Energy Owners Thread - Page 97

Thanks Ya im pretty blown away with the musical reproduction of these speakers, although lacking in the bottom end (due to 5 1/4 woofers) may have to find a nice subtle energy or paradigm woofer to fill it. Ya craigslist is the way to go! I found everything i needed! I might be picking up another pair or 4.5's to fill in the rears instead of the tiny .5's.

last week i picked up my first big screen tv, a panasonic HD (1080i) 53" rear projection for $400 canadian!

Still waiting on my monster ultra 600 cables to get here tho

another $150 to spend.

There are many great deals on used Energy subs. The ES and XL models go for under $100 all the time on eBay. I got an S8.2 off eBay for super cheap. If you can find an ES-10, XL-S10, S10.2, S8.2, something like that for cheap, it should fill in the bottom end nicely for under $100.

ill be keeping my eyes open thats for sure! might have to get another set of towers first for better rear fill and for some nice stereo sound when listening to music.

I can pick this up today for $75 (Energy EXL-S8)


think that should do the trick for filling out the needed bottom end?!

Yep - can't remember where I read it though. May have been here, may have been on the Energy forum site. I realize there are different crossovers, and the Veritas also use all metal drivers and definitely the Veritas is a step up from the RC's but the tweeters are the same. I'll find the link when I have more time and post it here, but if you look for articles about the guy (forgot his name off the top of my head) who designed the RC's (which came after Veritas) it states he used the tweeters from the Veritas line in the RC line, but the crossovers and other drivers are indeed different (otherwise, they'd just be a Veritas line or a "C" series line if the other tweeter was used).

The main difference between the "C" series and the Veritas and RC series is the RC and Veritas tweeter is locked in it's own chamber. Energy only makes the one kind, so hence it's in both.

I know now where you are coming from though, when I auditioned the Veritas line, I did not like the 'lack of bass' from the speakers. The mids' and highs were fantastic, even though they were not being fed by a dedicated amp (just a Denon 988 or maybe 888, can't remember which Denon AVR it was now), but the lack of bass had me very surprised indeed (2.4i's). Nothing that a good sub wouldn't cure though. I'd love to listen to the 2.4i's mated with my PB13-U, I think that would audio bliss, if only I could afford the 2.4i's

I went to an auction and got the above speakers as part of a lot I bid on. Of course being that they were at an auction it's predictable that they may have a problem. One of the rc-lcr's works perfectly and I am using it right now as a center. The second has a dead tweeter. I have sent Energy an e-mail and they won't sell me the part: # 5DR53119, a 1" aluminum chambered tweeter directly. They did provide an authorized dealer in my area, but I don't feel like putting the guys kids through college. I already have the tweeter out, the plate which holds it in place is attached to the speaker by 6 allen screws and once removed the tweeter is held in place by 3 phillips screws. Not exactly launching the space shuttle here. If there's any authorized dealers, or conversely if anyone has one kicking around that could bring it in at a realistic price, that would be appreciated. I'm located in the Vancouver area. Also, the RC-30 was a throw in as part of the lot, problem is there was only one. Is there any use for a single RC-30? Rear center? Seems like a waste, amazing clarity and bass from these smallish drivers.

Buy another one. They don't sell as a pair as you might think.

That is not true. A sub can't make out for bad bass. A sub is made to round off the bottom end, not to create one. I can clearly see the difference when I pair my ESW-V10 with my PolkAudio Rti8 (very light in bass as well). There is just something missing (low end - before the sub kicks in) or if you ramp up the crossover a bit you start to notice the sub's presence.

Totally agree with your Veritas impressions though. Those speakers are SO clear and SO precise; imaging being the best I've ever heard on a pair of speakers but they didn't make me vibrate like the RCs due to the lack of bass. Maybe it is more "controlled" but there is really something missing for 5K$ a pair. I like the looks of my rosenut RCs better too! I can't afford the 2.4i either as I can't afford a Lexus. I've learned that you really have to stop somewhere when shopping for audio. Most of us here are enthousiasts, not audiophiles.

If you only have the one RC-30, why don't you use the RC-30 tweeter, it's the same one. At least then you'd have two working LCR's while you still search for a tweeter for now a single RC-30.

Well, I took a small chance today and bought 2 pair's of demo RC-10's, in the Rosenut finish from AA. Incredible deal at 520.00 shipped! I hope they are at least in good condition. Tim said that, at most, they will have minor cosmetic flaws. Even if they do, oh well. Still a great deal. I'm thinking they should blend well with the Cox Audio towers. I can't wait. Thanks to you Energy guys for all the advice on all the different Energy lines. I can't wait to set them up!

