The Official Energy Speakers Thread

[Cpt_Dylan_Hunt]

and most stores were trying to give their Service plan for 9 years for free over the 5 years manfacturer warranty on the floor model.

Actually I like FS's product service plan. Otherwise known by many people as the "product upgrade plan". I especially like it on floor model gear because you end up getting the product plus the plan for less than the regular price of the product.

To me, it's worth a little extra to get the service plan on floor models, rather than pay less and not get it. FS people really arn't strict on the plan either that's what is great. IF I really wanted to I could walk in right now and say my c-500s arn't sounding right and although officially they're supposed to try and send it to get fixed first, they would most likely just try to give me CF-50s on the spot. After the argument that the c-500s have 6.5 inch woofer, I could very well end up with cf-70s if FS carried them at the time, any time I go in. Basically if FS has cf 70s in, I can basically walk in and exchange my c-500s for CF 70s. Not saying I would because I like the c-series sound, but I probably could. And just think what other new connoisuer lines Energy might release in the next 9 years.

People use the "product upgrade plan" out here all the time like that. It's great for laptops!

[callas01]

Originally Posted by Cpt_Dylan_Hunt

Actually I like FS's produce service plan. Otherwise known by many people as the "product upgrade plan". I especially like it on floor model gear because you end up getting the product plus the plan for less than the regular price of the product.

To me, it's worth a little extra to get the service plan on floor models, rather than pay less and not get it. FS people really arn't strict on the plan either that's what is great. IF I really wanted to I could walk in right now and say my c-500s arn't sounding right and although officially they're supposed to try and send it to get fixed first, they would most likely just try to give me CF-50s on the spot. After the argument that the c-500s have 6.5 inch woofer, I could very well end up with cf-70s if FS carried them at the time, any time I go in. Basically if FS has cf 70s in, I can basically walk in and exchange my c-500s for CF 70s. Not saying I would because I like the c-series sound, but I probably could. And just think what other new connoisuer lines Energy might release in the next 9 years.

People use the "product upgrade plan" out here all the time like that. It's great for laptops!

Dude, that is an awesome plan FS has... wish BB would incorporate that... but most of the BB stuff sucks.... so maybe not.

[Yeha-Noha]

Originally Posted by Cpt_Dylan_Hunt

After the argument that the c-500s have 6.5 inch woofer, I could very well end up with cf-70s if FS carried them at the time, any time I go in. Basically if FS has cf 70s in, I can basically walk in and exchange my c-500s for CF 70s. Not saying I would because I like the c-series sound, but I probably could. And just think what other new connoisuer lines Energy might release in the next 9 years.

Nice that you can do an exchange like that at FS.

However, just a heads up, you may want to audition the CF series first before making such an exchange. The local Energy dealer here where I first bought my C-series several years ago only had the CF series at time when I was thinking about upgrading from my C-200s to towers (C-300s or C-500s). Energy had already discontinued the C-series soon after Klipsch took over API. Anyway, I didn't care for the sound of the CF-30s and CF-70s. They were overly bright and too forward in my face sounding to me compared to the RC series they had in the shop or my own C-series at home.

The CF series, IMO, is not the signature sound that I have come to love and enjoy from Energy. The CF series is probably ok for movies though. But if you like music, I would go for the RC series or wait until the CF series is discontinued. I'm hanging on to my C-series until then.

[Cpt_Dylan_Hunt]

I agree rwojalewicz, the c-series is better suited for music than the cf/cbs. IF I do ever upgrade to the connoisseur equivalent of my speaker, right now with the cfs as the modern equivalents, is not the time. (Plus I don't want to have to replace my center channel now for timbre matching).

And what's interesting is that I do agree the new CFs are too forward and bright, but according to discriptions I have read and what other people have told me about the original connoisseur line, the original line also had a brighter sound than the c-series. So I'm not so sure if Klipsch taking over API has anything to do with it, since the CFs are probably closer to the original connoisseur sound than c-series was. I've never myself had a chance to hear the original connoisseurs but I've seen several people compare them to or state as being very similar to the CFs. Callas do you think the CFs are similar to the original connoisseur line, I think you've heard both right?

I'm curious what the next line of connoisseur speakers will sound like but by then I may have better speakers anyway.

