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Energy Owners Thread - Page 14

post #391 of 47744
7/21/06 at 11:08am
Great to find an Energy thread.

Upgrading my XL series from a 5.1 setup to 6.1 and trying to decide if the C-R100 is compatible with my XLs (XL16, XL-C, XL-S8, XL-R).

Here's our new entertainment room in the basement - Room Layout .

The old room was just 13 feet wide, and the XL-Rs filled the back of the room perfectly. In the new room the side walls are so far away, thought I'd better add a speaker in the center rear to fill out the sound. Since our seating is against the back wall, hoping the C-R100 would spread the sound out a bit.

Would greatly appreciate any comments about using the C-R100 with my XLs and locating it at the 'X' between the two seats, and any other comments about the speaker layout.

Thanks.
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post #392 of 47744
7/21/06 at 12:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bobcel View Post

Oh great. I just bought some 30's from a private party locally! still looking forward to listening to them.....

You'll love the RC-30's, great sounding speakers. Don't be mis-lead.

Actually, I had the chance to get either RC-30's, RC-50's or RC-70's and I chose the RC-30's- primarily because they are perfect for my room-size. I thought the sound quality was as good as RC-50's. Although the 50's are more full-range.

I'm using a 5.1 configuration (RC-30 front's, RC-LCR center, RC-Mini surrounds, S8.3 sub), I have all my speakers set for "small", and all LFE goes to sub. Sound's beautiful for DVD & cable TV movies, very "explosive", clean and balanced surround quality. In "Pure" mode 2-channel music is very nice playing through RC-30's.
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post #393 of 47744
7/21/06 at 1:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by soundlovr View Post

Could you link to those reviews? So far, I haven't read a single negative review about the RC's anywhere nor have I heard any complaints from owners. I'd be interested in learning about these issues to which you refer.

Some people have noted similar midrange issues with RC speakers. UHF magazine issue 75 reviewed the RC-70's. They did not like them in the end and noted midrange issues (soft, lacking, etc). They didn't hold back which is refreshing to see in a magazine. They spoke in detail about their positive impressions of earlier energy speakers. UHF's issues sound the same as what you mention WestCoastD. I also read on another audiophile board about another person who found the midrange lacking on the RC speakers he auditioned.

In issue 76 Energy writes a letter to about the review. It is interesting to note that there is no mention of any (early run) issue or what not. Perhaps it was kept quiet, perhaps misinformation. I don't know.

kw...............
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post #394 of 47744
7/21/06 at 2:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by WestCoastD View Post

You'll love the RC-30's, great sounding speakers. Don't be mis-lead.

Actually, I had the chance to get either RC-30's, RC-50's or RC-70's and I chose the RC-30's- primarily because they are perfect for my room-size. I thought the sound quality was as good as RC-50's. Although the 50's are more full-range.

I'm using a 5.1 configuration (RC-30 front's, RC-LCR center, RC-Mini surrounds, S8.3 sub), I have all my speakers set for "small", and all LFE goes to sub. Sound's beautiful for DVD & cable TV movies, very "explosive", clean and balanced surround quality. In "Pure" mode 2-channel music is very nice playing through RC-30's.

The RC-50s and 70's have a deep cabinet(15") and 2 6 1/2 drivers, with a rear port, so I think you really need some good space behind them. You are probably better off with the RC-30s if you don't have the room.
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post #395 of 47744
7/21/06 at 3:19pm
I should be getting my Reference Connoisseur 7.1 system on Monday or so... RC-70 mains, RC-LCR center, four RC-R rears. The subwoofer won't be arriving for a bit linger. :-(
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post #396 of 47744
7/21/06 at 3:35pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by kwtoxman View Post

It is interesting to note that there is no mention of any (early run) issue or what not.....

I'm thinking it was probably just that- an early-run issue- nothing more.
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post #397 of 47744
7/21/06 at 3:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Doc99 View Post

The RC-50s and 70's have a deep cabinet(15") and 2 6 1/2 drivers, with a rear port, so I think you really need some good space behind them. You are probably better off with the RC-30s if you don't have the room.

