The Official Energy Speakers Thread

[callas01]

Originally Posted by 9883

Yeah, the m-282 has been around for at least 5years now. Right now it's $180 but I may get lucky and find it for $150 in the near future. I'm also considering Emotiva but not at the current price.

Ill probably buy Outlaw amps later, for now the Integra I add this week will be fine

[9883]

Originally Posted by callas01

Ill probably buy Outlaw amps later, for now the Integra I add this week will be fine

So, the Integra is to Onkyo like Marantz is to Denon? A higher end product brand made by the same manufacturer like Acura and Lexus in the car world.

[9883]

If you drive speakers with a more powerful amp/more power, is the result just more volume capability or does it also improve the quality of sound that comes out of the speakers?

[Seekinganswers]

Originally Posted by cali8055

Hey guys,

I don't have much knowledge when it comes to speakers and was hoping to get some opinions on which ones to buy for a 5.1 set up. I'm currently in Iraq and probably won't be buying anything for another month or so until I get home...just trying to do some early research. I plan on going to Best Buy Magnolia to hear some different brands when I get back. I've been reading this (Energy) and the Def Tech thread and was leaning towards either of those as they have been getting high praise on this site.

Anyway, my budget is about $1500 and I already have a Onkyo 607 receiver.
Can anybody recommend a 5.1 set up in both bookshelf and floorstanding varieties? I'm not sure which one I will go with until I move into my new apt when I get back and see what my space situation will be.

Thanks for any and all help!

Hello,

I am in a similar situation. I currently have my system set up in my bedroom. I am sharing a place with a roommate. I have wanted a dedicated system for the longest time and I had budgeted about 2k for speakers and receiver. I knew the speakers I wanted to buy but could not afford it at the time. I heard such great things about the Energy Take 5 Classic system that I just couldn't resist trying for $400 dollars. I enjoyed the system very much in my small bedroom but I realized I wanted something with bigger sound. But trying out the Classics gave me an idea of the quality and value of what Energy had to offer.

I came to this forum to learn more about different speakers but was very drawn to Energy. I did some research and decided to pull the trigger on a pair of RC-50s. I figured there wasn't any harm in trying these out. I was completely blown away by the sound, construction and value of these speakers. I was completely sold and a new fan of Energy speakers.

I know these are more speakers needed than my room can handle but I know I will eventually be placing them in a larger living room down the line, so I just went with the bigger speakers. I got such a great deal on the RC-50s that I felt like I had to jump on the remaining stock of RC-LCR and RC-Rs. I am currently running the RC-50s with a Yamaha 667 and BIC F-12 subwoofer. The center and rears are on order. I am guessing the whole purchased ran me about 2K but I think I will definitely be happy for a long time. I have always wanted a great system and I think Energy will provide that for me.

Good luck on your search. I would jump on any great deals on Energy if I came across it. I sure did.

[ZIPPO]

Originally Posted by 9883

So, the Integra is to Onkyo like Marantz is to Denon? A higher end product brand made by the same manufacturer like Acura and Lexus in the car world.

It's more like SONY ES is to SONY or Pioneer Elite is to Pioneer, than Marantz is to Denon. "The current Onkyo Corporation umbrella includes the Integra and Integra Research divisions as well as the main Onkyo brand." Marantz & Denon are more on even playing fields, they are separate companies owned by D&M Holdings, along with McIntosh & a few other companies. Onkyo probably started Integra, not bought it.

[cali8055]

Originally Posted by Seekinganswers

Hello,

I am in a similar situation. I currently have my system set up in my bedroom. I am sharing a place with a roommate. I have wanted a dedicated system for the longest time and I had budgeted about 2k for speakers and receiver. I knew the speakers I wanted to buy but could not afford it at the time. I heard such great things about the Energy Take 5 Classic system that I just couldn't resist trying for $400 dollars. I enjoyed the system very much in my small bedroom but I realized I wanted something with bigger sound. But trying out the Classics gave me an idea of the quality and value of what Energy had to offer.