Oh, and speaking of API, incase any of you were wondering why I posted pics of the old Sound dynamics speakers (I was using them as front in my basement way back), here is why:

http://www.sound-dynamics.com/home/

Mine are little 50tis, the 300ti being a very well regarded speaker in it's day:

http://www.audiocircuit.com/index.ph...&m=300-TI&ms=a

[callas01]

I did hear the C-7s the other day... I thought they had a warm sound, but they didn't get very loud or powerful at the same volume as the Monitor Audios or the Dali's. They had 3 5.5" woofers and it seemed like they were warm sounding but perhaps a little brighter then the C-300s, I thought they were warmer sounding then the Monitor Audio RS6's, they had less bass response then the MAs about the same as the C-300 IMO. But I didn't listen to them for any length... And I cannot compare to the CF's I haven't heard them yet... my local dealer isn't stocking towers at the momment.

[Yeha-Noha]

Originally Posted by Cpt_Dylan_Hunt

And what's interesting is that I do agree the new CFs are too forward and bright, but according to discriptions I have read and what other people have told me about the original connoisseur line, the original line also had a brighter sound than the c-series.

Back in 2003 (I think it was around then) I got to audition the C-1s. I remember those most definitely having a warm sound fairly similar to my Tannoys. I just couldn't afford 4 of those along with the C-C1. About 2 - 3 years later after auditioning the C-200s, I bought a pair along with a C-C100. I loved their warm sound which reminded me of the C-1s and my Tannoys. The Tannoys became the side surrounds until I bought a pair of C-100s a little while later.

[Yeha-Noha]

Originally Posted by Cpt_Dylan_Hunt

I'm curious what the next line of connoisseur speakers will sound like but by then I may have better speakers anyway.

By then, I'll be older, and my hearing probably won't be so keen. I might as well keep mine. I won't be able to hear the difference anymore!

[Cpt_Dylan_Hunt]

rwojtalwicz, most people I have talked to that were big fans of the original connoiseur line, were not big fans of the c-series. Even in this thread, who was it that described his c-c50 center channel as "muddy and muffled" compared to the orignal connoiseur sound? (Which by the way is a very similar comment I heard when someone tried to use the new center channel in a c-series setup. The guy had the new center, but with c-series speakers. But it was the same sort of thing, he said the center made his speakers sound muddy by comparison.

Perhaps the C1s may have been warm compared to other speakers at the time, just like the CF/CBs are warm compared to many other speakers like Polk and Klipsch, but that doesn't mean that c-seres wasn't even warmer. To some people, especially people who want the speakers mostly for HT, this may not be a good thing. Perhaps the c-5s and c-7s are sort of in the middle as far as warmness, c-series being the warmest and the new CFs/CBs being the brightest. I have heard the CFs and they do sound brighter. I need to hear for myself the c-5 or c-7s before I canknow for sure, but I have heard the same thing from MANY people.

I guess I'm just saying, even without the Klipsch buyout thing, there is always going to be people who prefer one line over the other.

By then, I'll be older, and my hearing probably won't be so keen. I might as well keep mine. I won't be able to hear the difference anymore!

I like trying new things, and upgrading. It's a hobby and it's fun, and my hearing so far seems decent. I'm 31 currently.

[callas01]

And see I am 33 and I know that I will be getting speakers again sometime. First I want to upgrade components first like a new receiver and an external amp. If that opens up the speakers better then my Sony it may be 10 years before I get new speakers. Otherwise, I may just have to look into the RC series or some Dali Concepts.

In terms of design the C-7s and the CF-50s are similar in look. Both use a 3 5.5" woofer design, they both have the 1" aluminum tweeters. The sensitivity on the CF50s is 96 db's vs 93 on the C-7s, so the CF are probably a little brighter sounding. The cabinet on the CFs are bigger, but overall the product weighs less.

There you have the warmest to the brightest as the C-300/500s, C-5/7/9s, then the CF-30/50/70s.

[Cpt_Dylan_Hunt]

As far as the fear of the new CF/CB series lacking because of the Klipsch ownership, was c-series made under Klipsch ownership or not?

Because I just found some old threads, where people thought c-series sucked compared to the original, and were blaming it on the Klipsch buyout just as people are blaming the CF/CBs on the buyout.

