The Official Energy Speakers Thread

[donaldsonjune]

thanks Big Al

[callas01]

Originally Posted by rwojtalewicz

Just of out curiosity I set the center speaker to None in my AVRs speaker setup. That would effectively send the center channel signal to the C-300s. I am not sure if that would then create a phantom center or not. DD PLxII Movie was on however. I think the phantom center was there because the dialogue sounded like it was coming from where the center is.

Anyway, the dialogue didn't sound as good as having the C-C100 as the center. It was slightly louder, but not as clearly defined. It didn't have the same quality at all. It was often difficult to understand what was being spoken.

If I do get the RC-30s, I will use them with the C-C100.

Edit: I might add that understanding dialogue for me has more priority over timbre matching. If I can't understand the dialogue, then I can't enjoy the movie. Timbre matching is the icing on the cake making the action sounds and FXs that pan the screen sound more realistic. I can live without it until the RC-LCRs are more reasonably priced.

maybe that was because you were matrixing with the DDPLIIx?

I heard a phantom once, and I couldn't tell there was anything missing. it sounded like 2-channel up front, and with the imaging, it sounded like there was a center and then with surround sound speakers....

if you don't mind the slightly off sound of the timber then use the C-C100, you can ask donald, I don't think it will be that off sounding tho....

[patwrightjr]

hey guys, while this topic is on the table how far off is the timbre when it comes to the RC-50's with the RC-LCR. I thought for sure i wanted the 30's but as these prices drop i may be able to get 50's.....but i really don't want any gaps in the soundstage or a noticable difference when watching a Blueray. Has anyone had to 30's and LCR and upgrated to 50's??

[callas01]

Originally Posted by patwrightjr

hey guys, while this topic is on the table how far off is the timbre when it comes to the RC-50's with the RC-LCR. I thought for sure i wanted the 30's but as these prices drop i may be able to get 50's.....but i really don't want any gaps in the soundstage or a noticable difference when watching a Blueray. Has anyone had to 30's and LCR and upgrated to 50's??

what it is, is the aluminum mid-ranges on the LCR that aren't on any of the other RC series speakers. I haven't personally heard them, but I would based on what I have read, you won't really notice it at all... however we all hear things differently, so I would suggest a demo of both the LCR and the RC series. Whether you hear the RC-30s or 50s they would be the same, but the RC-50s should have better output. However tone and timbre should be the same.

[94GTStang]

Hey kiddos,

Just received my new CC10 to replace the tiny C-C50. This thing is a giant compared to what I had. I haven't calibrated it let alone turn anything on. Can't wait until tomorrow evening! I'm looking forward to the (hopefully) increase in sound quality!

[patwrightjr]

Originally Posted by 94GTStang

Hey kiddos,

Just received my new CC10 to replace the tiny C-C50. This thing is a giant compared to what I had. I haven't calibrated it let alone turn anything on. Can't wait until tomorrow evening! I'm looking forward to the (hopefully) increase in sound quality!

cool setup, hey how do you like that BIC sub??? I know BIC has a new sub out in which they had colaberation from HSU but not sure if thats the one.

[94GTStang]

Originally Posted by patwrightjr

cool setup, hey how do you like that BIC sub??? I know BIC has a new sub out in which they had colaberation from HSU but not sure if thats the one.

Well my experience on subs is a bit limited, but I do like it a lot! The price was right. It doesnt sound boomy or overhelming

[callas01]

Originally Posted by patwrightjr

cool setup, hey how do you like that BIC sub??? I know BIC has a new sub out in which they had colaberation from HSU but not sure if thats the one.

http://sounddistributors.com/buynow....red+Subwoofers

yes, that sub above was aided by Dr Hsu on the design process..

[statikcat]

Originally Posted by patwrightjr

sweet man, i bet those rc 50's fill your room with great sound. I run my rc-10's at 60hz's and it gives them great punch, if i had those 50's then i would'nt hesitate to run those at 40hz's especially for movies IMO..

Originally Posted by callas01

StatikCat, try more then just the 80 hz typical recommendation, and see what you like best in your room.

Sounds good. I will experiment lowering my xover when I get back from vacation.

Feel free to add me to the Energy list.

[Yeha-Noha]

Originally Posted by statikcat

Feel free to add my to the Energy list.

Your equipment signature lists having the RC-50s and the CC-10. Since the CC-10 is from the new Connoisseur series line (CF), I was wondering how well it timbre matches the RC series. I didn't do a search on this, so if you have already commented on it, then just provide a link please.

It costs half as much as the RC-LCR. I'm thinking of getting the RC-30s, or I may even hold out and wait until the RC-50s go on clearance sales.
Also since the CC-10 replaced the C-C100, perhaps even my C-C100 will work well with the RC series then.

Originally Posted by callas01

maybe that was because you were matrixing with the DDPLIIx?

