Energy Owners Thread - Page 96

Oh I know, don't worry. But you have to remember that my a/v setup is a wheel-and-deal affair with a total investment (for AVR, CD player, and two AC-300's) of less than $250! No way a $500-600 center channel is going to enter this fray for some time.

Besides, I don't even have a place to put a center speaker until I wall mount my plasma anyway. If I go the big center route I'd likely stick with the AC-300 for now. Maybe if I get RC-10's, then in a year or two I could find a good deal on a used RC-LCR.

I'm only considering the RC-10's because $330 shipped is a ridiculous price and I LOVE the way the RC-series looks. I could probably sell the two AC-300's for $200-250 so it would be a net ~$100 upgrade (or ~$200 if I only sell one AC-300 and use the other one as a center).

The RC-LCR will remain in my dreams for now

So AudioAdvisor is a reliable company? I'm always sketchy about buying things online. Anyone know if they ship to Canada?

AudioAdvisor is a very good dealer/retailer, they are very thorough in processing their orders, etc.,...All the Canada related details are a whole other issue.

I can second that. I've ordered from them in the past, and am dealing with them now, and I only have nice things to say about them. Very friendly, and they make sure you get the right product without pressuring you into something you don't want or need. (and no I don't work for them) lol.

yes they are. Very good. However, there may be much less savings due to the expense after the expense shipping and taxes you pay getting it into Canada.

advice on the RC-50 vs the RC-70??? worth the extra greens for the RC-70's or no? Thanks in advance guys!

Lot's of discussion on those two in this thread, already.

Forgive me if I mistate anything since I don't own either own, but I believe the consensus is that the RC-70 is only really necessary if you have a huge room and/or don't have a nice sub. I believe the 70's need some breathing room as they put out a huge amount of output. For a strict two-channel setup in a large room, where you can put the speakers 3-4 feet from the back wall, the 70's would be superior because they go lower. But if you're using them for mostly HT use and will supplement with a nice sub, the 50's should be fine.

I'll let others chime in, but definitely do some searches on this thread and read what others have said.

Sorry, wrong. No it is not the hugest difference of all but it is there. Yes there is more output but the main goal of getting the RC-70s is the 3-way design vs 2-way.

I still haven't been able to locate a C-C1 to match my C3s yet but I was able to find a Take 5.2 center and an E:XL-C for really cheap. I was thinking of picking one up to use temporarily until I found a C-C1. Which one would be an ok match with the C3s?

I would probably just use a (new) Energy C-C100 center, it has a similiar 1inch aluminum dome tweeter.

I gave my brother a fairly new pair of Energy C-5 floorstanders a few years back. Later he purchased a new C-C100 center and (to be honest) it matches very nicely and provides for a very good L-C-R.

If money were no object I would go for the RC-70's, they are full-range and true 3-way design, would provide complete versatility (2-channel music and home-theater function).

But I would be happy with either (RC-50's or RC-70's).

I very recently upgraded my Home Theatre and am now running 6 Towers, a Center and 2 Subs from the Onkyo TX-SR705. I know it's overkill but movies sound absolutely amazing in Blu-ray Uncompressed Audio. Here's what I have...

Center = C-C100
Fronts = C-7
Rears = RC-30
SurrB = C-7
Subs = S8.2, Velodyne DPS-12

All I did was add the Velodyne and replace my C-100 Bookshelves with a second pair of C-7's (not sure whats to come of my bookshelfs now). I bought Energy cables to hook up the second sub, got a "Y" splitter and a sub cable. I didn't know Energy had their own line of cables and speaker wire, it's very well equivalent to Monster, too bad FS doesn't carry it. I know you would think the bigger sub would cancel out the smaller one but that is not the case, you really notice the extra bass.

I would have bought a second Energy sub (S12.3 or 10) but have heard numerous complaints that they stop working after 4-5 weeks of normal use, which sucks. And of course the infamous blue power indicator light dies in a very short time, but that one is minor. Eventually I will upgrade my Center to the RC-LCR, but not for another year or two.