I came to this forum to learn more about different speakers but was very drawn to Energy. I did some research and decided to pull the trigger on a pair of RC-50s. I figured there wasn't any harm in trying these out. I was completely blown away by the sound, construction and value of these speakers. I was completely sold and a new fan of Energy speakers.

I know these are more speakers needed than my room can handle but I know I will eventually be placing them in a larger living room down the line, so I just went with the bigger speakers. I got such a great deal on the RC-50s that I felt like I had to jump on the remaining stock of RC-LCR and RC-Rs. I am currently running the RC-50s with a Yamaha 667 and BIC F-12 subwoofer. The center and rears are on order. I am guessing the whole purchased ran me about 2K but I think I will definitely be happy for a long time. I have always wanted a great system and I think Energy will provide that for me.

Good luck on your search. I would jump on any great deals on Energy if I came across it. I sure did.

Thanks for your response. I started off reading about that Take 5 Classic system and saw all the great reviews it received which led me to start reading more about the Energy brand. I've also been reading the Def Tech forum and those have been getting a lot of love as well. I'm leaning towards Energy though. I plan on going to Best Buy and listening to both brands when my deployment is over (3-4 weeks), although the ones I'm interested in buying like the RC line won't be available to listen to there...at least I'll be able to hear what an Energy speaker sounds like though.

I'm still debating on bookshelf vs towers and won't really know for sure until I find a new apartment/condo and see what space I have to work with.

If I go bookshelf I was thinking:

3 RC-LCRs for L/C/R
2 RC-Rs for surround if I can get a good deal (maybe something else if not)
Probably a 10" subwoofer...not sure which one yet (mainly for movies)

Tower set up:

2 RC-30/50 (still deciding, probably the 50 though)
RC-LCR for center
2 RC-Rs for surround if I can get a good deal (maybe something else if not)
Probably a 10" subwoofer...not sure which one yet (mainly for movies)

My living room will probably be small (15x15 maybe) so I'm still decing on what to get. Do these set ups look pretty good? Can you tell me where you got your RC-50s and RC-Rs from? Also, how big is your room for your set up?

Thanks.

[callas01]

Miker

Mass loaded my speaker stands today, yes, definetly an improvement. Check out my HT thread to see my response to it.

I have to say its the best $2.24 I have spent in a long while.

Now to get some Anti-cable speaker wires.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by callas01

Miker

Mass loaded my speaker stands today, yes, definetly an improvement. Check out my HT thread to see my response to it.

I have to say its the best $2.24 I have spent in a long while.

Now to get some Anti-cable speaker wires.

my goodness, the snare has some serious POP to it. And yes.... now I hear the bass filling in..... definetly the best $2.24 Ive spent in a long time....

And Im listening to vinyl..

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by callas01

my goodness, the snare has some serious POP to it. And yes.... now I hear the bass filling in..... definetly the best $2.24 Ive spent in a long time....

And Im listening to vinyl..

you finally did it now get those speaker cables

[Seekinganswers]

Originally Posted by cali8055

Thanks for your response. I started off reading about that Take 5 Classic system and saw all the great reviews it received which led me to start reading more about the Energy brand. I've also been reading the Def Tech forum and those have been getting a lot of love as well. I'm leaning towards Energy though. I plan on going to Best Buy and listening to both brands when my deployment is over (3-4 weeks), although the ones I'm interested in buying like the RC line won't be available to listen to there...at least I'll be able to hear what an Energy speaker sounds like though.

I'm still debating on bookshelf vs towers and won't really know for sure until I find a new apartment/condo and see what space I have to work with.

If I go bookshelf I was thinking:

3 RC-LCRs for L/C/R
2 RC-Rs for surround if I can get a good deal (maybe something else if not)
Probably a 10" subwoofer...not sure which one yet (mainly for movies)

Tower set up:

2 RC-30/50 (still deciding, probably the 50 though)
RC-LCR for center
2 RC-Rs for surround if I can get a good deal (maybe something else if not)
Probably a 10" subwoofer...not sure which one yet (mainly for movies)

My living room will probably be small (15x15 maybe) so I'm still decing on what to get. Do these set ups look pretty good? Can you tell me where you got your RC-50s and RC-Rs from? Also, how big is your room for your set up?

