on speakers. I got our Energy speakers from there. Audio Advisor has the LCR on special now, also AVDepot has it at a discount. I also see shopaudiovideo.com has a very low price for the LCR (349) and ships to Canada, but I have never dealt with them.

Service on the ordering side from AA was good. We'll see how they are with problems. The power light on our 3 wk old sub-woofer went out yesterday.


I bought 4 RC-10's and 1 RC-LCR from AA and would recommend them. They did price match the RC-LCR so I got it well under the price on thier web page. I just noticed the RC-10's are $30 cheaper than when I bought them a few months ago.
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post #2722 of 48191
3/17/08 at 9:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by SpeedracerII View Post

I bought 4 RC-10's and 1 RC-LCR from AA and would recommend them. They did price match the RC-LCR so I got it well under the price on thier web page. I just noticed the RC-10's are $30 cheaper than when I bought them a few months ago.

Thanks, I think I might try that price match. I've never been able to find the RC-LCR for a great price like that.

Do you know the name/number of the sales rep that agreed to price match it?
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post #2723 of 48191
3/18/08 at 9:53am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Scarier View Post

I'm looking for opinions and insights from Energy owners who currently own or have owned the Audissey A2+2/series about a possible upgrade route in the near future. My system currently consist of a pair of Audissey A2+2, AC-300 center, and RVSSs, with a velodyne sub.

Let me turn that on you and ask your opinions of the Audissey speakers? What size room are you in, and how far from the wall are the Audisseys? Have you ever experimented with how much it affects the sound to place them closer to the wall?

Unlike this guy :

Quote:


I'd recommend two PB13 ultras and a parametric EQ, something like the SMS-1. No less.

I am a bottom-feeder in terms of speaker budget so I scrap and scrape the used market. I am currently running a 2.1 setup with AC-300's as the L/R and an S8.2 sub (assembled for less than $200 total!) and I live in a smallish house where I can't really set up surrounds/rears and have no need or space for a monstrous sub.

I have plans to go up to a 3.1 setup and move one of the AC-300's to the middle, and the obvious route is to find a third AC-300, but I've always wondered about getting small floorstanders for the L/R mains to give more of a "full" sound to 2-channel music (plus I think floorstanders look sweet ).

The Audissey 2+2 and 3+2 are occasionally available for very good deals ($200-300ish) and I've always wondered if they'd be a good match, since they seem to use the identical tweeter and woofers as the AC-300, but I'm worried the dipoles would be too much for the room since I can't get too far from the front wall (my AC-300's currently have about a foot of space behind them).

On a side note, is there anyone out there who upgraded from AC-300 to RC-LCR? How much better are they newer RC's, if at all? Alternately, has anyone tried mixing the RC's with an AC-300 center (i.e. RC-30's + AC-300)?
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post #2724 of 48191
3/18/08 at 10:08am
The AC-300 is two generations behind the RC-LCR. RC-30's and RC-10's sound much better than the AC-300's, I imagine the RC-LCR is quite a jump as well but I haven't listened to one yet. Most notably the midrange is much smoother/pleasing IMO. I'd rather run RC-30's or RC-10's in Phantom mode (having them play the center channel sounds) then use a AC-300.
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post #2725 of 48191
3/18/08 at 10:59am
Thanks for the input. Have you actually compared them or is this just speculative because the AC-300's are older?

I've found that -- unlike with most technology -- with speakers it's not necessarily a truism that newer=better. Not saying I don't believe you, just curious as to your rationale.

Thanks!
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post #2726 of 48191
3/18/08 at 11:09am
Quote:
Originally Posted by batpig View Post

Thanks for the input. Have you actually compared them or is this just speculative because the AC-300's are older?

I've found that -- unlike with most technology -- with speakers it's not necessarily a truism that newer=better. Not saying I don't believe you, just curious as to your rationale.

Thanks!