Go with the 2.3i (front ported only, one less woofer) instead of the 2.4i. You want to use a subwoofer, it is a lot cheaper and sounds identical from about 150 hz. and up (not as much impact below), the 2.3i has plenty of punch above 50 hertz where you will need it, especially when mated with a subwoofer and you can push it right up against a wall with no interaction problems. The 2.4i on the other hand is very room sensitive since it has ports in front and back (it needs a minimum of about 5 feet separating it from any walls) and the lower bass in almost full range main speakers is problematic without room treatments and a large room anyway.

5 feet from every wall, even the back one?! Never saw that before. Hefty requirements.

My RC-70s are about 3in. from the back wall Esthetic purposes.

Mouettus:

A couple of quick questions- (1) do you listen with a sub; and (2) do you have the port plugs in your 70's?

(1) Yes. My subwoofer is always on. What I love in a subwoofer is when the are accurate, when they round out the bottom end of bass (guitar) notes and when you can feel a small oomph of drum kicks. Crossover set at 60hz. It has to be subtle to blend in.

(2) My mains are not plugged. I don't feel the sound being too muddy as the others have described. I've tried with the port plugs and the lows (40-75hz) take a slap. It is much fuller and much more natural with the plugs off.

Alright you guys have sparked me to question how to have my setup.

I have the RC-30's up front and the RC-30's in the rear. My HSU VTF-HO w/Turbo will be arriving on Monday yes I'm excited

Should I put the plugs in the RC-30's and then run the audyssey (well I may adjust the sub level still) and call it a day? Or is there any reason I should leave the ports open still (pro's and con's?).

I can leave my speakers about 2 feet away from the wall and don't need them closer as that is where the front of my display resides as well. My understanding is you don't want the speakers behind any further back than the display for optimal sound if I recall.

Also, as of now I have the speakers pointed slight inward on both sides aiming generally at my couch. Seems to be better then just having them pointed straight forward. Also a couple of feet of space between them and the tv. Would it be better or worse to move them a little closer? (I don't have the same stands anymore, just one wood stand and no side table so they technically could go as close to as touching the display.

old pic, but only difference is a newer stand and the removal of the side table (glass scares me for my kids splitting heads)
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/j...ey/display.jpg

briankmonkey:

Just my 2 cents, but when I had my Rc-30's I always had the plugs in. I found, that to my ears, it improved the mids and detail/clarity (I was told (2nd hand) that an energy rep had acknowledged this point with respect to the RC's).

If you have a sub that is good for music (I've heard a lot of good things about HSU) then I don't see why you wouldn't try the RC30's with the plugs in. that is, at worst, you will have to take them out, and you may find that you like the sound better with them in and your sub will be handling the LF's anyway

Thanks sms1977 for the feedback SMS1977. I'm all for improved sound on something that already sounds great

I've only experiment with the plugs once a long time ago when I didn't have a sub. At the time I was really only paying attention to the lower bass which was effected quite a bit with the plugs in so I took them out. Plugs out the speakers do sound a little boomier when too close to the wall but that was easy to fix.

I actually have the e:XLS8 sub and my room is 18X12. It does a great job. Could be bigger but it's done really well.

Richard

Well, I don't think '5' feet is needed. The speakers need room to breathe, definitely, all speakers do, but 5 feet from all walls IMO is not required. Though having them up 'against the wall isn't good either. Here's a side shot of my setup - and yes, it's not an 'ideal' room, though my ceiling is vaulted, room is open on one side, and I have an extra rug and a lot of pillows in the room you can't see in the pic. But it gives you an idea of how far my speakers are from the back wall. My speakers are about 2 1/2 feet from the back wall and 4 to 5 feet from the side walls. You can see the PB13 in the far corner as well (that's the Paradigm PW2200 in Rosenut between the PB & my one RC 70 - quite the difference in size ).

man, that's a nice set-up! I'm sure it sounds sweet.

Yeah, 2.5ft from the wall should be more than sufficient. I believe like 14 to 16 inches minimum is all that's necessary. But each room will have it's own characteristics.

I wish I could afford RC-70's but they are a little out of my price range ($2499 in Canada). Plus I already have, and am happy with my current 7.2 set up...with 2 pairs of C-7's and RC-30's in the back. I also recently ordered an RC-LCR to replace my center (C-C100) even though I said I was going to hold off on that in one of my previous posts, I just figured with all my other recent purchases I might as well get it all at once.

Here's a shot of my set up...C7's, C-C100 and 2 Subs (S8.2 and Velodyne DPS-12). My RC-LCR should be here by the end of the week, can't wait!

Can we expect a full review of the LCR from you? I can't decide if I want to spend the money on the RC LCR, or if I would be happy with the RC Mini. westcoastD said I'd happy with the mini, but I have no way of hearing them before I buy them.