I heard a phantom once, and I couldn't tell there was anything missing. it sounded like 2-channel up front, and with the imaging, it sounded like there was a center and then with surround sound speakers....

if you don't mind the slightly off sound of the timber then use the C-C100, you can ask donald, I don't think it will be that off sounding tho....

I just realized that I was watching Matrix, Audio is DD TrueHD. Nope, it wasn't doing DD PLIIx, because my AVR can't decode bitstreamed TrueHD from my player and do DSP processing like DD PLIIx. . The scene that was very difficult for the phantom center was Follow the White Rabbit which had lots of disco beats in the background while Trinity was whispering to Neo. The whispered dialogue was neither clear nor understandable and doesn't compare to using the center channel with the C-C100. The C-C100 brought out every detail of what Neo and Trinity were whispering without missing a single word. No, if I get the RC-30s or 50s on clearance, I will either use my C-C100 which is a darn good center and wait for the RC-LCR to go on clearance. However Statikat's use of the CC-10 with the RC-50s is interesting. I hope he tells us how the combo works, especially how well the timbre matches.

However, I have no doubt that a C-300 would do even better than the C-C100 as a center channel speaker. But used as fronts with center channel signal downmixed to the C-300s, it is not even comparable to the C-C100.

[callas01]

rwo, I think they all use the same tweeter.... but i think the rc series uses better crossovers and then has the more detailed drivers... I know on the C series they said the tweeter was in its 5 generation, so it should timbre pretty close, but the fiberglass material may not be as ridgid and light as the kevlar, so you may give up some detial and speed there.

[Jwilly019]

Originally Posted by rwojtalewicz

It costs half as much as the RC-LCR. I'm thinking of getting the RC-30s, or I may even hold out and wait until the RC-50s go on clearance sales.

At $630 a pair shipped, I'd say the 50s are already on clearance.

Justin

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by Jwilly019

At $630 a pair shipped, I'd say the 50s are already on clearance.

Justin

Yest this is a clearance price as they retailed at nearly 2000$ and 2000$ here in Canada.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

Yest this is a clearance price as they retailed at nearly 2000$ and 2000$ here in Canada.

they were $1600 a pair here in the US.

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by callas01

they were $1600 a pair here in the US.

Yeah Close enough it's nearly 1000$ off that's hell of a deal.

If I remember well enough they cleared them at 349$ a pop here at FS.

[browndk26]

My C-200's low end is 48hz. My AVR crossovers are 50 and 80 hz. Is it ok to use the 50hz crossover or is that to close to the speakers low frequency response?

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by browndk26

My C-200's low end is 48hz. My AVR crossovers are 50 and 80 hz. Is it ok to use the 50hz crossover or is that to close to the speakers low frequency response?

As this is rated at 48hz +/- 3db I would suggest to use 60 hz X-over for best performance, I X-over my towers and center at 60hz in HT while the rest of the time I bypass and use full range in analog when I listened to music.

Multichannel music I use 60hz X-over using the bass management in my DVD player since it's recorded in 5.1 and it has dedicated sub channel.

FYI THX recommends 80hz X-over in their HT.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by browndk26

My C-200's low end is 48hz. My AVR crossovers are 50 and 80 hz. Is it ok to use the 50hz crossover or is that to close to the speakers low frequency response?

use 80 hz if those are your only options.

[Yeha-Noha]

Originally Posted by callas01

rwo, I think they all use the same tweeter.... but i think the rc series uses better crossovers and then has the more detailed drivers... I know on the C series they said the tweeter was in its 5 generation, so it should timbre pretty close, but the fiberglass material may not be as ridgid and light as the kevlar, so you may give up some detial and speed there.

However, fiberglass based speaker cones offer a non-resonant type material compared to kevlar. Thus, they may sound more neutral or natural. But you do have a point about the disadvantage of the higher weight and flexibility of fiberglass that gives kevlar the edge for better transient repsonse and less tendency for the cone to deform or change shape when pushed to the limit. Also the elliptical shape of the kevlar cone would help prevent that too. Yes, crossover design can make a difference if they use high quality non electrolytic type caps and low loss inductors. What I don't like about most Energy speakers is that the crossover to the tweeters is around 2.4K or 2.5 KHz, or 3.0 KHz. Our ears are very sensitive to dips or peaks caused by passive crossovers in that range. It would have been better to have it at 0.8 KHz to 1.5 KHz or higher up in 5.0 K to 6.0 KHz. The C-series have a mild dip at 2.5 KHz which can be compensated with a little EQ in the AVR. Better crossover design may have the boost for that dip built-in, perhaps the RC series does.

[Big Z]

Does anyone know how to test the performance level of a center channel?

I think the center channel of my take 5 set isn't performing to the level it was just a week ago. I've owned and been using them for 8 months now. I heard a crackle during a screaming scene, and it hasn't seemed the same since (or my mind is simply playing tricks on me. The front sound stage sounds significantly quieter when the audio is dead center. Nothing in my system has changed, and sound still comes out of the center channel, both highs and lows as far as I could tell. Any ideas or suggestions?