The Official Energy Speakers Thread

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by callas01

well and think about this, you have speakers that cost you about $2k, and your going to buy a $4000 receiver? Id say you might even be better off with say an Anthem 500 and MC30 amp. As Rhett had told me, your gear is typically 75% of the cost of your speakers. For me at $2450 on speakers, thats about $1800 on receiver/amp.... so If I get an Integra 50.2/50.1 or 7.9, they are valued about $1400 and can power my speakers just fine.

Just think its something to think about.

No thanks I'll pass on Anthem, Not a good pairing. well let's put 3500 for the receiver bro and 7 Totem Speakers will cost me 4K. so that's not so far off at 87.5%, I'm all about sound .

[callas01]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

No thanks I'll pass on Anthem, Not a good pairing. well let's put 3500 for the receiver bro and 7 Totem Speakers will cost me 4K. so that's not so far off at 87.5%, I'm all about sound .

are you thinking of getting the AVR500? And what, the FMJ 28 IA?

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by callas01

are you thinking of getting the AVR500? And what, the FMJ 28 IA?

If I get the AVR, I'll be done with this I would not get the IA as the Arcam AVR500 would be more than enough and i would get pretty much the same sound as the IA with even more power.

BTW the AVR500 has not preouts so even if I wanted an IA. The sound quality is still phenomenal which is why I consider it and at 120 WPC all channels driven it's more power than the FMJ A38 IA.


I really am in a dilemma seriously. I f I go IA it's really down to Naim Nait 5i and Arcam FMJ A28 now, I really loved both audition and the Naim has the HT bypass.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

If I get the AVR, I'll be done with this I would not get the IA as the Arcam AVR500 would be more than enough and i would get pretty much the same sound as the IA with even more power.

BTW the AVR500 has not preouts so even if I wanted an IA. The sound quality is still phenomenal which is why I consider it and at 120 WPC all channels driven it's more power than the FMJ A38 IA.


I really am in a dilemma seriously. I f I go IA it's really down to Naim Nait 5i and Arcam FMJ A28 now, I really loved both audition and the Naim has the HT bypass.

Yeah, an Arcam IA and AVR would seem redundant to me. If you want Arcam, then just get the 500 and be done with it. OR....

If I were you, heres the other thing That I might think about, get the Naim Nait 5i and use the HT Bypass, then add an Integra 40.2 or 50.2 AVR, that way its sound will be close to one another but you will get better muical enjoyment from the Naim. Since this setup will cost less then the Arcam(plus there were 2 on canuck audio mart for $1k), use some of the money you saved for a TT and Phono pre-amp. The Arcam doesn't have a MM phono amp in it, so to get a TT, that would be an extra investment. Im willing to bet you could get the Naim 5i, Integra, TT and phono pre-amp, plus cables for $3500. To me, its a better use of funds.

however, Im just throwing ideas out there. Its up to you to do what you think is in your best interests.

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by callas01

Yeah, an Arcam IA and AVR would seem redundant to me. If you want Arcam, then just get the 500 and be done with it. OR....

If I were you, heres the other thing That I might think about, get the Naim Nait 5i and use the HT Bypass, then add an Integra 40.2 or 50.2 AVR, that way its sound will be close to one another but you will get better muical enjoyment from the Naim. Since this setup will cost less then the Arcam(plus there were 2 on canuck audio mart for $1k), use some of the money you saved for a TT and Phono pre-amp. The Arcam doesn't have a MM phono amp in it, so to get a TT, that would be an extra investment. Im willing to bet you could get the Naim 5i, Integra, TT and phono pre-amp, plus cables for $3500. To me, its a better use of funds.

however, Im just throwing ideas out there. Its up to you to do what you think is in your best interests.

You really think it would be great with the Integra and Naim 5i don't you? I will say this, do you think the Integra will sound as good as the Arcam in HT? Do you think the Naim will have better sound that the Arcam for Music? The dilemma stands. The 40.2 or the 50.2 are good but to be honest with you I don't think it will sound nearly as good as the AVR500. The Naim yeah I love it's sound and it's amazing and this puppy should compete quite well with Arcam AVR500, I am not so concern about the Phono stage, the Rega mini-fono does great job for 129$.

I will see, still in a dilemma, I hear you Steve, it's good advices and I take this into considaration seriously.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

You really think it would be great with the Integra and Naim 5i don't you? I will say this, do you think the Integra will sound as good as the Arcam in HT? Do you think the Naim will have better sound that the Arcam for Music? The dilemma stands. The 40.2 or the 50.2 are good but to be honest with you I don't think it will sound nearly as good as the AVR500. The Naim yeah I love it's sound and it's amazing and this puppy should compete quite well with Arcam AVR500, I am not so concern about the Phono stage, the Rega mini-fono does great job for 129$.