Exactly right. I have the rear-edge of my RC-30's like 17" inches forward of the back wall to alleviate, as much as possible, excess bass reflection, seems to work fine. I have a very "noisey" space, with hard-wood floors, aluminum blinds (covering windows) facing opposite my front mains and center. Despite all this it still sounds pretty nice.
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post #398 of 47744
7/21/06 at 5:20pm
You'll love the RC-30's, great sounding speakers. Don't be mis-lead.
Actually, I had the chance to get either RC-30's, RC-50's or RC-70's and I chose the RC-30's- primarily because they are perfect for my room-size. I thought the sound quality was as good as RC-50's. Although the 50's are more full-range.


Thanks! I think the RC-10's I am currenty using sound awesome so i know the 30's will give me a wider sound stage. The 30's should be a good choice for my room size as well.
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post #399 of 47744
7/21/06 at 5:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by swestbom View Post

It is a problem and the engineers who did it should be shot for being terminally optimistic and stupid, but: I bought the previous model from an authorized dealer at a steep discount. They sound identical to the i series to me and to the store owner (and anyone else). The i series woofers theoretically have a slight increase in woofer excursion and the cone material has a slightly different pattern from the back side (we are talking microns here). The crossover components are also slightly different (my guess is it had more to do with manufacturing costs than a functional design change), because the crossover behavior is the same.

The magnets on the older series are held strictly by glue and the glue is under tension because of the bolt through from the back of the speaker that is attached to the magnet and basically pulls it away from the driver's basket, that is why the glue breaks (those glues were never intended to be under tension). Normally constructed woofers have glued on magnets as well, but you cannot torque the magnet off the speaker driver basket by tightening the bolts on the back of the speaker cabinet like you can on the Energy Veritas line.

Over time changes in temperature and humidity and the expansion and contraction of the assembly can cause the same thing to happen without you having to take a wrench to the bolts on the back of the cabinet and torque the hell out of them.

On one of my 2.3 speakers the glue broke and the drivers siezed. If this happens just call Energy, they will give you a return authorization for a repair. Send the woofers to them (really easy to remove, takes a couple minutes with an adjustable wrench) and they will replace them with speaker drivers where the magnet is bolted on to the driver basket (just like the i series). Energy swears up and down that the replacements are not i series woofers but they look identical to them in every way (marketing rules!).

If you buy from an authorized store as new you get a five year warranty so the only risk is not having the use of the speakers for a week or two while Energy ships you the replacements after receiving the busted ones.

One of my Veritas 2.3 drivers seized shortly after purchasing it. I complained both to the dealer and the regional rep. I remarked that I had read about issues with driver seizing and insisted that I be given 2 of them to replace both speakers. The (2) drivers were sent to me with an Allen key, and I replaced both of them rather easily.

Kevin
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post #400 of 47744
7/21/06 at 8:11pm
Just heard the Verita 2.2 bookshelves and was really impressed. You would swear they were high-end floorstanders. To say that they create a nice soundstage would be an understatement, you could easily forget you were even listening to speakers. The sales guy offered them to me for $1800 CAD which seemed like a good deal but still over my head.

I am still waiting for my C-3's to arrive and I am wondering how efficient they are. I will be running them off an Onkyo 502 receiver that is rated at 65w per channel (probably a lot less). I like to listen loud so I sometimes turn it up to "50" or more out of a possible "80" but I dont want to risk damage as a result of clipping.

When I was using my Athena micra speakers, I used to occasionally hear crackling at peak volumes even though the volume was only 60-65%.
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post #401 of 47744
7/24/06 at 5:38am
Considering the veritas line of Energy speakers. Anyone know of any online dealers? The closest store to me is in a pretty affluent area so I know I'll pay through the nose.
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post #402 of 47744
7/24/06 at 6:35am
This place was suggested and looked like they had some very good prices...http://www.audioexcellence.com/
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post #403 of 47744
7/24/06 at 1:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by fishacura View Post

Considering the veritas line of Energy speakers. Anyone know of any online dealers? The closest store to me is in a pretty affluent area so I know I'll pay through the nose.

