The Official Energy Speakers Thread

[Blu Balls]

Originally Posted by callas01

since you do not have a subwoofer, you need to set up your speakers to Large, that way they play the full range of sound, and set the Sub option to NO/NONE, the LFE channel that would be your sub will go to the front speakers.

Speaker and receiver combinations will generate their own sound. Personally, I'd suggest either the Onkyo 708 or Marantz 5005, based on the fact that you want a richer sound.

MCACC should provide EQ settings based on room parameters and seating positions much like Audyessy does with Onkyo and Marantz. I have never owned or seen the Pioneers setup menus so I can't help you there, perhaps ask your questions in the Pioneer Owners Thread to see if they can offer you some support of making adjustments. I am thinking however that with the MCACC engaged its tougher to make EQ adjustments because the software has made those adjustments for you. But there should be a way to override the settings.

Also, with the current line of CF/CC/CB connoisuers, it has been widely felt that the highs start out a little pitchy and then tone down as the mid-range frequencies start to open up, I suggest that you keep the speakers playing at low volume overnight so they can breakin quicker and you can determine what you really think of the Pioneer/Energy combo

I am doing just that. I have been tinkering with the settings, not so much the EQ but, listening distance, speaker size, and misc. sound adjustments. I watched Toy story 3 tonight and it sounded good but the speakers still sounded bright to me and after a while made my ears feel a bit fatigued. I still haven't had a chance to rerun MCACC yet but, hopefully when I do I will be able to bring down the highs manually. As I mentioned before, Adjusting the EQ to a solid sound of static is very difficult in my opinion. If anybody has some helpful hints feel free to share them. I think I will go play my Christmas Gift (Need For Speed Hot Pursuit) and have a couple Buds. Merry Christmas Everybody!!!

[PaulWog]

Originally Posted by Blu Balls

I am doing just that. I have been tinkering with the settings, not so much the EQ but, listening distance, speaker size, and misc. sound adjustments. I watched Toy story 3 tonight and it sounded good but the speakers still sounded bright to me and after a while made my ears feel a bit fatigued. I still haven't had a chance to rerun MCACC yet but, hopefully when I do I will be able to bring down the highs manually. As I mentioned before, Adjusting the EQ to a solid sound of static is very difficult in my opinion. If anybody has some helpful hints feel free to share them. I think I will go play my Christmas Gift (Need For Speed Hot Pursuit) and have a couple Buds. Merry Christmas Everybody!!!

I'm thinking it could be the receiver, the speakers, or a combination thereof. Assuming you haven't set up your receiver to some odd setting. I zeroed out all of my receiver's EQ settings for now and I am enjoying the CF speakers like that currently (however I will whip out the microphone later and do some calibrations). I have two CF-50's, two CF-30's, and a CC-10 now paired with a 1019-AH-K receiver and I must say that it does sound good -- I assume the sound would be similar/the same as your 1020 setup, so hopefully a different receiver will make everything sound wonderful to your ears.

On my own note: I'm suuuuuper happy now that I have my full surround setup. We also got the Kef 700 towers, Kef Q600c center, and Kef Q100 surround bookshelves (thanks for the help in the other thread Callas!). The Kef speakers sound crystal clear, and have a hint of transparency which makes them just wonderful to listen to. One can hear everything and it just surrounds and fills the room like nothing else. From bass to mids to highs to anything else... they're simply amazing to listen to. They're paired with the Pioneer 1325-K receiver (VSX-33 Elite clone... took forever to find out but thanks to someone on this forum I finally found that out).

As for my setup: The 1019 definitely makes the speaker setup sound nicer. And the CF-50's with the CC-10 is making everything sound wonderful. I'm starting to appreciate the Connoisseur speakers a fair bit more now.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by Blu Balls

I am doing just that. I have been tinkering with the settings, not so much the EQ but, listening distance, speaker size, and misc. sound adjustments. I watched Toy story 3 tonight and it sounded good but the speakers still sounded bright to me and after a while made my ears feel a bit fatigued. I still haven't had a chance to rerun MCACC yet but, hopefully when I do I will be able to bring down the highs manually. As I mentioned before, Adjusting the EQ to a solid sound of static is very difficult in my opinion. If anybody has some helpful hints feel free to share them. I think I will go play my Christmas Gift (Need For Speed Hot Pursuit) and have a couple Buds. Merry Christmas Everybody!!!