Thanks.

Cali,

Good to know you're coming back from deployment. What branch are you in. I am currently serving in the Air Force.

I would really recommend the RC-50s. I like them a lot and I have only about 40 hours of break in with them. I think I got a smoking deal on the RC-50s at $256 dollars a piece from: http://www.amazon.com/Energy-2-way-b...8854708&sr=1-1. I know the current price for them there is $799 but if you keep an eye out they may go back down in the price. I couldn't believe I got mine for such a steal. That is why I decided to get the rest of my 5.1 system from the energy RC line before all the new stock ran out. I purchased my LCR through eBay: http://cgi.ebay.com/Energy-Speaker-S...item5ade53e415 from that exact same dealer. And I bought my pair of RC-Rs through eBay for $535. That seems to be the going rate for a pair of RC-Rs but you could probably find a better deal on them than I did.

If you can not find any RC-50s for a great price, the three LCR would work great for your front sound stage from what I have read on this forum. I don't think LCR acting as your front speakers would ultimately output as loud or with more impact than the RC-50s but that is a viable option. The reason I decided to get the whole RC line was because I got my 50s at such a great deal.

My current room is 14x14' and the 50s are way more speaker than my room would be able to handle right now. I bought them in anticipation of PCSing to a new base. I have owned a set of polk 5.1 before and I was never really impressed with them. I eventually sold off all the speakers and I am starting from scratch with this system. I can not tell you how much I am in love with the 50s and how much I personally recommend then. This is my first experience with hi-fidelity audio and I can not get enough of it.

Hopefully, coming back from deployment, you have saved up quite a bit of money. Keep an eye out for the RC-50s and build your system up from there.

As for subwoofer, I decided to go with the BIC F-12 because it got a lot of great reviews and only cost me $184 dollars. I want to upgrade to an SVS PB-12 one day when the new series come out. Probably be looking at spending close to $800 on that. But the BIC is great for what I need it for to watch movie. It is a lot of subwoofer for the money and I am confident I could hold off on the sub for a good while.

I hope that answered some of your questions

[cali8055]

Originally Posted by Seekinganswers

Cali,

Good to know you're coming back from deployment. What branch are you in. I am currently serving in the Air Force.

I would really recommend the RC-50s. I like them a lot and I have only about 40 hours of break in with them. I think I got a smoking deal on the RC-50s at $256 dollars a piece from: http://www.amazon.com/Energy-2-way-b...8854708&sr=1-1. I know the current price for them there is $799 but if you keep an eye out they may go back down in the price. I couldn't believe I got mine for such a steal. That is why I decided to get the rest of my 5.1 system from the energy RC line before all the new stock ran out. I purchased my LCR through eBay: http://cgi.ebay.com/Energy-Speaker-S...item5ade53e415 from that exact same dealer. And I bought my pair of RC-Rs through eBay for $535. That seems to be the going rate for a pair of RC-Rs but you could probably find a better deal on them than I did.

If you can not find any RC-50s for a great price, the three LCR would work great for your front sound stage from what I have read on this forum. I don't think LCR acting as your front speakers would ultimately output as loud or with more impact than the RC-50s but that is a viable option. The reason I decided to get the whole RC line was because I got my 50s at such a great deal.

My current room is 14x14' and the 50s are way more speaker than my room would be able to handle right now. I bought them in anticipation of PCSing to a new base. I have owned a set of polk 5.1 before and I was never really impressed with them. I eventually sold off all the speakers and I am starting from scratch with this system. I can not tell you how much I am in love with the 50s and how much I personally recommend then. This is my first experience with hi-fidelity audio and I can not get enough of it.