Does anyone have any thoughts on putting the center channel speaker in the center channel space in a tv stand (I really don't want to have to buy a center channel stand; my budget is already stressed; and having a center channel stand would make my small room look even smaller (only 12'x15')? As long as the front of the speaker is in line with (or slightly in front of) the front of the TV stand, will I be fine, or will the sound quality be tampered with? Thanks.

Oh and knight40k is your Onkyo TX-SR705 driving your Energy speakers fine? Is the sound quality good? I just need to reassure myself that a a 605 is the right receiver for me (I'm a little shaky on it after reading some reviews that mentioned problems) (if the 705 can drive them well, the 605 should be able too; I believe the 705 and 605's amps are pretty much the same; correct me if I'm wrong)

Generally you want the center channel directly in front because that's all the voice, but do what you have to. The TV stand I have is like having the TV on the wall, the post on the back comes up with a bracket attached to the swivel part, so my center channel is on the top shelf directly below my TV. It even has a separate post that is flush with the top of the stand so I could take the bracket off the swivel and wall mount it if I decide to later on. It is a really nice stand, I got it from Costco for a steal (thats Costco for you!).

As for my receiver, yes it works great! Everything sounds amazing...clear, crisp sound at variable volumes. What speakers are you driving? While there are known problems with these Onkyo's such as the Audessy EQ not functioning and overheating, they are still very nice. I manually set speaker distance and all that and it worked. The main difference though is the 605 and 805 were manufactured at the same time, but the 705 came after so it runs at less extreme temperatures while still pumping lots of power. I took the 605 home and tried it before deciding to go with the 705. It had a few extra things I wanted. Other than that, they are basically the same, should work just fine for you.

Good luck, Enjoy.

Could you expand on this? Define numerous. Links to specific discussions of these problems would be very helpful.

Yeah I would be interested too. I have a S12.3, about 6 months now ( and bought it used, approx 6 months at that time ) and have not had any issues with either problem. I do remember reading somewhere about the led going out on someone, no issues here...love this sub.

Sorry, a poor choice of words. It is not a common problem, I was talking to a sales rep and he mentioned there were just a couple complaints they stopped functioning after 4-5weeks, probably factory error, but I did not want to take a chance and go through the hassle. The LED light dying after a month, that is fairly common, at least with the S10.3. I've had a S8.2 for about 3years now and the light still works, could just be a problem with the newer makes.

OK, that's a bit more reassuring. I am dealing with Energy and the blue led issue right now. I pointed their techs to this thread to spotlight the problem, but want to be sure it is focussed on real issues. So far the only problem we have is no power led after only 3 weeks. If the speaker fails after a few more weeks, I would be more than bummed.

FWIW, the rest of our Energy 5.1 speaker setup is working out very well.

I've been using an Energy S8.3 sub now going on three or four years now and my blue LED is still operating fine. These subs are very, very, good actually.

How do the Energy C-200 and Energy RC-10 compare to the Axiom M2 v2? I can't find any comparisons...

Also, how do the Energy C-C100 and Energy RC-Mini Center compare to the Axiom VP100 v2? Thanks.

Hi,

Looking for some advice:

I’m looking to upgrade my L/C/R speakers and will be selling my current setup of c-300’s, a veritas 2.0ci center channel, and an encore8 subwoofer. I will keep a pair of encore2’s to use for the rears until I can afford to replace them. I’ve narrowed it down to these three packages. The cost of each would be similar.

1-Keep the 2.0ci and buy a used pair of v2.3i’s. No subwoofer. Maybe purchase one next year.

2-Sell the v2.0ci, buy a used pair of RC-70’s and a RC-LCR. Once again, no subwoofer.

3-Sell the v2.0ci, buy a pair of RC-30’s, an RC-LCR, and a SVS PB10.

The speakers will be powered by an Onkyo TX-SR805.

My basement is approximately 30 ft long with a 7.5ft high ceiling. About half of the length is 12 ft wide and the rest is 10 ft wide. I’m using the 12 ft wide section for home theatre.

Any recommendations on which option I should go with? Should I go with a different setup?