Honestly, I am willing to bet that the Pioneer/Energy combo is just to bright for you. The CFs are a little more lively then the older C-series to begin with, and Pioneer receivers are known for being on the brighter side, honestly, Onkyo or Marantz I think would be more your sound combo. And you need to make sure you have run MCACC

[callas01]

Originally Posted by PaulWog

I'm thinking it could be the receiver, the speakers, or a combination thereof. Assuming you haven't set up your receiver to some odd setting. I zeroed out all of my receiver's EQ settings for now and I am enjoying the CF speakers like that currently (however I will whip out the microphone later and do some calibrations). I have two CF-50's, two CF-30's, and a CC-10 now paired with a 1019-AH-K receiver and I must say that it does sound good -- I assume the sound would be similar/the same as your 1020 setup, so hopefully a different receiver will make everything sound wonderful to your ears.

On my own note: I'm suuuuuper happy now that I have my full surround setup. We also got the Kef 700 towers, Kef Q600c center, and Kef Q100 surround bookshelves (thanks for the help in the other thread Callas!). The Kef speakers sound crystal clear, and have a hint of transparency which makes them just wonderful to listen to. One can hear everything and it just surrounds and fills the room like nothing else. From bass to mids to highs to anything else... they're simply amazing to listen to. They're paired with the Pioneer 1325-K receiver (VSX-33 Elite clone... took forever to find out but thanks to someone on this forum I finally found that out).

As for my setup: The 1019 definitely makes the speaker setup sound nicer. And the CF-50's with the CC-10 is making everything sound wonderful. I'm starting to appreciate the Connoisseur speakers a fair bit more now.

that is why I was telling you if you introduce more power to the speakers, they open up even more, makes low level listening better too.

[BigAl87]

Paul try the CF on the 1325 Just kidding your going to want to upgrade once more hehe, seriously glad you are happy withyour setup and Sure does make adifference with an upgraded receiver.

Glad you asppreciate both setups you have at home now and you enjoy surround sound on yours. I mean what else could you ask for now?

All the best to Every Energy Speakers Owners here.

[Blu Balls]

I have been tweaking the hell out of the vsx 1120-k and although I am far from finished, I have found a comfortable listening setting. I think certain sound modes sound clearer but are also too bright. I have my speakers set to large for now until my A2-300 arrives then I will try them small and the large with the sub set to + and see which sounds better. I watched Star Trek last night and was pretty impressed. I was kind of skeptic about how much the speakers would differ in sound before and after the break in period but, I think that they are sounding more even and less hollow as they did when I first hooked them up. I still can't figure out why the dvd and wii won't work right. I just get a black and white screen with squiggly lines and no sound. That's my next challenge! Thanks for all the helpful advice everybody! Oh yeah, can anybody tell me if they set their fromts and center to the same db. When I ran MCACC it set the left and right to 1db and the center to 4. So I changed the center to the same 1db as the left and right. Is this correct?

[callas01]

Originally Posted by Blu Balls

I have been tweaking the hell out of the vsx 1120-k and although I am far from finished, I have found a comfortable listening setting. I think certain sound modes sound clearer but are also too bright. I have my speakers set to large for now until my A2-300 arrives then I will try them small and the large with the sub set to + and see which sounds better. I watched Star Trek last night and was pretty impressed. I was kind of skeptic about how much the speakers would differ in sound before and after the break in period but, I think that they are sounding more even and less hollow as they did when I first hooked them up. I still can't figure out why the dvd and wii won't work right. I just get a black and white screen with squiggly lines and no sound. That's my next challenge! Thanks for all the helpful advice everybody! Oh yeah, can anybody tell me if they set their fromts and center to the same db. When I ran MCACC it set the left and right to 1db and the center to 4. So I changed the center to the same 1db as the left and right. Is this correct?

What MCACC did was measure the sound coming from each speaker and determined that for the center channel to match the output of the R/L speakers it needed to set the center channel higher. I would personally leave it as it had it setup, otherwise you may start to notice that dialog is a little washed out in action sequences.

[BigAl87]

BluBalls I' just curious to know how many hours the speakers ran for so far? The Pioneer is a forward sounding reciever.

[Blu Balls]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

BluBalls I' just curious to know how many hours the speakers ran for so far? The Pioneer is a forward sounding reciever.

approximately 55 hours. They are sounding more tight and less high pitched now. I am going to run MCACC again tomorrow and make adjustments while nobody is home. I can't wait to get my sub!

[callas01]

Originally Posted by Blu Balls

approximately 55 hours. They are sounding more tight and less high pitched now. I am going to run MCACC again tomorrow and make adjustments while nobody is home. I can't wait to get my sub!

the sub won't detract from the brighter sound that your getting from the highs. As the mid-range opens up will lessen the highs more forward sound some. However, getting a different receiver will change the sound tone all together.

