The Official Energy Speakers Thread

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by callas01

Can you get text messages? I can text you a pic of the eD if you would like to see it... I need to find my wifes charger for her Camera... I don't know what happened to it. PM your number, i'll send you some tomorrow.

I was thinking more and more about what my next setup should be.... if I went Dyn, that would be $4000 on 5.0 bookshelf setup (X16 $1600, X12 $1200, X22 Cen $850), where as the Totems would be about $2600 for a 5.0 bookshelf setup..... yes there is a little bit of performance difference, but enough to make me regret it??? NOPE. Plus I may be able to find Hawks online later or b-stocks and that would be a great setup, if I got the Rainmakers first and then found the Hawks later...

Really it's not like I must see your sub and I use the companie's cell phone so it's in my interest to use it too much.

Have you audition the Hawk they are more neutral than the Staff but god do they have amazing sound stage and the detail is jaw droping bass will make you go Hmmm do I need a sub? I only wish they would the same X-over they use in the Staff as it is more complex than the Hawks X-over for some odd reason.

I kind of like the Staff better but with the Rainmaker center the Hawk is the best fit.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

Really it's not like I must see your sub and I use the companie's cell phone so it's in my interest to use it too much.

Have you audition the Hawk they are more neutral than the Staff but god do they have amazing sound stage and the detail is jaw droping bass will make you go Hmmm do I need a sub? I only wish they would the same X-over they use in the Staff as it is more complex than the Hawks X-over for some odd reason.

I kind of like the Staff better but with the Rainmaker center the Hawk is the best fit.

well I haven't heard the Hawks, and I don't mind neutral, as long as its not bright.

In any case we will get there soon I hope....


I was also sitting here thinking. that the Mite and Mite-T-C would be a good setup, then I could get the NAD and the Totems all at once and then add the Sttafs later.... hmmm so many options... I don't know what to do.

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by callas01

well I haven't heard the Hawks, and I don't mind neutral, as long as its not bright.

In any case we will get there soon I hope....


I was also sitting here thinking. that the Mite and Mite-T-C would be a good setup, then I could get the NAD and the Totems all at once and then add the Sttafs later.... hmmm so many options... I don't know what to do.

Do 4 Rainmakers or Sttaf Mite combo, I like the Rainmakers as fronts they will perform like champs.

As for grills on the Totems they are somewhat optional you would have to order them with grills.

That involves paying full price plus a little extra as they will be magnetized from inside the cabinet making this an effortless placement as the grill will fall right into place.

[Miker107]

Originally Posted by callas01

yes, an amp will provide an improvement, but I would think if he got his center replaced and perhaps towers and moved the RC-10s to the back, his older Onkyo could give them decent power, enough to make Miker happy.... until he gets an amp.

Yes indeed my Onkyo is doing the job for sure. It is rated at 100 watts per channel in 2 channel mode, and supposedly 80 watts for left, center, and right channels, and 25 watts for the rear in surround mode.
They sound great in both modes, however, I would like a little more power when using them in surround mode for movies.
My next move for sure is to replace my center with the LCR. I could even get an amp after that, but I think I want to concentrate on getting a full set of speakers set up first.
I was just on the Emotiva site and see they are running a 4th of July sale right now.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by Miker107

Yes indeed my Onkyo is doing the job for sure. It is rated at 100 watts per channel in 2 channel mode, and supposedly 80 watts for left, center, and right channels, and 25 watts for the rear in surround mode.
They sound great in both modes, however, I would like a little more power when using them in surround mode for movies.
My next move for sure is to replace my center with the LCR. I could even get an amp after that, but I think I want to concentrate on getting a full set of speakers set up first.
I was just on the Emotiva site and see they are running a 4th of July sale right now.

yep they are running a sale right now... but I think you would benefit more from improving your speakers then from amplification. So get all your speakers, get an amp, move the bed outta there and put in a couch, and then get a REAL sub.

Like this one.
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-2-mk3.html

[Miker107]

Originally Posted by callas01

yep they are running a sale right now... but I think you would benefit more from improving your speakers then from amplification. So get all your speakers, get an amp, move the bed outta there and put in a couch, and then get a REAL sub.