I will see, still in a dilemma, I hear you Steve, it's good advices and I take this into considaration seriously.

I don't know if it would be as good or not. Just I like to maximise my dollar, If I can get all that I want to have and get 95% of the audio that just the one item would provide, then I would be happier that way personally.

Do what you want, its best for you to get all that you want the first time and not keep spending money on fivolous upgrades.

[Blu Balls]

Originally Posted by aces high

Does yours have the X-Curve function? That's what I use on my Pioneer to help with the brightness, I have it on it's max setting. It helps but doesn't eliminate the problem.

Yes it has x curve. I have experimented with it and currently have it at -1db. I messed up earlier. I meant to say that the center channel was set by mcacc to -4db not 4db. I found when I turned up the center to the same as the left and right (-1db) I could hear it alot better. I'm not sure if I will keep it at this setting but for now it will do.

[Blu Balls]

Originally Posted by PaulWog

I think the brightness of the Pioneer receivers is quite nice to be honest. That's my opinion. Whereas the brightness of say... a Klipsch horn... not so nice. I haven't demoed a ton of receivers, but I like the sound of Pioneer enough that I plan to buy from Pioneer again in the future if it's still competitively priced at the mid/high level.

Can you tell me what your speaker settings are? Do you keep the same settings as mcacc or did you adjust to your liking?

[MaCruz]

For those that haven't kept track. My Energy C-Series is hooked up to my new Pioneer Elite VSX-30 receiver, and I'm also getting (2) 10" subs from Lavasubs.com which I should get this Monday.

I can't wait to hear this.

[PaulWog]

Originally Posted by Blu Balls

Can you tell me what your speaker settings are? Do you keep the same settings as mcacc or did you adjust to your liking?

I have tons of respect for Callas, and I had been asking about small vs. large speaker settings, but I finally decided to stick with "large" speaker settings and "plus" on the subwoofer (despite Callas's suggestion of "small" settings). This may contribute to the sound I like. The same actually goes for our Kef setup which uses a pioneer receiver (though the Kef speakers we have definitely manage bass really really well).

Anyways, I wasn't originally using MCACC. I originally simply went into my receiver settings and set it all to default. I changed all my distances to 6 feet evenly between each speaker. The sound was nice.

I did however run MCACC the other day, and I prefer the sound settings that I have now. It is slightly brighter now, but it sounds really good (I think).

If you want specifics on my speaker settings (S.Wave and all that stuff), I could let you know. You'd just have to ask specifically what (since I don't understand 100% of everything that is there as of yet).

[Blu Balls]

Originally Posted by PaulWog

I have tons of respect for Callas, and I had been asking about small vs. large speaker settings, but I finally decided to stick with "large" speaker settings and "plus" on the subwoofer (despite Callas's suggestion of "small" settings). This may contribute to the sound I like. The same actually goes for our Kef setup which uses a pioneer receiver (though the Kef speakers we have definitely manage bass really really well).

Anyways, I wasn't originally using MCACC. I originally simply went into my receiver settings and set it all to default. I changed all my distances to 6 feet evenly between each speaker. The sound was nice.

I did however run MCACC the other day, and I prefer the sound settings that I have now. It is slightly brighter now, but it sounds really good (I think).

If you want specifics on my speaker settings (S.Wave and all that stuff), I could let you know. You'd just have to ask specifically what (since I don't understand 100% of everything that is there as of yet).

I have mine set to large too. The small setting was just too thin sounding. I reran mcacc yesterday and it sounds ok but, I think it sounded better after I adjusted the EQ and other settings. MCACC has set my left at -1db my center at -4db and myright at -.5 db. I originally had all 3 set to -1db. I'm not really sure which sounded better. I was curious as to how far your listening position is from your speakers. You said that you set them to 6 ft. but, what did the mcacc set them to? Mine are set to 11ft, do you think I should set them to a shorter distance?

[callas01]

Originally Posted by Blu Balls

I have mine set to large too. The small setting was just too thin sounding. I reran mcacc yesterday and it sounds ok but, I think it sounded better after I adjusted the EQ and other settings. MCACC has set my left at -1db my center at -4db and myright at -.5 db. I originally had all 3 set to -1db. I'm not really sure which sounded better. I was curious as to how far your listening position is from your speakers. You said that you set them to 6 ft. but, what did the mcacc set them to? Mine are set to 11ft, do you think I should set them to a shorter distance?

sometimes the distance is a little off, but its because the receiver is setting the phase alignment so that all of the sound hit your ear at the same time. A lot of times you will see your sub say 18 feet distance, when its only 6 feet, but its all about setting it up so it reaches your ear together.