Hopefully, coming back from deployment, you have saved up quite a bit of money. Keep an eye out for the RC-50s and build your system up from there.

As for subwoofer, I decided to go with the BIC F-12 because it got a lot of great reviews and only cost me $184 dollars. I want to upgrade to an SVS PB-12 one day when the new series come out. Probably be looking at spending close to $800 on that. But the BIC is great for what I need it for to watch movie. It is a lot of subwoofer for the money and I am confident I could hold off on the sub for a good while.

I hope that answered some of your questions

Seekinganswers,

You definitely answered my questions...thanks for the info.
I'm also in the Air Force...currently stationed at Vandenberg AFB in Central Cali for the past 6yrs. You? I've been paying off bills during this deployment but I will have still have some money (around $1500 or so) to get a decent 5.1 setup.

I'm guessing that my room size will be similar to yours. I think I will definitely try to get the RC-50s if I can. I see that Vann's has them for $299 each but they are currently out of stock...hopefully they will get some more soon but I still have about a month or so before I am ready to buy. I've been keeping my eye on Ebay too and noticed that RC-CLR for $370. If for some reason I can't get the RC-50, do you think the RC-30 would be better for L/R instead of two RC-LCRs? I figure it would be better to go with towers as Callas01 explained to me that they would be roughly the same size as a bookshelf with the stand...might as well get the bigger speaker since I can always keep the volume lower if I need to!

This is also my first time into mid-highend audio...I'm sure anything I get will sound good to me. Do you have your RC-Rs on the wall or stands? I'm not sure if I would be able to put the surrounds on the wall since I will be renting the apartment but you never know.

[Seekinganswers]

Originally Posted by cali8055

Seekinganswers,

You definitely answered my questions...thanks for the info.
I'm also in the Air Force...currently stationed at Vandenberg AFB in Central Cali for the past 6yrs. You? I've been paying off bills during this deployment but I will have still have some money (around $1500 or so) to get a decent 5.1 setup.

I'm guessing that my room size will be similar to yours. I think I will definitely try to get the RC-50s if I can. I see that Vann's has them for $299 each but they are currently out of stock...hopefully they will get some more soon but I still have about a month or so before I am ready to buy. I've been keeping my eye on Ebay too and noticed that RC-CLR for $370. If for some reason I can't get the RC-50, do you think the RC-30 would be better for L/R instead of two RC-LCRs? I figure it would be better to go with towers as Callas01 explained to me that they would be roughly the same size as a bookshelf with the stand...might as well get the bigger speaker since I can always keep the volume lower if I need to!

This is also my first time into mid-highend audio...I'm sure anything I get will sound good to me. Do you have your RC-Rs on the wall or stands? I'm not sure if I would be able to put the surrounds on the wall since I will be renting the apartment but you never know.

I am currently stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base. I was an air traffic controller but the stress really got to me so I am awaiting to train into a new career field. Haha, the money would not be worth it if you're miserable at your job.

I would DEFINITELY keep an eye out for the RC-50s. I was in a similar situation where I decided I wanted some bookshelf speakers as my first experience with hi-fi sound. I am the type of person that wants everything perfect so the cheaper price of the bookshelf would've been negated by the cost of $200 speaker stands. That and you don't get the midbass like you would in a full sized floor stander. That is why I decided to go with tower speakers. And I figured even though I have a small room now, it never hurts to have more speaker than I need cause I will need it one day. I like to spend as much as I can afford so I do not have to upgrade down the line.

I would probably go with the RC-30s if I couldn't find the 50s. Just the construction of the 50 alone blew me away. I had a pair of Polk Audio Monitor 60s and I was underwhelmed by its performance and construction. Just the weight of the 50s oozes quality.

My RC-Rs are on order and I will probably be getting the delivery sometimes this coming week. I will most likely wall mount them but I may have to put them on stands depending on the room layout.

Seeking

[Miker107]

Originally Posted by callas01

Miker

Mass loaded my speaker stands today, yes, definetly an improvement. Check out my HT thread to see my response to it.