I'd recommend getting somewhat local. Customer service on speakers is always good. Energy has a dealer located on their website.

audiogon has some on-line dealers.

kw.................
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post #404 of 47744
7/24/06 at 2:24pm
Could anyone point me in the right direction on where to audition and buy Energy Take Series speakers in the Toronto, ON area? BBR, Audio One and EHR don't carry them and those really the only three shops I'm familiar with.

Alternatively, if you know of some good sources on the web in North America to purchase the Take LCR and SAT speakers please let me know. I've not had much luck.

Thanks in advance,
Jason.
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post #405 of 47744
7/24/06 at 3:22pm
Bay Bloor and Kennedy HiFi are Energy dealers in Toronto. So are most Sony Style stores, apparantly. I know that Kennedy HiFi has the RC series on display, but not the Takes.

I just picked up my Energy speakers today. Three complete systems!
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post #406 of 47744
7/24/06 at 3:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by macmanjpc View Post

Could anyone point me in the right direction on where to audition and buy Energy Take Series speakers in the Toronto?

Go 600 miles, 3 degrees north of east, turn left..........

No, I'm not familiar with the Toronto area (being from L.A.), however, as someone mentioned previously, look on the Energy web-site for "official" dealers in your area. If you're able to test-listen and are willing to purchase you may want to consider http://www.audioexcellence.com , their prices are very good.

I listened to a pair of Take SAT's hooked-up to a Yamaha RX-V657 as front main's (as a "mini" system) I was totally blown away at the clarity and power handling capability. I'm sure they would work beautiful wall-mounted around a flat screen (L-C-R).

It is literally 110 degrees today in L.A., I'm listening to multi-channel music through my RC-Series, no air-conditioning.
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post #407 of 47744
7/24/06 at 4:09pm
I got my RC-70's from Canadian Sound (www.canadiansound.com), which used to be in Brampton, but is now in Oakville. I negotiated fairly hard, but they ended up giving me a great price. When I get my RC-LCR, I'm pretty sure I'm going to get it from them, even though BBR is much closer.
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post #408 of 47744
7/24/06 at 4:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Daniel Tonks View Post

Bay Bloor and Kennedy HiFi are Energy dealers in Toronto. So are most Sony Style stores, apparantly. I know that Kennedy HiFi has the RC series on display, but not the Takes.

I just picked up my Energy speakers today. Three complete systems!

As you mentioned, both Bay Bloor and Kennedy HiFi are Energy dealers but neither of them carry the Take series speakers. Don't ask me why, but they only carry the higher dollar speakers from Energy. As for Sony Style, yeah, I just love MSRP

I'm sure there's got to be more shops in the Toronto area that can deal on these. Heck, I'd even consider used if anyone was selling

I did check out Audio Excellence online. Too bad my US shipping address (yes, I do live in Canada but also have a US Business address) is in NY. I'd have to pay NY State Tax which is automatically going to raise the price about 8.5%

My search continues.

Thanks for the replies so far.
Jason.
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post #409 of 47744
7/24/06 at 4:39pm
Shame there's no dealers that show them. One of the systems I picked up today is based on Take LCR & SATs, but I bought them "blind" after auditioning the RC series.
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post #410 of 47744
7/24/06 at 9:38pm
I am currently deciding on what system to purchase. It will a 7.1 system consisting of either:

RC-LCR
(2) RC-70
(4) RC-R
RC-Sub10

or

V2.0Ci
(2) V2.4i
(4) V2.0Ri
RC-Sub10

I have heard and love the RC series. I will not be able to test the Veritas out before purchase if I go with them, and they are quite a bit more. Why should I go the Veritas route?

These speakers are going into a large dedicated Home Theater room.
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post #411 of 47744
7/24/06 at 10:27pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by macmanjpc View Post

neither of them carry the Take series speakers. Don't ask me why?