[Blu Balls]

Originally Posted by callas01

sometimes the distance is a little off, but its because the receiver is setting the phase alignment so that all of the sound hit your ear at the same time. A lot of times you will see your sub say 18 feet distance, when its only 6 feet, but its all about setting it up so it reaches your ear together.

I see. I just adjusted the eq again and got a little closer to my listening preference. I'm sure I'll have it the way I like in a week or so.... I hope

[PaulWog]

Originally Posted by Blu Balls

I have mine set to large too. The small setting was just too thin sounding. I reran mcacc yesterday and it sounds ok but, I think it sounded better after I adjusted the EQ and other settings. MCACC has set my left at -1db my center at -4db and myright at -.5 db. I originally had all 3 set to -1db. I'm not really sure which sounded better. I was curious as to how far your listening position is from your speakers. You said that you set them to 6 ft. but, what did the mcacc set them to? Mine are set to 11ft, do you think I should set them to a shorter distance?

My speakers sound best when my listening distance is about 8-10 feet away. However, my room is very small (I'm using these in my bedroom, we have a separate setup for the theater/tv room).

Generally I'm using these speakers in a very bad position. I have them almost right beside me because I use them at a computer desk. Basically when I game, I surround myself with them and position them as ideally as I can (but they're very close). When I listen to music or watch a movie, I sit back further and position them better with more distance.

After running MCACC, to get a more universal setting, I evened all my speaker loudnesses to being similar amounts again. For example, my left and right speaker were off by a decibel each, so I just put them both at the same amount. My center speaker has been set to slightly louder, and my CF-30 speakers are set a bit louder than my CF-50's (since they actually aren't as loud as CF-50's at the same sound level for some reason).

The main settings I'm using from MCACC are the sound adjustments (S.Wave and other such things). The distance settings I mess around with personally, and the loudness settings I mess around with as well. Maybe I'll get around to messing around with other settings again.

Maybe one reason my speakers sound full enough to me is that they are currently positioned in a corner of the room (my desk is unfortunately a corner desk). This may allow a fuller sound to come out of them. My center speaker is set up in a spot where even if you put your ear up to the center speaker, you can't hear where the sound is coming from (it comes out of the whole corner as if it's just... from the whole corner, not just the speaker).

[Blu Balls]

I haven't touched the standing waves because I don't really understand it so, I have no idea what to do. I have a nice level sound right now so I think I will stop experimenting for a while. Once my sub comes I'm sure I'll be doing more tweaking so I'm not too concerned about getting everything perfect right now.

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by PaulWog

My speakers sound best when my listening distance is about 8-10 feet away. However, my room is very small (I'm using these in my bedroom, we have a separate setup for the theater/tv room).

Generally I'm using these speakers in a very bad position. I have them almost right beside me because I use them at a computer desk. Basically when I game, I surround myself with them and position them as ideally as I can (but they're very close). When I listen to music or watch a movie, I sit back further and position them better with more distance.

After running MCACC, to get a more universal setting, I evened all my speaker loudnesses to being similar amounts again. For example, my left and right speaker were off by a decibel each, so I just put them both at the same amount. My center speaker has been set to slightly louder, and my CF-30 speakers are set a bit louder than my CF-50's (since they actually aren't as loud as CF-50's at the same sound level for some reason).

The main settings I'm using from MCACC are the sound adjustments (S.Wave and other such things). The distance settings I mess around with personally, and the loudness settings I mess around with as well. Maybe I'll get around to messing around with other settings again.

Maybe one reason my speakers sound full enough to me is that they are currently positioned in a corner of the room (my desk is unfortunately a corner desk). This may allow a fuller sound to come out of them. My center speaker is set up in a spot where even if you put your ear up to the center speaker, you can't hear where the sound is coming from (it comes out of the whole corner as if it's just... from the whole corner, not just the speaker).

Paul I will say one thing so you are aware, Corner placement is not optimal for your speakers as you will lose sound stage or disperstion, the sound may reflect on the wall and that way you don't get the desired sound as let's say an object gets thrown and falls on the far right, and you speaker is right in the corner, normally you would hear the sound as if it was coming further than the actual speaker.

