The Official Energy Speakers Thread

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by Cpt_Dylan_Hunt

Oh, when you say you sit 6 feet from your tv, is that to your eyes when sitting right back, or like to the front of the couch. Because it's a big difference for me by over 1.5 feet. To my eyes it's a 7 foot distance right now from my 46 inch, and my couch looks so close to the tv, there is barely room for a coffee table. To get that 4.6 foot distance that site said was optimal, the front of my couch is almost touching my receiver (which is right under the tv)

In my case my eyes are 7 feet from the TV so the front of the couch is even closer. 7 feet for a 46 is not so bad I mean 1 foot is not the end of the world.
I don't have a THX certified room either but I,m trying to come as close as possible to what it should be.

[callas01]

eyes are about 6.5 to 6.8 feet from the TV. I have no problems.

I would think that if the energy speakers are bi-pole/di-pole and you can choose which you want to use, I would put di-poles on the sides and direct radiating on the back. OR direct on the sides and bi-poles on the back.

[Cpt_Dylan_Hunt]

Originally Posted by callas01

Capt.

I think that unless you have a low seated couch and can get the speakers back far enough that they can image well enough to overcome the barrier of the couch floorstanders may not be as good. Typically with bookshelf speakers you can get the drivers of the speakers up enough that they are not blocked by a barrier. I know that the C-300s have the driver up higher on the speaker, and that may not be an issue for you. But you should test this out because with your room acoustics the way they are it would be anyones guess until you test this out yourself.

I would suggest that you try this. Take the C-200s and connect them to the speaker wire you have the C-300 connected to and set them atop the C-300, that should put them up slightly higher and you can see if you like that positioning better. Check out this picture, and see how they have them up higher so the driver clears the top of the couch.

Yeah, the c-300s's woofer/ tweeter arrangement is actually very similar to the c-200s on stands. (And probably higher than c-100s on equal stands). And I've had the c-300s elevated before which is probalby pretty close to the sound of putting c-200s on top of them, and I liked it. I do notice the c-200s seem to be missing someting when I've used them as surrounds before compared to the 300s. Maybe I just like the extra umpph in the surround position. If I do go with c-200s it sonl for the sake of wall mounting them.

And bigA, like BigDaddy said, the THX recommendations are oldschool and 2 feet up dipoles are for the old pro logic days. I guess bipoles are much easier to place than dipoles which is why the 2 feet up doesn't matter as much on bipoles as on dipoles. (Hence why the Dolby site doesn't stress it.)

There is a diagram I dont know if you've seen on page 2 of the link Big Daddy posted that basically shows bipoles being better as rears like you have it. But I think it was for a 5.1

[Cpt_Dylan_Hunt]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

In my case my eyes are 7 feet from the TV so the front of the couch is even closer. 7 feet for a 46 is not so bad I mean 1 foot is not the end of the world.
I don't have a THX certified room either but I,m trying to come as close as possible to what it should be.

To get that 7 feet, for me, puts the couch a little too close though. Not enough room. I mean furniture arrangement wise. I don't know how it is, that callases setup in his pics looks like he has room. That rug for example in your pic callas, for me to get a 7 foot distance screen to eyes, half that rug would be covered by couch. (or half of what's visible of it on the 3rd pic down) That's how close myshit is, it's ridiculous. My couch is just a "normal" couch too. I don't get how people can get thee 6 and 7 foot distances and still look like they have so much room infront of the tv. Maybe the pics are just deceiving.

Edit: Oh, I was actually at 6.5, but still ...

[callas01]

Capt. how far back do you sit?


Also, I find it hard to think that there is that much difference between the C-200s and C-300s. I say that because when I opened the C-300 and took the driver off, there is only a small cabinet in there that the woofer is in. Its not in hollow going all the way down. Maybe if the depth of the cabinet isn't as deep, that adds to the umph or lower frequency, or perhaps it something not visible.

[BigAl87]

And bigA, like BigDaddy said, the THX recommendations are oldschool and 2 feet up dipoles are for the old pro logic days. I guess bipoles are much easier to place than dipoles which is why the 2 feet up doesn't matter as much on bipoles as on dipoles. (Hence why the Dolby site doesn't stress it.)

Thanks for the info oh I guess I'll be placing the my bipoles on the side and won't worry so much about placing them so high but just looked up Dolby Recommendation and side surrounds should still be slightly above ear level according to them.

http://www.dolby.com/consumer/setup/...ide/index.html


Sorry was my bad they really are bipole and I guess there is no need anymore for this oh well the way I have em now works out pretty well I guess but not quite as high as they should be as they are ear level now.