Like this one.
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-2-mk3.html

LOL, oh you remember I have a bed in there eh? Good memory. Yea, that is one of the many things I need to rectify. I would love to actually switch all this to the room that is slightly bigger, but it's being used as a computer room, my art studio, and my wife's exorcise bike is in there, among other things.
I really need to start doing some clean up before they put me on an episode of hoarders lol. No, just kidding, it's not quite that bad.
Anyway, I agree, the speakers are going to be the priority. If I can sell this car audio stuff I have and get some Christmas money I might be able to swing it.
Hey now, what's wrong with my sub? I watched Saving Private Ryan yesterday and it shook the bed I was sitting on. Seriously though, I'm sure the one you suggested is for superior, but for now it will work ok. I'm just more concerned about getting the front sound stage situated.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by Miker107

LOL, oh you remember I have a bed in there eh? Good memory. Yea, that is one of the many things I need to rectify. I would love to actually switch all this to the room that is slightly bigger, but it's being used as a computer room, my art studio, and my wife's exorcise bike is in there, among other things.
I really need to start doing some clean up before they put me on an episode of hoarders lol. No, just kidding, it's not quite that bad.
Anyway, I agree, the speakers are going to be the priority. If I can sell this car audio stuff I have and get some Christmas money I might be able to swing it.
Hey now, what's wrong with my sub? I watched Saving Private Ryan yesterday and it shook the bed I was sitting on. Seriously though, I'm sure the one you suggested is for superior, but for now it will work ok. I'm just more concerned about getting the front sound stage situated.

well see that was my list, and the order in which you should do it.

Speakers
Amp (or buy a sherwood or NAD or Anthem receiver and you won't need the amp)
Couch
Sub
Receiver (see comments above.)

I don't know much about your sub, but I have just never enjoyed anything Yamaha except for their receivers, but their power ratings are falling off lately. However, eventually you will want to get HD audio...then you will need to replace the Receiver.

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by callas01

well see that was my list, and the order in which you should do it.

Speakers
Amp (or buy a sherwood or NAD or Anthem receiver and you won't need the amp)
Couch
Sub
Receiver (see comments above.)

I don't know much about your sub, but I have just never enjoyed anything Yamaha except for their receivers, but their power ratings are falling off lately. However, eventually you will want to get HD audio...then you will need to replace the Receiver.

Aaawww HD audio the joy this provides more and more I'm becoming uncapable to watch DVD it has to be Bluray with HD audio what a difference this made.

[Miker107]

Originally Posted by callas01

well see that was my list, and the order in which you should do it.

Speakers
Amp (or buy a sherwood or NAD or Anthem receiver and you won't need the amp)
Couch
Sub
Receiver (see comments above.)

I don't know much about your sub, but I have just never enjoyed anything Yamaha except for their receivers, but their power ratings are falling off lately. However, eventually you will want to get HD audio...then you will need to replace the Receiver.

Well, I've always thought my sub sounded pretty good. The sub's manual states that it is actually better to have 2 of them, but I could only afford to buy one at the time.
You are also correct about replacing my current receiver with one that is up to date with the current technology. It sounds pretty good to me, but I'm sure I'm missing out on so much in the sound department. That also may be the way to go instead of getting an amp. I'll probably opt for a decent receiver instead.

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by Miker107

Well, I've always thought my sub sounded pretty good. The sub's manual states that it is actually better to have 2 of them, but I could only afford to buy one at the time.
You are also correct about replacing my current receiver with one that is up to date with the current technology. It sounds pretty good to me, but I'm sure I'm missing out on so much in the sound department. That also may be the way to go instead of getting an amp. I'll probably opt for a decent receiver instead.

Yes as you already own a bluray player taht does not have analog outputs I was going to say maybe you can enjoy HD sound without buying a new receiver but since your bluray does not have the analog out it wont be possible.

[Miker107]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

Aaawww HD audio the joy this provides more and more I'm becoming uncapable to watch DVD it has to be Bluray with HD audio what a difference this made.

BigAl, I only have RCA ins on this receiver. I bought this at Circuit City back in the mid 90's. It's a beast of a receiver, but just not up to speed on the technology. It's just a Dolby Prologic capable receiver. Not sure what all that decoding stuff means, but I just know it's old. LOL

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by Miker107

BigAl, I only have RCA ins on this receiver. I bought this at Circuit City back in the mid 90's. It's a beast of a receiver, but just not up to speed on the technology. It's just a Dolby Prologic capable receiver. Not sure what all that decoding stuff means, but I just know it's old. LOL

If your receisver has 5.1 analog inputs meaning 3 pairs of RCA 1 for fronts, one for surround and one for sub and center then you could enjoy HD sound without the decoding on your receiver, for this your bluray player requires to have the analog outputs in order to be able to send the signal trough 3 pairs of RCA cables in analog without being touched.

Your BDP is doing the decoding in this case

I did it with my HK 240 before and sounded just as good as my new HK 254.

[BigAl87]

Miker after having a close look at the back of your receiver I would Highly doubt that my trick would be possible so with some patience you should defenetaly get a receiver for such a great audiophile like you and since alot of Classical music is recoreded on SACD I strongly recommend that you take a plunge in that world you would be astound by the sound.