I have to say its the best $2.24 I have spent in a long while.

Now to get some Anti-cable speaker wires.

Yea Steve, isn't that something how much the sound changed. I was blown away by how much better they sound on filled stands verses those old speakers they were sitting on (oh and of course the phone books to raise them up) Now it's really time to get a another receiver, but it will be next year maybe. BTW, it appears to be hard to find Integra receivers for some reason. Even a google search comes up with very little. I wanted to start doing some research on receivers ahead of time.

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by Miker107

Yea Steve, isn't that something how much the sound changed. I was blown away by how much better they sound on filled stands verses those old speakers they were sitting on (oh and of course the phone books to raise them up) Now it's really time to get a another receiver, but it will be next year maybe. BTW, it appears to be hard to find Integra receivers for some reason. Even a google search comes up with very little. I wanted to start doing some research on receivers ahead of time.

Have you found their website at least Mike? Very good stuff I have to say I am one of the ones that guided Steve towards them and I'm not sure if he remebers that but I have heard Integra with Totem Staff and I was blown away by the combo and he did try it later down the road with his speker after I begged him to do so.

His dealer had no problem recommending Integra to him. We know it's th same company as onkyo but up until 2010, their sound was quite different and now Onky sounds more similar to them.

Here

http://www.integrahometheater.com/

[Miker107]

Originally Posted by Seekinganswers

I am currently stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base. I was an air traffic controller but the stress really got to me so I am awaiting to train into a new career field. Haha, the money would not be worth it if you're miserable at your job.

I would DEFINITELY keep an eye out for the RC-50s. I was in a similar situation where I decided I wanted some bookshelf speakers as my first experience with hi-fi sound. I am the type of person that wants everything perfect so the cheaper price of the bookshelf would've been negated by the cost of $200 speaker stands. That and you don't get the midbass like you would in a full sized floor stander. That is why I decided to go with tower speakers. And I figured even though I have a small room now, it never hurts to have more speaker than I need cause I will need it one day. I like to spend as much as I can afford so I do not have to upgrade down the line.

I would probably go with the RC-30s if I couldn't find the 50s. Just the construction of the 50 alone blew me away. I had a pair of Polk Audio Monitor 60s and I was underwhelmed by its performance and construction. Just the weight of the 50s oozes quality.

My RC-Rs are on order and I will probably be getting the delivery sometimes this coming week. I will most likely wall mount them but I may have to put them on stands depending on the room layout.

Seeking

Seeking, I can relate somewhat to your stress level in air control. I was an Operations Specialist in the Navy on a Destroyer, and part of my job was not only tracking surface and air contacts, but controlling aircraft from the Carriers as they came into our airspace, so I kind of feel you there.

Congrats to you and Cali8055 on your Energy purchase. I love my RC bookshelves and LCR center. I'm always blown away how good these bookshelf speakers sound compared to my old Yamaha floor standers. I'm sure you will enjoy them as much as I do.

[Miker107]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

Have you found their website at least Mike? Very good stuff I have to say I am one of the ones that guided Steve towards them and I'm not sure if he remebers that but I have heard Integra with Totem Staff and I was blown away by the combo and he did try it later down the road with his speker after I begged him to do so.

His dealer had no problem recommending Integra to him. We know it's th same company as onkyo but up until 2010, their sound was quite different and now Onky sounds more similar to them.

Here

http://www.integrahometheater.com/

Thanks for that link Oliver. I didn't come across their site when I did a search for some reason, or maybe i just didn't see it. Anyway, I was noticing something with my old Onkyo last night that I hadn't really noticed in a long time. The left and right speakers sound slightly different from one another. This has always been a problem as long as I can remember and it's not my speakers so it must be the receiver, because all previous speakers I owned were the same way. The left channel does not put out the same low to mid frequencies as the right channel does. You can only tell this by placing your ear close to each speaker and comparing them. Sitting in the usual position you don't really notice it as much, but you can tell there is more bass coming from the right speaker. You guys know by now how much of a perfectionist I am, thus the eagerness to obtain a new receiver asap. Although it will be another year before I can afford one being jobless for the past 7 months.