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Can't say for sure not having heard the speakers in question, but I don't think you'd want to downgrade your center channel. Can you really make that much money selling the v2.0ci and buying an RC-LCR? I see veritas centers selling used for $400-600, which is basically what it costs to buy an RC-LCR. While the RC-LCR is supposedly amazing, I'm sure the v2.0ci is also an amazing speaker.

Unless you are really concerned with matching all the speakers from the same line -- how does it sound right now with veritas center + C300 mains? I would imagine the RC-30 or -70 would sound even closer to the veritas center. Seems like a lot of effort to sell the veritas and buy the RC-LCR, unless of course you just really want them to match.

On a side note, why do you say "no subwoofer" for the first two options, why not just use the encore8 you already have? And, on that note, what is your opinion of the encore8 sub?

Agreed, no need to go down a level on the center channel unless you simply want them to match for looks.


-In about a week I'll be receiving a HSU VTF-HO Turbo to pair up with my Energy gear, I'm excited

Hi Schlipps:

I think all 3 options would be good choices IMHO. In my opinion what you should go with will depend on what you are using it for - HT or music. My speakers are:

FL/FR= Veritas 2.3i (used to have RC 30's)
Centre= RC LCR
Rears= RC-R's
Sub = sunfire true super jr (used to have a mirage Omni 8)

For HT I found the RC 30's to be great and if I used my system mainly for HT I would still have them. IMHO, in comparison to the RC 30's, the RC 70's add a little bit of clarity and A LOT of bass. Actually, even for music I would not have upgraded from the 30's to the 70's because while I liked that bit of extra clarity they had, I found the bass overpowering to the point that it negated the other benefits of the 70's.

The Veritas add A LOT more clarity than either the RC 30's or 70's, but they have different bass then the 70's (i.e. the Veritas have tighter more controlled bass that sounds way better for music, whereas the 70's seem to put out more bass, albeit less controlled). In my system, the Veritas put out more than enough bass for music and I only use the sub for HT.

If you use this system for a lot of music listening then I would probably go for the Veritas. If not, and you use it primarily for HT, then I would go for either the 70's or the 30's, BUT you must get a sub. I don't think the 70's will put out enough bass to satisfy you for HT. So, if you use the system primarily for HT, then I guess I would go for your 3rd option depending on the difference in price between the 30's and 70's.

However, you could also keep your v2.0ci, get the 70's and put the money you would have spent on the RC-LCR towards a sub. Don't get me wrong, the RC-LCR is a great centre channel, and it might even be better than the v.20ci, but when you consider your system as a whole I think you will notice a bigger difference by adding a sub, then you will by switching the v.20ci to an RC-LCR.

Thank-you for the replies.

Batpig: I guess the main reason I was looking at the RC-LCR is because someone locally is selling used RC70's with a RC-LCR as a package for well under what I would pay in store. If a buy the rc-30 new I could keep the 2.0ci. It does match up pretty well with the c-300's. However, it seems that most people in the forum seem to prefer the RC-LCR over the 2.0ci.

I made the mistake of listening the RC's recently and now find myself wanting to upgrade every time I listen to the c-300's. My reason for not keeping the encore8 is that I would need to sell it to help pay for my new speakers and thought it would be easier to sell the encore's if the sub was included. I figured the improved sound and bass of the rc70's or veritas would make up for the loss of the subwoofer. As for the encore8 itself, I think it's a great speaker but find it's a little underpowered for the size of my room. However, with the feedback I've received, I will most likely keep it for now.

SMS: The system will be used roughly 70/30 for theatre/music. The one thing that worries me about the 70's is that they're boomy. I only have 2 feet of space between my projection screen and side wall. I would most likely have to use the port plugs.

When I recently purchased my 2.0ci, the previous owner was also selling his 2.3i's. He still has them for sale. Taking into account what I paid for the 2.0ci and the cost of the 2.3i's, the total cost would put me at about $150 more than what the rc70/RC-LCR package would cost. (As long as I can sell the 2.0ci for what I paid). The RC30/2.0ci would cost me $350 less than the veritas package. I would now keep the encore8 in any case and upgrade next year. So with such a small difference in price, I think I'll go with either the veritas or rc-70's. Right now I'm leaning towards the veritas.

