The Official Energy Speakers Thread

[its phillip]

BIgger is better

[Miker107]

Originally Posted by Theil24

Hey Callas - the 30.3 has been awesome! I'm enjoying it more and more each day. The Qdeo processor really does a nice job of upconverting everything non-HD to 1080p. HD cable looks terrific. Even standard DVDs look darn good. Blu-rays look as pristine as ever and the HD audio is simply incredible. Coming from a Pioneer receiver with no HD audio, there really is a big difference. The sound is very balanced and I'm hearing things I never did before. I love the appearance of the unit and its built like a tank. I bought a USB component fan from Coolerguys and placed it on top of the receiver - it works nicely pulling away the heat from the surface. All in all, I'm really glad I bought the Integra.
It has performed flawlessly.

How are you liking your new center channel? I bet you notice a big improvement watching movies?

I'll be visiting my local Integra dealer next week while on vacation from work, so If I pick one up I'll give my impressions on how they match up with the RC's.
So Theil24, am I to understand that you are allowing the unit to process your video and not simply allowing the video to pass through. Is that correct? I only ask because I've read some posts elsewhere that some folks have been dissatisfied with the video quality when allowing the their receivers to process the video instead of selecting the unit to allow the video to pass through. Just curious.
Nice set up by the way..

[callas01]

I like the Epik, but Im a little skeptical on the 300 watts to power 2 12" subwoofers, typically in a seal application, subs have more power then that for just one woofer.

Outlaw subs are modeled after the Hsu subwoofers, actually, Dr Hsu, helped to design the Outlaw subs, and that is why you see so many similarities in the models.

Don't be fooled by the sub 20hz number also, a sub that is below 25hz may sound like a heavier hitter then one that goes below 20 hz, that happens because you have to sacrifice somewhere in a subwoofer design at entry level prices. Either a sub will have great extension but sacrifice some output, or have great output and less extension. This is why Hsu and other sub manufactures have VTF(Variable Tuning Frequencies)...YOU get to pick what sounds better to you in your room, extension or output.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by Miker107

I'll be visiting my local Integra dealer next week while on vacation from work, so If I pick one up I'll give my impressions on how they match up with the RC's.
So Theil24, am I to understand that you are allowing the unit to process your video and not simply allowing the video to pass through. Is that correct? I only ask because I've read some posts elsewhere that some folks have been dissatisfied with the video quality when allowing the their receivers to process the video instead of selecting the unit to allow the video to pass through. Just curious.
Nice set up by the way..

hurry up and buy....

[Miker107]

Originally Posted by callas01

hurry up and buy....

Yea, I'm getting anxious Steve..

[cxr369]

Originally Posted by callas01

I like the Epik, but Im a little skeptical on the 300 watts to power 2 12" subwoofers, typically in a seal application, subs have more power then that for just one woofer.

Outlaw subs are modeled after the Hsu subwoofers, actually, Dr Hsu, helped to design the Outlaw subs, and that is why you see so many similarities in the models.

Don't be fooled by the sub 20hz number also, a sub that is below 25hz may sound like a heavier hitter then one that goes below 20 hz, that happens because you have to sacrifice somewhere in a subwoofer design at entry level prices. Either a sub will have great extension but sacrifice some output, or have great output and less extension. This is why Hsu and other sub manufactures have VTF(Variable Tuning Frequencies)...YOU get to pick what sounds better to you in your room, extension or output.

That's what makes picking a sub so confusing. I have it narrowed down to three the outlaw compact, emotiva ultra 12, and the epik legends. Which one of these three will be the bigger upgrade from my klipsch SW-450?

[aces high]

Originally Posted by cxr369

That's what makes picking a sub so confusing. I have it narrowed down to three the outlaw compact, emotiva ultra 12, and the epik legends. Which one of these three will be the bigger upgrade from my klipsch SW-450?

Going from one entry level sub to another will having you asking the same questions and wanting to replace it in six months. If you really want to up the performance level you have to step up to the next tier of subs. Save your money for awhile longer and get something better that won't have you wanting to do this again in a short period of time.

[callas01]

Buy 1 of these...
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/uls15.html
OR
Look at the SVS PB-12 PLUS.