[Seekinganswers]

Originally Posted by Miker107

Seeking, I can relate somewhat to your stress level in air control. I was an Operations Specialist in the Navy on a Destroyer, and part of my job was not only tracking surface and air contacts, but controlling aircraft from the Carriers as they came into our airspace, so I kind of feel you there.

Congrats to you and Cali8055 on your Energy purchase. I love my RC bookshelves and LCR center. I'm always blown away how good these bookshelf speakers sound compared to my old Yamaha floor standers. I'm sure you will enjoy them as much as I do.

Miker,

Was your job the same thing as an air traffic controller? I am proud to say that I worked at the busiest single runway airbase in the world. Our facility also won facility of the year for the air force last year. I just couldn't do it anymore. The people in the career field are cutthroat and they will burn you pretty easy. I had to get out with my sanity intact.

I am completely having a blast with my RC-50s. Can't wait till my center and surrounds come in.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by Miker107

Yea Steve, isn't that something how much the sound changed. I was blown away by how much better they sound on filled stands verses those old speakers they were sitting on (oh and of course the phone books to raise them up) Now it's really time to get a another receiver, but it will be next year maybe. BTW, it appears to be hard to find Integra receivers for some reason. Even a google search comes up with very little. I wanted to start doing some research on receivers ahead of time.

Integras are primarily sold only thru dealerships. Im sure if you don't have a dealer near you, one can ship them to you. They have a pretty good musical sound, plus they are excellent in HT. I have heard them with my X16s playing music, and I have heard them on Dalis in HT. Integra is an very good receiver. Onkyos versions are similar, but they lack the extras that put the Integras on another level over their sister company.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by Seekinganswers

I am currently stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base. I was an air traffic controller but the stress really got to me so I am awaiting to train into a new career field. Haha, the money would not be worth it if you're miserable at your job.

I would DEFINITELY keep an eye out for the RC-50s. I was in a similar situation where I decided I wanted some bookshelf speakers as my first experience with hi-fi sound. I am the type of person that wants everything perfect so the cheaper price of the bookshelf would've been negated by the cost of $200 speaker stands. That and you don't get the midbass like you would in a full sized floor stander. That is why I decided to go with tower speakers. And I figured even though I have a small room now, it never hurts to have more speaker than I need cause I will need it one day. I like to spend as much as I can afford so I do not have to upgrade down the line.

I would probably go with the RC-30s if I couldn't find the 50s. Just the construction of the 50 alone blew me away. I had a pair of Polk Audio Monitor 60s and I was underwhelmed by its performance and construction. Just the weight of the 50s oozes quality.

My RC-Rs are on order and I will probably be getting the delivery sometimes this coming week. I will most likely wall mount them but I may have to put them on stands depending on the room layout.

Seeking

The RC-50s and RC-30s are pretty much Identical speakers, they have the same crossover and design, the biggest difference is that the cabinet is smaller on the RC-30 and the RC-30 has smaller drivers.

Both will be awesome speakers to start a HT with.

[Miker107]

Originally Posted by Seekinganswers

Miker,

Was your job the same thing as an air traffic controller? I am proud to say that I worked at the busiest single runway airbase in the world. Our facility also won facility of the year for the air force last year. I just couldn't do it anymore. The people in the career field are cutthroat and they will burn you pretty easy. I had to get out with my sanity intact.

I am completely having a blast with my RC-50s. Can't wait till my center and surrounds come in.

Well, I would say not as busy as you. Having to track contacts on radar got a little hectic at times, but no, it was no where near the level you were involved with. It would get busy as we neared land or a port, but out in the middle of the ocean we sometimes wouldn't see a contact, air or sea, for days. When we were in the Persian Gulf in 88 it was very busy though.