[Cpt_Dylan_Hunt]

Originally Posted by callas01

Capt. how far back do you sit?


Also, I find it hard to think that there is that much difference between the C-200s and C-300s. I say that because when I opened the C-300 and took the driver off, there is only a small cabinet in there that the woofer is in. Its not in hollow going all the way down. Maybe if the depth of the cabinet isn't as deep, that adds to the umph or lower frequency, or perhaps it something not visible.

It's not a mind blowing difference, but there is a difference. Rwo also noticed a big difference when switching from c-200s to c-300s for fronts. I don't know why there is a difference, but there is. Whether or not that difference is better suited for surrounds is a matter of opinion I guess.

I used to sit 92 inches screen to eyes, but I've been trying to get closer in my new arrangement. Right now, I've settled on 7 feet screen to eyes, if leaning way back on the couch. This seems ok for my 46 inch for Bluerays, and regular dvds still look decent enough playing through my blueray player. In order to get closer, I had to get rid of my coffee table though, or else everything just seems too crammed.

BigA, yeah that's what I noticed. The Dolby sight says only "just above ear level." .. Well for me, my c-300s already are slightly above seated ear level. (Im not very tall and my couch is fairly low. It's WAY above my kids' seated ear level's lol) The diagram on the dolby site I posted earlier also confirms this. Although Im sure a little higher would be better. But I dont think the 2 foot minimum is neccessarily the best for everyone.

"Sorry was my bad they really are bipole and I guess there is no need anymore"

Not sure what you mean here man. What really is bipole? The surrounds in the dolby diagram?

The THX site reccomends AT LEAST 2 feet, which is far from "just" above ear level imo.

Big Daddy posted ealier that THX is sort behind a bit, living in the dolby pro logic days and he posted a really informative link that I followed and read.

Basically, what you have, those bipoles, are the best for side surrounds for movies in most rooms, monopoles have their benefits too though, but Im just making due with what I have. I'm sure there is nothing wrong at all with using bipoles as rears. I'm interested in points of view that's all.

[BigAl87]

Thats it I gotcha on that I'll go by Dolby rules from now on since THX is obselete.

Big Daddy is the man. In this case I guess using C-300 or C-200 wont be much of a difference maybe the 300 works out even better with the rest of the setup because of their lower frequency response 40hz vs 48hz for the 200. Why, Just don't know.

It just fun to share

[Cpt_Dylan_Hunt]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

Thats it I gotcha on that I'll go by Dolby rules from now on since THX is obselete.

Big Daddy is the man. In this case I guess using C-300 or C-200 wont be much of a difference maybe the 300 works out even better with the rest of the setup because of their lower frequency response 40hz vs 48hz for the 200. Why, Just don't know.

It just fun to share

Yeah, although you should still always have your bipole side surrounds above ear level if you can. What Big Daddy said I think was mostly concerning how dipoles should go right beside the listening area, and biples, go a little behind and aimed in, like in the dolby site.

My point is just that I dont think an entire 2 or more feet is a must for bipole. But i guess it would really depend on the room.

[Big Daddy]

It is always a good idea to place the surround speakers slighly above your head. If you are using bipole speakers, install them slighly behind your listening area. It really doesn't matter whether you install them on the side walls or hang them from the ceiling. It is a very good idea to keep their distances the same from the listening position.

[Cpt_Dylan_Hunt]

I guess, the easiest and cheapest thing for me to do, is get another shelf, put it on the other side of my room, and have my c-200s on one of the higher shelves on each side. One shelf on each side of room. With the port plugs in that should be ok I think. That way, I don't need speaker mounts, or to hide any wire through drywall hehe. Plus im gonna need another shelf soon anyway to hold my dvds bluerays and stuff.

Any thoughts on that idea?

Man his is fun. Im having more fun rearranging my HT this time than I did any of the other 10 times I did it lol!

Its already lookin better btw. Wires are more concealed, and I just like it more. Totally different. And sounds good too.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by Cpt_Dylan_Hunt

I guess, the easiest and cheapest thing for me to do, is get another shelf, put it on the other side of my room, and have my c-200s on one of the higher shelves on each side. One shelf on each side of room. With the port plugs in that should be ok I think. That way, I don't need speaker mounts, or to hide any wire through drywall hehe. Plus im gonna need another shelf soon anyway to hold my dvds bluerays and stuff.