Were C-series (c-500, c-300s) made under Klipsch ownership or not? And If not, I guess the complainers should be blaming only energy. Here is one of the old threads comparing C series to the sound of C5, C7s etc.

One guy's comment stands out:

"Right now, I'd put the performance of the new Energy C-50 probably around that of Radio Shack's cheap monitor speakers."

http://www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/ar.../t-117270.html

Anyone care to comment on the things being said against C-series in that thread now that a few years have passed?

[callas01]

well both happened in 2006, I believe the launch of the C series happened before the klipsch purchase of API.

http://www.energy-speakers.com/na-en/about/milestones/

[arrt vandelay]

Originally Posted by callas01

And see I am 33 and I know that I will be getting speakers again sometime. First I want to upgrade components first like a new receiver and an external amp. If that opens up the speakers better then my Sony it may be 10 years before I get new speakers. Otherwise, I may just have to look into the RC series or some Dali Concepts.

i'm always looking for something newer and/or better as far as my speakers go, but i realized something the other day. i'm quite happy w/ the c500s and don't really think i have that discerning of an ear to really justify speakers that cost more. sure, i'd love some rc-50s of 70s or some paradigms, but would it really make that much difference in my space? maybe, but the diff is probably something i couldn't notice anyway...

i am however all for the adding of an amp! the adding of my adcom has really opened things up as you may say. not really that noticeable at lower volumes, but when listening to two channel music or a blu ray loudly, there are definite perks. now, i'm torn about what kind of amp to add next...a monoblock for my center, or to find a cheaper three channel for the fronts. addicting stuff...

and my i recommend adcom for your amp needs. seems like i've seen somether other dude on here with my exact gfa 545 II. it's a great match. they're bulletproof, american-made and best of all...cheap!

[Cpt_Dylan_Hunt]

So Callas, having heard both I guess you see no validity in saying C-series was basically garbage compared to it's predecessor?

As far as upgrading C-series to RC, I wouldn't bother with that upgrade. It would be a waste of money imo. I mean, I'm all for having got RC's INSTEAD of C series in the first place, but to already have a full C-series setup and to replace it all for RC isn't worth it IMO. Imo the RC line sounds similar to the C series line. Yes they are normally WAY more expensive, yes they are made with better materials and look much better, but they sound similar. The only thing I notice as standing out on the RC is the highs sound cleaner. Maybe the mids slightly more defined??? There is more prestige in owning the RC line though, to some people that alone is worth it. Some people say there is no comparison between RC and c-series but I think those people are just looking at price and materials like Kevlar and havn't actually listened to both.

My next upgrade will probably be outside of the Energy brand, unless they come out with something new and kick ass in the next few years.

[Cpt_Dylan_Hunt]

Hey I'm curious if any of you guys use any sort of equalizer on your Energy's. Even just the ones built into your reciever. I used the one in my Yammy 6160/663 settings to raise the bass and upper mids slightly and I liked the results. I don't touch the basic treble/bass dials though.

[Yeha-Noha]

Originally Posted by Cpt_Dylan_Hunt

As far as the fear of the new CF/CB series lacking because of the Klipsch ownership, was c-series made under Klipsch ownership or not?

I do remember getting my C-200s over 3 years ago. It could have been early in 2006.

After I bought my C-series, I learned about the Klipsch take over. I would think that Energy Speakers had them on the drawing board and geared up to manufacture the C-series long before the then.

[Yeha-Noha]

Originally Posted by Cpt_Dylan_Hunt

As far as the fear of the new CF/CB series lacking because of the Klipsch ownership, was c-series made under Klipsch ownership or not?

Because I just found some old threads, where people thought c-series sucked compared to the original, and were blamming it on the Klipsch buyout just as people are blamming the CF/CBs on the buyout.

Were C-series (c-500, c-300s) made under Klipsch ownership or not? And If not, I guess the complainers should be blamming only energy. Here is one of the old threads comparing C series to the sound of C5, C7s etc.

One guy's comment stands out:

"Right now, I'd put the performance of the new Energy C-50 probably around that of Radio Shack's cheap monitor speakers."

http://www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/ar.../t-117270.html

Anyone care to comment on the things being said against C-series in that thread now that a few years have passed?