I have heard those subs at BB, and they kinda aren't that great. My eD will make toast of that sub. However, like Aces High said above, these are all pretty much entry to mid-level subs. While they will improve on what you have, and may keep you happy for a little while, eventually you'll want more.

[cxr369]

Originally Posted by aces high

Going from one entry level sub to another will having you asking the same questions and wanting to replace it in six months. If you really want to up the performance level you have to step up to the next tier of subs. Save your money for awhile longer and get something better that won't have you wanting to do this again in a short period of time.

What would you recommend, keep in mind I want to run dual subs. Thanks

[Theil24]

Originally Posted by Miker107

I'll be visiting my local Integra dealer next week while on vacation from work, so If I pick one up I'll give my impressions on how they match up with the RC's.
So Theil24, am I to understand that you are allowing the unit to process your video and not simply allowing the video to pass through. Is that correct? I only ask because I've read some posts elsewhere that some folks have been dissatisfied with the video quality when allowing the their receivers to process the video instead of selecting the unit to allow the video to pass through. Just curious.
Nice set up by the way..

Yes, I haven't disabled the video processor in any way. I'm very happy with the video quality of all my sources.

[Miker107]

Originally Posted by Theil24

Yes, I haven't disabled the video processor in any way. I'm very happy with the video quality of all my sources.

Very good, I'm looking at possibly getting the 40.2, but we'll see when I demo them next week. Thanks for the reply.

I see on their site they have come out with the 40.3.

[aces high]

Originally Posted by cxr369

What would you recommend, keep in mind I want to run dual subs. Thanks

What are your size and budget limits?

[cxr369]

Originally Posted by aces high

What are your size and budget limits?

My room size is 22L x 11.5W x 9H. I'm not looking to get a sub that is much bigger than the Klipsch I already have which is 17.5H x 14W x 20D.

My budget is $1100-$1200 total and I want to stay running dual subs.

[lojack1976]

Originally Posted by its phillip

Outlaw is currently having a sale on all of their subs, so I wouldn't be looking at B-stock.

LFM-1 EX $552 shipped
LFM-1 Plus $467 shipped
LFM-1 Compact $339 shipped
M8 $212 shipped

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't Outlaw charge additional for shipping on non-B-stock items? That would put the same 70lb. sub a bit over the $500 mark...still a good deal though.

[lojack1976]

Originally Posted by callas01

I like the Epik, but Im a little skeptical on the 300 watts to power 2 12" subwoofers, typically in a seal application, subs have more power then that for just one woofer.

Outlaw subs are modeled after the Hsu subwoofers, actually, Dr Hsu, helped to design the Outlaw subs, and that is why you see so many similarities in the models.

Don't be fooled by the sub 20hz number also, a sub that is below 25hz may sound like a heavier hitter then one that goes below 20 hz, that happens because you have to sacrifice somewhere in a subwoofer design at entry level prices. Either a sub will have great extension but sacrifice some output, or have great output and less extension. This is why Hsu and other sub manufactures have VTF(Variable Tuning Frequencies)...YOU get to pick what sounds better to you in your room, extension or output.

Its true that sealed subs typically have stronger amps to achieve their output, but that's for a single driver. Having a second driver negates the need for more power to achieve the same output. The Legend as well as the larger and similarly designed Empire have been getting quite a bit of praise here in this forum and over on avsforum. The pro reviews also rave about them. Outlaw and HSU both make very good subs as well, but I would not go with the HSU STF-2 or the Outlaw LFM-1 Compact.

As aces high stated they are entry level and pretty much along the lines of what the OP already has. One may expect better tightness and control in comparison to the Klipsch, but that's about it. There wouldn't be enough gain in my opinion to go with one of those. A true upgrade should offer lower frequency response and extension as well as more output which is why I suggested the LFM-1 Plus instead. At $450/each shipped B-stock its a very compelling purchase. I still have a preference for sealed subs, but this is still an excellent value especially if you prefer ported subs.

[Clippins]

Originally Posted by Miker107

Very good, I'm looking at possibly getting the 40.2, but we'll see when I demo them next week. Thanks for the reply.

I see on their site they have come out with the 40.3.