Any thoughts on that idea?

Man his is fun. Im having more fun rearranging my HT this time than I did any of the other 10 times I did it lol!

Its already lookin better btw. Wires are more concealed, and I just like it more. Totally different. And sounds good too.

I have my speakers on bookshelves, and I do not use the port plugs, and I get great sound from the speakers. It is any easy way to do things, I think you could be happy with that. Otherwise I would just put your C-300s back on some risers and go that route.

[Bluray_ne1]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

THX is a little behind. That advice is for dipole speakers. Dipole speakers made sense during the Dolby Pro Logic era. THX has to realize we have HD audio now.

For surround applications, bipole speakers give you the most satisfying effect and are very flexible in placement. In addition, they have better bass response than dipole speakers. Direct radiating surround speakers are good for multi-channel music such as SACD, but not as good as bipoles for movies.

Big Daddy,

That makes me wonder if my settings are optimum for my arrangement. I have my RC-R's set to Dipole based on my room arrangement (see my gallery) and the chart below from the RC-R manual:

RC-R bipole-dipole chart.jpg

My fronts are 12' from the listening position and the RC-R's are 6' from the listening position. Should the Bipole setting yield better results?

I tried both and the dipole setting seemed to sound a little better and more expansive. I suppose that really is the best determining factor: "How does it sound to me?" But I will always appreciate the advice of someone who knows what they're talking about.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by Bluray_ne1

Big Daddy,

That makes me wonder if my settings are optimum for my arrangement. I have my RC-R's set to Dipole based on my room arrangement (see my gallery) and the chart below from the RC-R manual:

Attachment 8531

My fronts are 12' from the listening position and the RC-R's are 6' from the listening position. Should the Bipole setting yield better results?

I tried both and the dipole setting seemed to sound a little better and more expansive. I suppose that really is the best determining factor: "How does it sound to me?" But I will always appreciate the advice of someone who knows what they're talking about.

Yes, bipolar setting will be better for your room arrangement.

Please do not get offended. I am just trying to be helpful. I really do not like your front speakers inside the cabinets. You are making the cabinets part of your front speakers and listening to them instead of the speakers. Take them out and give them some breathing room. I will guarantee that you will get improved sound stage and much better mid and high level frequencies.

[Cpt_Dylan_Hunt]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

Yes, bipolar setting will be better for your room arrangement.

Please do not get offended. I am just trying to be helpful. I really do not like your front speakers inside the cabinets. You are making the cabinets part of your front speakers and listening to them instead of the speakers. Take them out and give them some breathing room. I will guarantee that you will get improved sound stage and much better mid and high level frequencies.

I guess my idea of using bookshelves to elevate my monopole surrounds isn't so great either then?

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by Cpt_Dylan_Hunt

I guess my idea of using bookshelves to elevate my monopole surrounds isn't so great either then?

Just make a custom shelf or buy some as you wish as long as it's open and not inside a cabinet and not directly in the corner of a room then all is fine, a lttle clearence from the wall is always good even with a port plug.

I'm sure you'll find a way to make this work out beatifully for yourself Cpt.

[Cpt_Dylan_Hunt]

Thanks,

The shelves I just checked will be about 5 foot 8 inches to the very top where the speakers won't be inside of any cabinets.

So I'm just gonna stick them on top of the shevles. About 2 feet above seated ear level ( more than needed). There won't be very much clearence form the wall, but even now there isn't with my c-300s and they still sound good with the port plugs in. My c-500s have much more clearance though.

I'm thinking of going back to 7.1 with my new arrangement. Maybe sticking the c-300s as rears. For some reason I always thought it important for the rear surrounds to be on the same level as the side surrounds though.

I guess I could have experimented with all this stuff on my own, but it's more fun to discuss it here first.

Anyway, thanks BigA and Calllas and Big Daddy, I'll post pics when I'm done.

[kaybee81]

Does anyone know where I can get these Take Classic 5.0 speakers in Canada? Amazon & Newegg wont ship there and the dealer locater doesn't think Edmonton is a city.... And I think Futureshop might carry them but the Take classic's are not listed on the website.... who thought it'd be so hard to find a canadian speaker in canada :P

[slimmer]

I got the Take Classic 5.1 early this year from Futureshop, but you're right - it isn't listed on the site any more (although the RC mini system is).

Best to drop by. I got my system for $430.

[slimmer]

Has anyone tested or purchased the CF-50 yet? I've tried them once in store, but can't get a good read on them.