The Official Energy Speakers Thread

[callas01]

Originally Posted by Clippins

Looks like the Energy thread got a little sidetracked, but this got me curious. If the A2-300 would compete with the VTF-2, what are your thoughts on the VTF3-MK3 compared to the A3-300?

I have never heard the A3-300, and the VTF-3, is basically a more powerful VTF-2 with the woofer on the side, id don't know how that adds to the sound or not, but Im sure just looking at the specs, theyd be really similar.

[-DLS-]

Got the V6.3's in yesterday. So far I can say that they suit my tastes more than the RC-70's. They kinda look the same but these are actually bigger than they look in pictures.. and look way nicer in person. I'm gonna let them play for a few days before really listening but have done some switching back and forth between these and my Studio 100's. I put the Studio 100's inside making the 100's only 5ft apart and these 7ft apart.

For now I will say a few things.. They are both very efficient speakers and are only 1db different on average when switching back and forth with the Paradigms up one. Not noticeable at all though. I am not using the XPA-3 for either speakers.. just the SR8002. I will compare them more in the next few weeks but so far they are pretty good. I've only played some Holly Cole, Amos Lee and One Republic so far but will try all kinds of music and movies to compare. They throw a nice wide soundstage like the Paradigms.. The mids sound a bit thin in comparison but also have a more forward presentation than I was expecting - the mid range vocals seem to just jump out at times. Not noticeable when listening to it straight but when I switch back and forth Holly Cole's voice sometimes sounds a little nasal and on the Paradigms sound more natural. Bass is good with no port plugs used - has more bass the the 100's and sounds a bit cleaner which kind of surprised me since I didn't play around with the placement yet. I will be using my subs most of the time so that won't make much of a difference. The highs are actually very similar to the Paradigms.. not bright but on the brighter side of neutral. I understand these need lots of play time to break in but so far I like them and they would be a wicked buy if they started dropping in price like the RC's did. At it's price now - there are probably several other speakers that cost less and play better though. I feel the Paradigm's are better overall at similar price points but that could change after break-in. I prefer the look of the Veritas over the Studios but the Gloss finish might be distracting when watching a movie with the room dark.

I might be letting go of the Paradigms soon to make room for the SALK SongTower - RAAL's. I love the Paradigms and might end up with Sig's eventually but only time will tell. SALK's should be here in a few weeks.

Here are some pics of the Veritas and Studio 100's..

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by -DLS-

Got the V6.3's in yesterday. So far I can say that they suit my tastes more than the RC-70's. They kinda look the same but these are actually bigger than they look in pictures.. and look way nicer in person. I'm gonna let them play for a few days before really listening but have done some switching back and forth between these and my Studio 100's. I put the Studio 100's inside making the 100's only 5ft apart and these 7ft apart.

For now I will say a few things.. They are both very efficient speakers and are only 1db different on average when switching back and forth with the Paradigms up one. Not noticeable at all though. I am not using the XPA-3 for either speakers.. just the SR8002. I will compare them more in the next few weeks but so far they are pretty good. I've only played some Holly Cole, Amos Lee and One Republic so far but will try all kinds of music and movies to compare. They throw a nice wide soundstage like the Paradigms.. The mids sound a bit thin in comparison but also have a more forward presentation than I was expecting - the mid range vocals seem to just jump out at times. Not noticeable when listening to it straight but when I switch back and forth Holly Cole's voice sometimes sounds a little nasal and on the Paradigms sound more natural. Bass is good with no port plugs used - has more bass the the 100's and sounds a bit cleaner which kind of surprised me since I didn't play around with the placement yet. I will be using my subs most of the time so that won't make much of a difference. The highs are actually very similar to the Paradigms.. not bright but on the brighter side of neutral. I understand these need lots of play time to break in but so far I like them and they would be a wicked buy if they started dropping in price like the RC's did. At it's price now - there are probably several other speakers that cost less and play better though. I feel the Paradigm's are better overall at similar price points but that could change after break-in. I prefer the look of the Veritas over the Studios but the Gloss finish might be distracting when watching a movie with the room dark.

I might be letting go of the Paradigms soon to make room for the SALK SongTower - RAAL's. I love the Paradigms and might end up with Sig's eventually but only time will tell. SALK's should be here in a few weeks.

Here are some pics of the Veritas and Studio 100's..