Though it's true the 70's add a lot of bass, I wouldn't call it 'boomy'. A lot would have to do though with the room and the fr cut off you're running thoough. I have a lot of room around my RC-70's, about 5 feet from the side walls and two feet from the back wall. With this room to breathe the speakers don't sound boomy at all. Though again, they won't be as refined as the Veritas line, the Veritas line is double the price of the RC line, so they shouldn't be.

Note that the tweeters used in the RC line are the same as in the Veritas line. So the difference in the sound... at least above 500 hz or so, should be pretty close.

It's a tough choice as to which setup to choose. Personally, since you're listening to only 30% music, I'd go the RC route. But if you do go with Veritas, if you music listening increases, you won't feel the need to upgrade (though you many not necessarily feel that way with the RC's either).

Regardless of which way you go - you'll have a nice setup when all is said and done. Don't skimp on the sub though - you will need one. I'm running and SVS PB13-U and it's terrific. The sub is very tight and articulate, and may be a reason why I don't find the RC-70's bass 'boomy'.

Schlipps:

Given the price difference and how close you will be putting them to the walls, I would go with the Veritas.

IMHO I found the RC 70's boomy compared to the Veritas , but just so you understand where I'm coming from, you should know that (a) I'm not a huge fan of a lot of bass and (b) when I had my RC 30's I put the port plugs in because they were putting out too much bass (I have to put my speakers fairly close to the walls, i.e. 2-3 feet on the sides and a little more than 1 foot at the back). The great thing about the 2.3i's is that they are front ported so the proximity to the walls has little to no impact.

I also agree with Kpt_Krunch, although you'll be using them more for HT right now, if you do start listening to more music in the future then you will not have to upgrade (and besides the Veritas option will only cost you $150 more than the 70's). However, without a sub you will probably notice a decline in HT. I demoed one of the new mirages (prestige 10, which is the equivalent of the energy ESW-V10). I found it to be a very very good sub for both movies and especially music (my sunfire goes lower and packs more "rumble" for movies) and I actually preferred it to my sunfire (it was also cheaper too), but WAF kicked in so I got the smaller sunfire.

Kpt_Krunch:

Are you sure that the Veritas and the RC's use the same tweeter. I realize that they are both are 1" aluminum dome's, but everything else (i.e. crossovers, frequency response, etc.) appears to be different?

Hey Guys, Im fairly new to HT. I JUST started building mine (@ 20years of age). I picked up a complete set of Energy speakers, including the follow!:

2x Energy Pro Series 4.5 mains
2x Energy Pro Series .5 rears
1x Energy ECC-1R center

I've heard nothing but GREAT reviews from these speakers (even though they are 10years old). But they still sound AMAZING! picked up the entire set for $300 canadian locally. I thought this was a MUCH better deal then pickin up a cheap $300 home theater in a box from walmart. haha. But anways, thats all i have to say!

Rock the used stuff, Scott! Congrats! I'm with you there, since I can't really spare the budget room for lavish speaker expense, so I scrape around craigslist and ebay. The great thing about audio is there are some amazing values in the used market, and unlike something like a plasma you aren't sacrificing a huge amount of quality to buying nice used stuff.

I believe the "Pro" series was the entry-level model back in the mid 90's, and was replaced by the e:XL series and these days is represented by the "C" series.

The great thing about Energy products is even the "entry level" stuff sounds awesome, they do not skimp on sound quality for the low end stuff. The whole reason I'm into Energy is because of a pair of e:XL-15 bookshelves I got for $20 when I started creating a "real" stereo. I was blown away by the clear highs and neutral sound of these funky-looking little $250 bookshelf speakers.

Most cheap speakers sound like crap, but Energy really puts out a consistently good product up and down their product line. I'd so much rather spend $300 on speakers that cost $1000+ five years ago then buy most $300 speakers that are new, current product.

Enjoy your setup and congrats!