I've compared them. My friend has the C-8's and AC-300. I've brought over my RC-30's to compare as well as see how they sounded on a stronger receiver (he has the Denon AVR5800 which is a BEAST!) I used to sell the Energy line back in the day at the good guys! but was gone before they carried the RC line. I've been an Energy fanboy ever since. I guess the two generation info wasn't really need though as you are correct. Some might argue the C-8's are better than the C-9 in some regards. I haven't done A-B testing.

The AC-300 and C-8's are definitely great speakers. I just found the midrange with vocal's to be smoother/richer on the RC-30's. The high end was pretty close but I'd still give the edge to the RC-30's. I know you aren't asking but the C-8's have the RC-30's number though when it comes to low end bass and overall output ability due to the larger driver's.
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post #2727 of 48191
3/18/08 at 11:21am
Good info, thanks. I'm definitely interested in info on the C-8's and their ilk because that is the obvious match if I wanted to go 3.1 and move an AC-300 to the middle and add two towers. I had a pair of the C-2's previously and gave them to a friend - excellent speakers but not as "smooth" as the AC-300's.

When you brought over your RC-30's did you just listen to them in 2-channel or did you try them with the AC-300 as center? Curious how they blend, but from your comment above that you'd rather run phantom center I'm assuming I know what your answer will be...

I like what you are saying about midrange smoothness. The C-2/AC-300 (which share the same tweeter/woofer design I believe) are sometimes a teensy tiny bit harsh in the upper midrange, and I sometimes wish for a "warmer" sound overall.

Also, speaking of stronger receivers and Denon... how much did you think the stronger receiver helped? I am currently powering the AC-300's with a Denon AVR 2105, and I've thought about selling it and finding a good deal on a used 2805 or 3803 for a little more grunt when I crank the volume. Which do you think had more impact on the sonic improvement -- the more powerful receiver or the better speakers? (and yes, I know going with a separate amp will be the recommended answer but I don't have room or funds for that! )
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post #2728 of 48191
3/18/08 at 11:54am
Quote:
Originally Posted by batpig View Post

Let me turn that on you and ask your opinions of the Audissey speakers? What size room are you in, and how far from the wall are the Audisseys? Have you ever experimented with how much it affects the sound to place them closer to the wall?

Unlike this guy :



I am a bottom-feeder in terms of speaker budget so I scrap and scrape the used market. I am currently running a 2.1 setup with AC-300's as the L/R and an S8.2 sub (assembled for less than $200 total!) and I live in a smallish house where I can't really set up surrounds/rears and have no need or space for a monstrous sub.

I have plans to go up to a 3.1 setup and move one of the AC-300's to the middle, and the obvious route is to find a third AC-300, but I've always wondered about getting small floorstanders for the L/R mains to give more of a "full" sound to 2-channel music (plus I think floorstanders look sweet ).

The Audissey 2+2 and 3+2 are occasionally available for very good deals ($200-300ish) and I've always wondered if they'd be a good match, since they seem to use the identical tweeter and woofers as the AC-300, but I'm worried the dipoles would be too much for the room since I can't get too far from the front wall (my AC-300's currently have about a foot of space behind them).

On a side note, is there anyone out there who upgraded from AC-300 to RC-LCR? How much better are they newer RC's, if at all? Alternately, has anyone tried mixing the RC's with an AC-300 center (i.e. RC-30's + AC-300)?

I just did a measurement of my room, which is extremely tiny. It's about 9x11 for the listening area, and as a whole it's about 9x13.5' but the last 2.5' is occupied by the closet. The two front A2+2 are about 1.5' away from wall, and about 4" away from the side walls. I figure i'd give them some room in the back since they're dipoles. The AC-300 is lined up in the middle of my computer desk, and is are vertically/horizontally congruent in their placement with the LR towers in terms of tweeter alignment. Here are my takes on the sound. The towers sound good for stereo sources, they have decent overall midrange, but the low bass is weak. For regular music and television, i'll live with the audio. However, when using DTS/DD sources, the AC-300 seems inarticulate on the dialogue and requires a huge boost in volume to make movies watchable. I've tried remedying this problem by setting the receiver's center speaker output a bit higher, but it's still problematic. What I ultimately end up finding time after time is that during DD/DTS viewing sessions I have to turn up the volume too high to listen to the dialogue and get bombarded with sound when scenes with high dynamic range comes up. It's a catch 22 problem, when lowering the DR within the receiver it makes the sound artificial and robs me of that visceral feeling when things are happening on screen that I KNOW FOR a FACT are suppose to be accompanied by a thud or boom that isn't apparent when this setting is on.