Congrats DLS on the Veritas purchase give those puppies some time to brfeak in as you said and I am sure they will sound much better than now, I am sure I could find better thn that at 3800$ but for 2500$ I think it's not so bad of deal and much like the studios they will benefit a power amp, I can't wait to read your comments after break in.

I find they look absolutely amzing in person I have seen both finishes and I was wowed by it, the Rosenut high gloss piano finish is astounding

[aces high]

Originally Posted by -DLS-

Got the V6.3's in yesterday. So far I can say that they suit my tastes more than the RC-70's. They kinda look the same but these are actually bigger than they look in pictures.. and look way nicer in person. I'm gonna let them play for a few days before really listening but have done some switching back and forth between these and my Studio 100's. I put the Studio 100's inside making the 100's only 5ft apart and these 7ft apart.

For now I will say a few things.. They are both very efficient speakers and are only 1db different on average when switching back and forth with the Paradigms up one. Not noticeable at all though. I am not using the XPA-3 for either speakers.. just the SR8002. I will compare them more in the next few weeks but so far they are pretty good. I've only played some Holly Cole, Amos Lee and One Republic so far but will try all kinds of music and movies to compare. They throw a nice wide soundstage like the Paradigms.. The mids sound a bit thin in comparison but also have a more forward presentation than I was expecting - the mid range vocals seem to just jump out at times. Not noticeable when listening to it straight but when I switch back and forth Holly Cole's voice sometimes sounds a little nasal and on the Paradigms sound more natural. Bass is good with no port plugs used - has more bass the the 100's and sounds a bit cleaner which kind of surprised me since I didn't play around with the placement yet. I will be using my subs most of the time so that won't make much of a difference. The highs are actually very similar to the Paradigms.. not bright but on the brighter side of neutral. I understand these need lots of play time to break in but so far I like them and they would be a wicked buy if they started dropping in price like the RC's did. At it's price now - there are probably several other speakers that cost less and play better though. I feel the Paradigm's are better overall at similar price points but that could change after break-in. I prefer the look of the Veritas over the Studios but the Gloss finish might be distracting when watching a movie with the room dark.

I might be letting go of the Paradigms soon to make room for the SALK SongTower - RAAL's. I love the Paradigms and might end up with Sig's eventually but only time will tell. SALK's should be here in a few weeks.

Here are some pics of the Veritas and Studio 100's..

They look good D. I think Olivier is right that you need to use your amp to get the best out of either of them. I know that the 100's are really handicapped using an AVR without a sub.

[callas01]

I have to admit that Im a little surprised by your initial take on the Energys. I didn't think you would like them that much. Im also surprised by the bass being better on the Veritas, that like you, surprises me. If the Veritas are anything like the current CF line, the mid-range should open up over time and lose that nasal sound, and the highs should tone down just a little.

At what Price would you say buying the Veritas speakers are a bargin...being realistic. Would you feel being around $2500 a good price?? Its a tough price range Im sure, becuase you have speakers like the Studios, CM9s, Dynaudio X32s, Revel Performa 32s, Amphion Prios, etc.

[aces high]

Originally Posted by callas01

I have to admit that Im a little surprised by your initial take on the Energys. I didn't think you would like them that much. Im also surprised by the bass being better on the Veritas, that like you, surprises me. If the Veritas are anything like the current CF line, the mid-range should open up over time and lose that nasal sound, and the highs should tone down just a little.

At what Price would you say buying the Veritas speakers are a bargin...being realistic. Would you feel being around $2500 a good price?? Its a tough price range Im sure, becuase you have speakers like the Studios, CM9s, Dynaudio X32s, Revel Performa 32s, Amphion Prios, etc.

Have you heard the new Veritas?

[callas01]

Originally Posted by aces high

Have you heard the new Veritas?

No I have not, I don't know anywhere around here that sells them.

Im kinda using DLS as the auditioning.... have you heard them?

[-DLS-]

Thanks guys.. I actually had the Veritas hooked up to the XPA-3 all day yesterday and they sounded pretty good out the box. I only have them both on the Marantz tioday so it would be fair when A/B switching. I'm surprised at how well they play on the Marantz alone. I do have to turn it up to -12 average to get between 85-90db's which would normally be -15 to -17 with the XPA-3 depending on what's playing. Ive been using the same Holly Cole Trio CD most for the variety of tracks on the Dont Smoke in Bef Album. Alot of instruments and tough vocals. I'm really enjoying both liking some things better on the 6.3's and some things better on the 100's. As far as detail goes some things I can pick up easily with one speaker and try to look for it on the other. Than on other tracks it's the opposite speaker showing off so it all depends on the music I guess.