I don't know what that dude's problem was. But to make such a comparison shows that statement really can't be taken seriously.

Is the Connoisseur series better? I can neither confirm nor deny that claim. I only heard the Connoisseurs years before purchasing the C-series. I can distinctly remember that they had same naturalness, warmth, and openness that I like from Energy Speakers.

All I can say is that I am extremely happy with my choice of staying with the C-series instead of 'upgrading' to the CF. I know for certain that I wouldn't be happy with the CF-30s or CF-70s. As for the CF series sounding more like the Connoisseur series, I doubt it or I wouldn't have been that impressed by the orignial Connoisseurs if that were true.

[Cpt_Dylan_Hunt]

Damnit, rwojalewicz, you quoted me before I could go back and correct my spelling of the word "blaming"! How I spelled it wrong several times I dont know. Spelling is not one of my strong points when I'm typing fast. But type fast, I can!

[Cpt_Dylan_Hunt]

Oh, and you're not alone, I too like c-series over the CF/CBs. Especially for music. Make no mistake about it. I am not arguing that point!

[Yeha-Noha]

Originally Posted by arrt vandelay

i'm always looking for something newer and/or better as far as my speakers go, but i realized something the other day. i'm quite happy w/ the c500s and don't really think i have that discerning of an ear to really justify speakers that cost more. sure, i'd love some rc-50s of 70s or some paradigms, but would it really make that much difference in my space? maybe, but the diff is probably something i couldn't notice anyway...

i am however all for the adding of an amp! the adding of my adcom has really opened things up as you may say. not really that noticeable at lower volumes, but when listening to two channel music or a blu ray loudly, there are definite perks. now, i'm torn about what kind of amp to add next...a monoblock for my center, or to find a cheaper three channel for the fronts. addicting stuff...

and my i recommend adcom for your amp needs. seems like i've seen somether other dude on here with my exact gfa 545 II. it's a great match. they're bulletproof, american-made and best of all...cheap!

Hey arrt, that dude is me! I bought my Adcom 545 II in the 90's after I returned to the States from the Middle East. I sold my Rotel preamp, power amp, and Marantz CD player over there. The Adcom 545 II is indeed built like a tank and it's an excellent match and replacement for the Rotel power amp.

My Yamaha V663 needs external power amps especially for the front L/R and center. So adding the Adcom gfa 545 II was natural since the V663 has 7.2 pre-outs. It was the best thing I ever did to get cleaner sound from my system. Yes, I noticed the improvement right away listening to Blu-ray movies. The same thing happen for the center channel after buying a separate monoblock amplifier which noticeably improved the dialogue clarity. I am thinking about adding one more Adcom gfa 545 II for the side sounds and for now leave the rear surrounds powered by the Yamaha V663. If and when more BD movies come out with 7.1 audio, I may add yet another for the rears.

So for me too, instead of buying new speakers to replace the ones that I am perfectly happy with, I have found other ways to improve the sound of my system.

Edit: Arrt, for the center you can find bridgeable 2 channel power amps especially in pro audio power amps in the $200 to $300 range. I wish the gfa 545 II were bridgeable. The gfa 555 however is. That might be the best solution Monoblocks can be expensive. The audiosource 5.3 A was discontinued and I was lucky to find a dealer that still had them. That was an experiment because I was rather unsure about getting that one. Well, I sure was in for a surprise!

[callas01]

Actually if you read my thread "speaker window shopping" you will see that it wasn't until I found the Dali's that there are speakers I like terribly more then my Energy C series.. I will be adding an amp and new receiver long before I upgrade speakers. I really think up till you spend $1500 for a pair of speakers there isn't that much that is leap and bounds better. I have heard, Paradigm, Kef, Monitor Audio, B&W, and PSB, and I really feel that the C-series can stand up to them and sound excellent. It is only the Dali Concepts that I have found to be that much better.

I won't be upgrading speakers for a long time. I love what I have. I want to get more out of them and get an amp and a receiver that can drive an amp. I am starting to look at the Sony ES2400 and the Marantz/Denons and an inexpensive amp like the Emos or Adcoms. OR I want to add a ROTEL reciever that has a SICK amp and drive them from that.... HMMM.