Far as I understand any Energy dealer should be able to order [all] Energy product currently available.
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post #412 of 47744
7/25/06 at 12:02am
Go with the Veritas ONLY if you have a separate power amplifier. They are not as efficient as the RC series. Speakers are a long-term investment. If you have the money then you will love the Veritas speakers. They are some of my all time favorites.
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post #413 of 47744
7/25/06 at 4:44am
Don't bother with the v2.4i unless you want to go with no subwoofer (but the 2.4i speakers really can't go as low or loud as a sub). The 2.3i is quite a bit cheaper and with a good subwoofer and an 80 Hertz crossover they will sound identical unless you drive the speakers to their absolute limits (there is a couple of decibels difference in the bass output capabilities below the third woofer's crossover frequency).

The main difference between the two series will be in the cleaner midrange and better dispersion from the dome midrange drivers and the cleaner, tighter bass from the dual voice coil woofers.
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post #414 of 47744
7/25/06 at 4:48am
BTW, you won't need anything special for amplification for the Veritas line unless you don't use a subwoofer or have a very large room. I have a Pioneer Elite vsx-56txi and it does fine for 5.1 with an 80 Hertz crossover and for stereo music it will drive the 2.3i speakers in front with no problems to ridiculous volumes with no audible distortion with quite tight and extended bass.
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post #415 of 47744
7/25/06 at 6:04am
I also was considering the Veritas. The 2.2i, but I will be using a 50 watt integrated amp. These seem to be 8 ohm speakers though, so why would they need high watts? Also, is the veritas tweeter the same as in the RC series? I find it odd that speakers that are so much more money would have the same components.
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post #416 of 47744
7/25/06 at 11:17am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Daniel Tonks View Post

Shame there's no dealers that show them. One of the systems I picked up today is based on Take LCR & SATs, but I bought them "blind" after auditioning the RC series.

Daniel,

Where did you buy the system and do you mind me asking what the pricing was on the LCRs and SATs?

Thanks,
Jason.
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post #417 of 47744
7/25/06 at 11:37am
Tweeter isn't the same, just similar looking. The tweeter/midrange assembly on the Veritas is much more substantial.
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post #418 of 47744
7/25/06 at 1:38pm
I went with the RC system.

RC-LCR
(2) RC-70
(2) RC-R
RC-Sub10

Next question, do I run these off a seperate amp? How much better does it sound? 5,3, or 2 Channel?

The Reciever I am getting is the Pioneer Elite - VSX-84TXV, with this reciever would I even need to get an Amplifier?
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post #419 of 47744
7/25/06 at 2:32pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by AudioArchitect View Post

Go with the Veritas ONLY if you have a separate power amplifier. They are not as efficient as the RC series. Speakers are a long-term investment. If you have the money then you will love the Veritas speakers. They are some of my all time favorites.

Sorry, but this is wrong.

Quote:
Originally Posted by DOC99 View Post

I also was considering the Veritas. The 2.2i, but I will be using a 50 watt integrated amp. These seem to be 8 ohm speakers though, so why would they need high watts? Also, is the veritas tweeter the same as in the RC series? I find it odd that speakers that are so much more money would have the same components.

Many people have said that the veritas love high power. And I'm sure there may be some validity to that. But they also do fine with low power. The inner ear reviewed the veritas 2.4's with an 11 and 23 watt tube amplifier, with great results.

The veritas speakers are massively different from the other lines. Read the energy website. Different drivers, the convergent source module (diff tweeter), tapered crossover, baffling, etc, etc, etc... and look at the weight differnece.

kw...................
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post #420 of 47744
7/25/06 at 3:34pm
Its really not. I dont hold magazine reviews to high esteem in the first place. I have worked with Energy products since the original v2.8 days and experimented with different amplifiers.

You cannot use tube amps in a realistic system for movies and home theater. The reason the review mentioned the tube thing is probably to stimulate the interest of tweaky audiophile types.
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