I actually did pick them up for $2500 so at the exact same price I got the Studio 100's for. I got lots of time still so it'll be nice too see if breaking on the 6.3's helps with the trouble spots. I do like them more than the RC-70's already but thy is because of my preference for a more up front sound.

I'm really looking forward to the SALKS whichever are a few hundred dollars more with the ribbon upgrade plus shipping but still cheaper than both at MSRP.

Btw the reg price for the 6.3 in black is now $3000 vs the original $3800 asking price. They will probably also be going on sale more often at Futureshop at 2500 or maybe even less during Christmas season like the RC's.

Sorry for typos I'm on my iPhone while listening..

[-DLS-]

I forgot to mention I also staggered them so they're the same distance apart and no longer placed how it is in the pictures above. It kind of helped the 100's more with the soundstage and imaging which was till not bad at 5ft apart.

[callas01]

I think that the Salks are going to have a completely different sound....

The 6.3s were originally $3800 in CAD? Theyve always shown $3k here in the US.

[-DLS-]

Originally Posted by callas01

I think that the Salks are going to have a completely different sound....

The 6.3s were originally $3800 in CAD? Theyve always shown $3k here in the US.

Sorry actually $1800 each so $3600..

Yeah I think the same about the SALK's. The TL design and the drivers, the ribbons.. hopefully I will like it though. I really liked the Ribbons I've heard on the MA's and on a similar design by Romanca - a local speaker company here in Canada. Just didn't like the cheaper look of the speakers but they sounded good like a good sift dome with detail of a metal dome. The RAAL is supposedly one of the better ribbons that alot of the DIY crowd prefer and Jim Salk told me it's the better than previous ribbons he's used with a ruler flat response. I hope there's no delays cuz if it takes too long I'm gonna have to return the Veritas when the 30 days is up. I can pick things up more easily doing an a/b vs playing separately.

[callas01]

So you have been able to hear the new MAs? how are those? Or did you hear the Platinums? I heard the RS6s next to the Dali Concepts, and by A/B'ing them, I could tell the Dalis were better detailed, so I know what you mean.

Have you heard any Dynaudio speakers before?

[aces high]

Originally Posted by callas01

No I have not, I don't know anywhere around here that sells them.

Im kinda using DLS as the auditioning.... have you heard them?

I heard them briefly in Future Shop but they were in the middle of the store and the setup was horrible so I didn't bother wasting my time listening to them.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by aces high

I heard them briefly in Future Shop but they were in the middle of the store and the setup was horrible so I didn't bother wasting my time listening to them.

yeah, I think because BB has the B&Ws they won't bring in any speakers to compete with the B&Ws in that price range..... besides the Mag Reps are too stupid anyways to be able to sell them....

[Adam.C]

Wow those 6.3's look very nice! Congrats on the purchase DLS. Will be looking forward to hearing how they are after some more break-in.

[adept777]

Originally Posted by callas01

I think that the Salks are going to have a completely different sound....

The 6.3s were originally $3800 in CAD? Theyve always shown $3k here in the US.

Originally Posted by BigAl87

If you would have Klipsch RF-62 I would say buy the RC-52 but the important thing in HT is to have the most seamless transition as possible and your best option is the CC-10 unless you would use another identical tower as your center.

Hey, just out of curiosity, what do you guys do as in for living?? Musicians? Sound Engineers? You seem to be very knowledgeable about speakers and Subs. So, I was just curious and had to ask, lol

Anyway, I had finally place my order for the eD A2 300. I can't wait to get them now!!

[adept777]

Originally Posted by callas01

The eD will have more power and visceral slam, it will be more likely to shake your room. Its musical, but I think the Amps on the Hsu subs are better. The Bash amps are very good amps. Personally, Id take the A2-300 over the STF-2 if you want to feel more of the movie. For your setup either would do good, but the eD will be more powerful and give you heavier bass.

For me, I don't need a subwoofer with my speakers for any of the music I listen to. So I don't use it that way. For HT, the eD is a better sub.