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by Blu Balls

approximately 55 hours. They are sounding more tight and less high pitched now. I am going to run MCACC again tomorrow and make adjustments while nobody is home. I can't wait to get my sub!

They should tone down a bit more than what you have right now. altho the Pioneer is usually a more forward sounding, wait until you have 100 hours at least even if you get the sub before running the MCACC again, I think you will be pleased with the results in the end altho a warmer sounding receiver could sound better to your ears like Marantz or HK, HK has had alot of other isssues tho it's a shame that they are not more reliable units with HDMI cause they sound really nice.

I have no problems with moine since the firware upgrade but I will look forward for an upgrade for something with a true wow factor.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

They should tone down a bit more than what you have right now. altho the Pioneer is usually a more forward sounding, wait until you have 100 hours at least even if you get the sub before running the MCACC again, I think you will be pleased with the results in the end altho a warmer sounding receiver could sound better to your ears like Marantz or HK, HK has had alot of other isssues tho it's a shame that they are not more reliable units with HDMI cause they sound really nice.

I have no problems with moine since the firware upgrade but I will look forward for an upgrade for something with a true wow factor.

NAD or Integra?

[aces high]

Originally Posted by Blu Balls

I have been tweaking the hell out of the vsx 1120-k and although I am far from finished, I have found a comfortable listening setting. I think certain sound modes sound clearer but are also too bright. I have my speakers set to large for now until my A2-300 arrives then I will try them small and the large with the sub set to + and see which sounds better. I watched Star Trek last night and was pretty impressed. I was kind of skeptic about how much the speakers would differ in sound before and after the break in period but, I think that they are sounding more even and less hollow as they did when I first hooked them up. I still can't figure out why the dvd and wii won't work right. I just get a black and white screen with squiggly lines and no sound. That's my next challenge! Thanks for all the helpful advice everybody! Oh yeah, can anybody tell me if they set their fromts and center to the same db. When I ran MCACC it set the left and right to 1db and the center to 4. So I changed the center to the same 1db as the left and right. Is this correct?

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.

[PaulWog]

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.

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.

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by callas01

NAD or Integra?

For your Speakers?

I would say give the NAD a try on X16 at you dealer and compare with the Integra.

I believe altho they used to be more typically british sounding it's now owned by a canadian company called Lenbrook group who also owns PSB, I wonder if they are not more forward sounding than what you find in Cambridge, Arcam and Naim.

I did not try one recently so i cannot tell you go with NAD or go with Integra, I know Integra sound good with Totem and with your Dyns too as you desbribed it to me.

It's your call Steve.

In my Case I look at Arcam for an AVR

[callas01]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

For your Speakers?

I would say give the NAD a try on X16 at you dealer and compare with the Integra.

I believe altho they used to be more typically british sounding it's now owned by a canadian company called Lenbrook group who also owns PSB, I wonder if they are not more forward sounding than what you find in Cambridge, Arcam and Naim.

I did not try one recently so i cannot tell you go with NAD or go with Integra, I know Integra sound good with Totem and with your Dyns too as you desbribed it to me.

It's your call Steve.

In my Case I look at Arcam for an AVR

I meant for you. Personally, I wouldnt go with Arcam, overpriced if you ask me. From all that Rhett has talked to me about them, I personally think that an Integra 80.2 gives you nearly as much at a significantly reduced price, and with less problems.

Me, I have heard NAD and Integra, id take either. I can get the Integra cheaper tho.

[tang7969]

My RC-50's will be here Thursday and I still haven't picked out a center yet I can get a C-C100 center for $100 shipped. Would this be ok for the 50's? Thanks,Tim

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by callas01

I meant for you. Personally, I wouldnt go with Arcam, overpriced if you ask me. From all that Rhett has talked to me about them, I personally think that an Integra 80.2 gives you nearly as much at a significantly reduced price, and with less problems.

Me, I have heard NAD and Integra, id take either. I can get the Integra cheaper tho.

Yeah ok thanks for the heads up I am still debating that if you ask me I was looking at Integra Seperates too, DHC 80.1 and a multi channel power amp DTA 70.1.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

Yeah ok thanks for the heads up I am still debating that if you ask me I was looking at Integra Seperates too, DHC 80.1 and a multi channel power amp DTA 70.1.

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.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by tang7969

My RC-50's will be here Thursday and I still haven't picked out a center yet I can get a C-C100 center for $100 shipped. Would this be ok for the 50's? Thanks,Tim

Yes, that would be a fine center channel, it will lack some of the resolution of the RC series, but should match up tone wise pretty well.