It may certainly be because you are limited in space but at least you will know for future reference. I am just trying to help a fellow Energy speaker Owner. Enjoy your new setup

[iceman77g]

Hi Everyone,

I'm a new member. I have a pair of CF-50s with 2 in-ceiling rears, a Velodyne 3750R sub. I am running a Pioneer 1019AH-K receiver. I had an old Profile Acoustics center channel but am wanting to replace it with either a CC-10 from Energy or a Totem Mite TC 2. Could anyone provide any advice here? I can get a good deal on the Mite TC 2 ($500 CDN) but am not sure if I should just stick to the matching CC-10 for my setup??

I am currently finding that I am not getting what I should be getting from my center channel. It always seems like I am having to turn it up and down for movies. Loud for dialog, and lower the sound for action scenes. It's just not blending right. Even at +10 dBs, it's just not sounding good. I've done the MCACC several times and have played around with the settings.

Any thoughts??

Thanks,

iceman77g
----------------
Mains: Energy CF-50s
Center: ??
Rears: in-ceiling.
Sub: Velodyne 3750R
Amp: Pioneer VXS1019AH-K
Sony PS3
Sony BDP-s770

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by iceman77g

Hi Everyone,

I'm a new member. I have a pair of CF-50s with 2 in-ceiling rears, a Velodyne 3750R sub. I am running a Pioneer 1019AH-K receiver. I had an old Profile Acoustics center channel but am wanting to replace it with either a CC-10 from Energy or a Totem Mite TC 2. Could anyone provide any advice here? I can get a good deal on the Mite TC 2 ($500 CDN) but am not sure if I should just stick to the matching CC-10 for my setup??

I am currently finding that I am not getting what I should be getting from my center channel. It always seems like I am having to turn it up and down for movies. Loud for dialog, and lower the sound for action scenes. It's just not blending right. Even at +10 dBs, it's just not sounding good. I've done the MCACC several times and have played around with the settings.

Any thoughts??

First of all, welcome to this forum

Are you from Montreal QC by any chance?


Altho I really love Totem and I'm a Totem owner myself, I can say that your CF-50 towers would be better matched with the CC-10. The Mite-T C is a better all around performer but would be better paired with Mites or the Totem Sttaf, I strongly recommend matching your front soundstage as much as possible for a more seamless transition and you could get the CC-10 for half the price of the Mite-T C. It's sometimes going on sale for 249$. The CC-10 will outperform your current center by far as it should come really close to the performance of CF-30 per say.

[PaulWog]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

Paul I will say one thing so you are aware, Corner placement is not optimal for your speakers as you will lose sound stage or disperstion, the sound may reflect on the wall and that way you don't get the desired sound as let's say an object gets thrown and falls on the far right, and you speaker is right in the corner, normally you would hear the sound as if it was coming further than the actual speaker.

It may certainly be because you are limited in space but at least you will know for future reference. I am just trying to help a fellow Energy speaker Owner. Enjoy your new setup

Don't worry, I'm fully aware of that. Hence the "my desk is unfortunately a corner desk". :-)

I just don't want to spend money on a new desk right now, since I would want something decent and that'll cost me about $300-$400 for the size I'm looking for. The next thing in my budget is a $200 computer chair (my current one is ruining my posture heh). But hopefully I'll be able to get rid of this corner desk in the near future for something more simple which I can use against a flat wall.

[PaulWog]

Originally Posted by iceman77g

Hi Everyone,

I'm a new member. I have a pair of CF-50s with 2 in-ceiling rears, a Velodyne 3750R sub. I am running a Pioneer 1019AH-K receiver. I had an old Profile Acoustics center channel but am wanting to replace it with either a CC-10 from Energy or a Totem Mite TC 2. Could anyone provide any advice here? I can get a good deal on the Mite TC 2 ($500 CDN) but am not sure if I should just stick to the matching CC-10 for my setup??

I am currently finding that I am not getting what I should be getting from my center channel. It always seems like I am having to turn it up and down for movies. Loud for dialog, and lower the sound for action scenes. It's just not blending right. Even at +10 dBs, it's just not sounding good. I've done the MCACC several times and have played around with the settings.

Any thoughts??

Thanks,

iceman77g
----------------
Mains: Energy CF-50s
Center: ??
Rears: in-ceiling.
Sub: Velodyne 3750R
Amp: Pioneer VXS1019AH-K
Sony PS3
Sony BDP-s770

I'll second what Callas had to say.

Funny I have the 1019-AH-K as well, and CF-50 speakers as well (and the CC-10 works wonderfully I can tell you, paired with the CF-50's). :-)