Hey k-40k, wicked setup. Almost a shame that those lovely RC-30's are relegated to the back!

How do you set up the two subs? does your receiver allow for different crossovers? do you have the 8.2 handling mid-bass and the big boy Velodyne handling low-bass? or do they just double up?

yeah, that's quite a "mixed" set-up knight_40k, I'm sure it sounds good though. Once you get your RC-LCR you may want to try pairing it together with your RC-30's for your front-surround (LCR), and move C7's to rear's, then see how you like sound. I think you'll be very happy.

You could even add new rears (RC-10's or RC-R's) to you RC-30 front's and RC-LCR center. Then use your C7's and C-C100 for a second system. Many possibilities.

I would try as much as possible to get an RC-LCR. RC-Mini will provide nice mid-range and highs only not as much range (crossover limited to 100Hz).

Yes, I'll do my best to give a review, I'm sure I'll be happy with it once I see it in action. I'll even post a new pic after I do some moving around...


Currently I just have a "Y" splitter and they double up, but now that you mention splitting the signal frequency, I'll look into that. Do you know off the top of your head what I'm looking for? I have the Onkyo TX-SR705, this is what the back looks like... http://www.geocities.com/knight_40k/705.jpg


I will try that. As I understand it, RC-Series is a cut above the "old" C-Series for cleanness and sound quality but...C-7's are more comparable to RC-50's in terms of power, so for movies there is no way the 30s could out match the C7s. This is what I have been told. For music I'm sure I would notice the difference in clarity. I am curious to try it for myself because anything to improve sound quality is a step in the right direction.

Well, you would need two separate subwoofer outputs and the ability to set separate high/low pass crossovers on the subs. The 705 can't do this since it has only one subwoofer output and crossover setting, I was just curious if you had something like that set up.

I think to do this you would need some sort of external crossover system. What people do when they have two woofers (one big one small) is they set the smaller one with BOTH a high and low-pass filter, i.e. the S8.2 would handle only LFE sounds say from 50HZ to 100HZ (i.e. not only is it trimmed at the high end, but it is also cut off at the low end) and then the big sub (the Velodyne) would be dedicated to 50Hz and below. Something like that. That way a smaller sub doesn't strain its amp trying to power low frequencies that it can't really physically do correctly like a big sub, and can concentrate where it's strong (the mid bass).

I don't really know much about that high-end stuff, I was just curious if you were employing something similar.

Are you happy with the "doubled up" sound? I've been experimenting with large/small settings on my AC-300's with the S8.2 sub, and strangely when I set AC-300's to large and set my receiver to "double up" the bass from sub and mains, the bass actually sounds worse! I guess the sub and speakers are positioned in such a way that they cancel each other out in the low frequencies. I have a strong feeling it has to do with the sub placement -- the s8.2 is in the front left corner of the room, right next to the left AC-300. I think all that bass stuffed into the corner is causing issues. Oh well, fun stuff to play around with (unless you are my wife!)

yes, the Reference Connoisseur (or "RC-Series") is a newer re-designed version of the previous Connoisseur-Series (or "C-Series"). RC-Series have updated kevlar composite designed driver cones and aluminum dome tweeters. They are (I think) slightly more refined sounding- better hi-end and mid-range. Excellent for, both, music and home-theater.

The previous C-Series is very good though. Very good mid-range and bass response as well, but slightly less refined hi's (I think). I've used C-3's and C-5's, they are very nice sounding for, both, music and home-theater as well. The Connoisseur-Series was very popular.


While the C-7's have more range like the larger RC-Series models the RC-30's are surprisingly good for their size, and are excellent with, both, music and home-theater. Very explosive bass response.

I have since switched Monitor Audio GS-60 fronts with GS-LCR center. However I still hold-onto my RC-30's and RC-LCR (for a second system), they are so nice.

Hey fellas. I'm waiting for my 4 RC-10's to get here, and am trying to figure how to place them/mount them. I've come to the conclusion that I can only wall mount them for now, until I get my house in a few months. Do you suggest I use plugs for the ports, or go without them? Does wall mounting a rear port speaker make that much difference in the sound? I've never had to wall mount any speakers before, because I've always had sats on stands.

Hey WCD,

Glad to see you have settled on something you have found better than the RCs. I recently bought the Revel F32 and C32 and NHT Power5 amp and after extended listening I found them too bright for my taste. It turns out I like a warm sounding speakers. The Revels brutal honesty was just not what I am looking for. They sound a bit better with my Proceed amp but still not what I am after. So I am back in the hunt again and this time I am not even sure which speakers to look at. Any warm sounding speaker you know of that has an excellent center to go with? The center must be of a very high caliber and max price for the center not to exceed $1800-$2000 MSRP. Thanks.