Just get yourself a reader that can read them alot of the newest BDP can read them I know the new Sonys can do it.

Not sure about you Toshiba tho.

[Miker107]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

If your receisver has 5.1 analog inputs meaning 3 pairs of RCA 1 for fronts, one for surround and one for sub and center then you could enjoy HD sound without the decoding on your receiver, for this your bluray player requires to have the analog outputs in order to be able to send the signal trough 3 pairs of RCA cables in analog without being touched.

Your BDP is doing the decoding in this case

I did it with my HK 240 before and sounded just as good as my new HK 254.

Here is how I actually have it set up: HDMI out to my tv. Then I have a set of RCA out cables from audio out from the back of my tv to audio in on the receiver. It actually sounds fantastic, but I do realize it's not true HD.

[Miker107]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

Miker after having a close look at the back of your receiver I would Highly doubt that my trick would be possible so with some patience you should defenetaly get a receiver for such a great audiophile like you and since alot of Classical music is recoreded on SACD I strongly recommend that you take a plunge in that world you would be astound by the sound.

Just get yourself a reader that can read them alot of the newest BDP can read them I know the new Sonys can do it.

Not sure about you Toshiba tho.

I think my Toshiba BD player is their very first and very entry level model if I'm not mistaken, so I'm not expecting much. I just wanted to get my foot in the door. It actually works quite well with my Toshiba TV using the Regza link function. That basically means I can control my BD player with my tv remote. Also, when I turn my player on the tv automatically detects it and turns the tv on.

I actually have an email in to support at Toshiba. My blu rays have been freezing up on me and sometimes have audio video sync issues. I'm currently trying to figure this out.

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by Miker107

I think my Toshiba BD player is their very first and very entry level model if I'm not mistaken, so I'm not expecting much. I just wanted to get my foot in the door. It actually works quite well with my Toshiba TV using the Regza link function. That basically means I can control my BD player with my tv remote. Also, when I turn my player on the tv automatically detects it and turns the tv on.

I actually have an email in to support at Toshiba. My blu rays have been freezing up on me and sometimes have audio video sync issues. I'm currently trying to figure this out.

Have you done latest firmware upgrade and the BDP that could resolve alot of issues.

BTW great performance to price ratio on those Toshiba TV I own a regular 1080p and it's great blacks are black and color are so tru my only regret is not waiting a little longer to get the Regza.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

Aaawww HD audio the joy this provides more and more I'm becoming uncapable to watch DVD it has to be Bluray with HD audio what a difference this made.

well the blu-ray has a better DD and DTS sound track then a regular DVD does because its playing at a higher bit rate... so it should still sound pretty good.

However since you like Classical and other types of big band music, I would suggest a musical receiver like the NAD, Anthems or Sherwood Newcastle... even Marantz would be a good receiver too.. plus they all have very true power ratings.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

Have you done latest firmware upgrade and the BDP that could resolve alot of issues.

BTW great performance to price ratio on those Toshiba TV I own a regular 1080p and it's great blacks are black and color are so tru my only regret is not waiting a little longer to get the Regza.

yep firmware for the freezing and the sync may be because the auto setup features the new receivers all have does that automatically, you may have to adjust that yourself in the receivers menu....

personally I would go BDP HDMI out to TV, BDP Optical(preferred) or RCA out to receiver.... that may be better for you.

[Miker107]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

Have you done latest firmware upgrade and the BDP that could resolve alot of issues.

BTW great performance to price ratio on those Toshiba TV I own a regular 1080p and it's great blacks are black and color are so tru my only regret is not waiting a little longer to get the Regza.

I checked the Toshiba site for firmware for both my tv and bd player, but they do not show any for my models. I received an email from Toshiba over the weekend and they asked for my model numbers so they could check for updates, but they have not gotten back to me yet so I doubt they have any.

Occasionally I'll have either a momentary freeze, or the picture will go black for a few seconds while the sound is continuing to play. I little distracting, but it will only happen once throughout the entire movie.

Oh yea, I love my Regza.

[Miker107]

Originally Posted by callas01

yep firmware for the freezing and the sync may be because the auto setup features the new receivers all have does that automatically, you may have to adjust that yourself in the receivers menu....

personally I would go BDP HDMI out to TV, BDP Optical(preferred) or RCA out to receiver.... that may be better for you.

In fact Callas, as I mentioned above, I have it connected from BD to tv via HDMI, then RCA out from back of tv to receiver. However I do also have it connected RCA audio out directly from BD player to the receiver and it sounds pretty much the same either way I connect it. I find it actually sounds just a tad bit cleaner coming from the tv outs for some reason so that's how I use it.