You got me sold on the eD A2 300 just by that one line alone. I don't like too much bass in my music too, it needs to be just right when it comes to music for me. I do listen to jazz a lot so if the bass is not right you cannot enjoy the nuances. I am not expert at this but this is what I have heard and know of.. so please correct me if needed.

[adept777]

Originally Posted by -DLS-

Got the V6.3's in yesterday. So far I can say that they suit my tastes more than the RC-70's. They kinda look the same but these are actually bigger than they look in pictures.. and look way nicer in person. I'm gonna let them play for a few days before really listening but have done some switching back and forth between these and my Studio 100's. I put the Studio 100's inside making the 100's only 5ft apart and these 7ft apart.

For now I will say a few things.. They are both very efficient speakers and are only 1db different on average when switching back and forth with the Paradigms up one. Not noticeable at all though. I am not using the XPA-3 for either speakers.. just the SR8002. I will compare them more in the next few weeks but so far they are pretty good. I've only played some Holly Cole, Amos Lee and One Republic so far but will try all kinds of music and movies to compare. They throw a nice wide soundstage like the Paradigms.. The mids sound a bit thin in comparison but also have a more forward presentation than I was expecting - the mid range vocals seem to just jump out at times. Not noticeable when listening to it straight but when I switch back and forth Holly Cole's voice sometimes sounds a little nasal and on the Paradigms sound more natural. Bass is good with no port plugs used - has more bass the the 100's and sounds a bit cleaner which kind of surprised me since I didn't play around with the placement yet. I will be using my subs most of the time so that won't make much of a difference. The highs are actually very similar to the Paradigms.. not bright but on the brighter side of neutral. I understand these need lots of play time to break in but so far I like them and they would be a wicked buy if they started dropping in price like the RC's did. At it's price now - there are probably several other speakers that cost less and play better though. I feel the Paradigm's are better overall at similar price points but that could change after break-in. I prefer the look of the Veritas over the Studios but the Gloss finish might be distracting when watching a movie with the room dark.

I might be letting go of the Paradigms soon to make room for the SALK SongTower - RAAL's. I love the Paradigms and might end up with Sig's eventually but only time will tell. SALK's should be here in a few weeks.

Here are some pics of the Veritas and Studio 100's..

THEY LOOK AWESOME!!! I can't even imagine how good it will sound! I only wish I can afford speakers at that $$ range.. LOL

Congrats and Enjoy!!!

[callas01]

Originally Posted by adept777

Hey, just out of curiosity, what do you guys do as in for living?? Musicians? Sound Engineers? You seem to be very knowledgeable about speakers and Subs. So, I was just curious and had to ask, lol

Anyway, I had finally place my order for the eD A2 300. I can't wait to get them now!!

I am basically a General Manager/Sales Manager for a Nut and Bolt/Industrial supply company. I have been into this hobby since I turned roughly about 30, so thats been about 4+ years, when i started I really didn't know too much, my dad was always into music and HT, so I always enjoyed it from his systems. I like many started with a HTiB setup, then moved on to the inexpensive systems, then I bought Energys, that was the eye opening brand for me. They showed me what was possible.... then I went on an auditioning spree to learn more about speakers and components and realized what was out there and the potential that could be had a great setup. A few years later i bought what I have now, and have heard probably near 50 different speaker brands and a ton of gear to drive them.

I do/can, play the drums, and I had friends that had a band, so i knew a little about how to listen to the instruments, but then a good buddy of mine on this site, rded, kinda pointed out to me HOW to really hear the music and what to listen for and to.

But Im not an expert... just well informed.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by adept777

You got me sold on the eD A2 300 just by that one line alone. I don't like too much bass in my music too, it needs to be just right when it comes to music for me. I do listen to jazz a lot so if the bass is not right you cannot enjoy the nuances. I am not expert at this but this is what I have heard and know of.. so please correct me if needed.

Congrats, the eD is a good sub. In Jazz, tight bass is important, I think in all honesty that youre best with simply using the CF-70s, it has good musical bass reproduction, IF you feel you still want more bass, use the sub, its not the most musical, but will do a good job when paired with your Energys. However, when you play a movie, turn on that sub and enjoy the deep bass it will provide. Also, its a pretty sensitive sub to most bass, so youll be able to enjoy a lot of nuances in HT.

For me, the driver speed of the Dyns is so quick, that I don't use a sub for music at all. I still get plenty of deep bass, so Im not worried about having a sub involved in my music.