Just to add, the .2 and .3 models have different video processors. The .2 uses a Faroudja processor while the .3 models use a Marvel Qdeo processor. I haven't had any experience with the Qdeo, but from listening to Theil24 he seems to really like it. Keep that in mind as you look at both the 40.2 and 40.3 models.

I have an Onkyo receiver (HT-RC180) which is a clone of the 807, which is basically a cousin to the 40.x line of Integra's and it uses a Faroudja processor for video. I choose to keep mine off and just let the video pass through with out it. There was also a little blurb on page 27 of my manual which said:

"For optimal video performance, THX recommends that video signals pass through the system without upconversion..."

I guess it's just a matter of preference. I just would rather not have my receiver molesting the video in any way.

If video processing is an important feature you'd like your receiver to be able to do, I'd personally go with a .3 model of Integra to get the Qdeo which seems to be the better video processor. If you aren't going to be using the processor than for all accounts I'd just get whichever receiver between the 40.2 and 40.3 I could get a better deal on if the 40.x series is the one you want.

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by Miker107

Yea, I'm getting anxious Steve..

Originally Posted by Miker107

Very good, I'm looking at possibly getting the 40.2, but we'll see when I demo them next week. Thanks for the reply.

I see on their site they have come out with the 40.3.

Nice Mike, I don't think video processing is a big thing I wish I could disable it with my HK, it's good for non-HD source but nowadays what is not HD?

The 40.2 should be great with the RC, I think this will bring you in the world of HD sound and you will now listen to movies rather than watch them .

Even your Infinity surrounds will sound better

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by cxr369

My room size is 22L x 11.5W x 9H. I'm not looking to get a sub that is much bigger than the Klipsch I already have which is 17.5H x 14W x 20D.

My budget is $1100-$1200 total and I want to stay running dual subs.

I like the specs of this ED, should be tight fast and accurate and is sealed.

2 like this willl give you a total of 1100$ It has good frequency response at +/-3 db 19-100hz

They are 12 inches and wegh 69lbs each

[Miker107]

Originally Posted by Clippins

Just to add, the .2 and .3 models have different video processors. The .2 uses a Faroudja processor while the .3 models use a Marvel Qdeo processor. I haven't had any experience with the Qdeo, but from listening to Theil24 he seems to really like it. Keep that in mind as you look at both the 40.2 and 40.3 models.

I have an Onkyo receiver (HT-RC180) which is a clone of the 807, which is basically a cousin to the 40.x line of Integra's and it uses a Faroudja processor for video. I choose to keep mine off and just let the video pass through with out it. There was also a little blurb on page 27 of my manual which said:

"For optimal video performance, THX recommends that video signals pass through the system without upconversion..."

I guess it's just a matter of preference. I just would rather not have my receiver molesting the video in any way.

If video processing is an important feature you'd like your receiver to be able to do, I'd personally go with a .3 model of Integra to get the Qdeo which seems to be the better video processor. If you aren't going to be using the processor than for all accounts I'd just get whichever receiver between the 40.2 and 40.3 I could get a better deal on if the 40.x series is the one you want.

Thank you Clippins, that was very informative. Upconversion is not really a big deal for me as all I watch now is blu-ray when it comes to movies, and the 4 or 5 HD channels I get through my basic cable package looks fine as well. However, I could change my mind, and it would be nice to have the better processor if I need it. Like you say though, it will depend on what kind of deal they give me when I go to demo the units. I would probably be happy with the 30.3 as well. Thanks again.

[Miker107]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

Nice Mike, I don't think video processing is a big thing I wish I could disable it with my HK, it's good for non-HD source but nowadays what is not HD?

The 40.2 should be great with the RC, I think this will bring you in the world of HD sound and you will now listen to movies rather than watch them .

Even your Infinity surrounds will sound better

Olivier, good point you make there, after all I'm getting it for the sound not the video. I think my current unit sounds fine, but I'm sure I will be pleasantly surprised. I agree with your comment about the rears sounding better. When I first got this unit back in the early ninety's, even then I was never impressed with how the rears sounded. This old technology just lacked detail and sound quality in general. I'm sure this will be a real awakening.