I feel that once you decide to move the AC-300 to the center, you might experience the very same issue. Although I'm not fully hinged on believing that the AC300 is the problem yet, there might be other factors that is causing acoustic problems for me. 1st is the room, it's tiny, i'm sure the A2+2 and AC300 were designed for larger rooms. Second is possibly the receiver, it's a new Yamaha HTR-5860, i'm not sure if it's feeding the speakers enough juice.
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post #2729 of 48191
3/18/08 at 3:41pm
Quote:


Alternately, has anyone tried mixing the RC's with an AC-300 center (i.e. RC-30's + AC-300)?

Hey Batpig.
I am currently using RC-50's with an AC-300 Center. I think they do sound great together. I also currently upgraded to some Emotiva Seperates and that in itself has made quite a difference in my setup. I agree above, during movies I need to boost the trim a few notches to the center, but dialog sounds great and the sound across the front is sweet, blends well. I'll probably upgrade to a RC-LCR at some point in the future though.
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post #2730 of 48191
3/18/08 at 4:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by batpig View Post

Good info, thanks. I'm definitely interested in info on the C-8's and their ilk because that is the obvious match if I wanted to go 3.1 and move an AC-300 to the middle and add two towers. I had a pair of the C-2's previously and gave them to a friend - excellent speakers but not as "smooth" as the AC-300's.

When you brought over your RC-30's did you just listen to them in 2-channel or did you try them with the AC-300 as center? Curious how they blend, but from your comment above that you'd rather run phantom center I'm assuming I know what your answer will be...

I like what you are saying about midrange smoothness. The C-2/AC-300 (which share the same tweeter/woofer design I believe) are sometimes a teensy tiny bit harsh in the upper midrange, and I sometimes wish for a "warmer" sound overall.

Also, speaking of stronger receivers and Denon... how much did you think the stronger receiver helped? I am currently powering the AC-300's with a Denon AVR 2105, and I've thought about selling it and finding a good deal on a used 2805 or 3803 for a little more grunt when I crank the volume. Which do you think had more impact on the sonic improvement -- the more powerful receiver or the better speakers? (and yes, I know going with a separate amp will be the recommended answer but I don't have room or funds for that! )


Sorry, no I never paired up the AC-300 directly with the RC-30's and just ran them in stereo with music only at the time when comparing (yeah centers are really more for movies and dialog I know). Good thing bobcell has

The harshness is the part I don't get from the RC-30's at, which I do hear on the older line, even the C-3's where the vocals sound maybe slightly muffled when comparing to the RC's. I kind feel I'm not being fair to say they are muffled I guess as I never would have noticed unless having listened to the RC-30's just seem more natural.

As for the receiver, I did notice a diffference switching from a Onkyo 604 to the 805 (significantly more power), the sound just seems fuller, tight bass, vocal's sound richer, etc. Denon's and Onkyo's have a bit of a different sound. I went with the Onkyo as I got a great deal and it does all the new codecs for blu-ray, the Denon model was quite a bit more. If they were the same I'd probably go Denon. I have not auditioned the C-8's on a less powered amp to compare for you. I think my RC's sound better at my friends house but I wasn't able to to a fair test and bring my receiver over (his room is different with carpet versus my hardwood, etc)

I know http://www.theaudioarchitect.com/ is in San Diego and they do carry Energy but I'm not sure what lines. They have a rep or maybe he is the owner at AVS as well.
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