The Official Energy Speakers Thread

[callas01]

Originally Posted by michaeljoo

Thanks for the response, jsr.

I would be using these primarily for a dedicated HT. While I would like to say that I would also be using these for music listening, realistically I would probably actually use these for movies 95-100% of the time.

I do get the sense that this is a really good price for these speakers, but don't want to get them primarily because of that. I want to get the best possible speakers for movies in a dedicated HT, preferably for $200 or under per speaker (although I would consider going higher if there was a significant difference in performance or quality for the price), and I have the time to wait for sales.

The cost of the center speakers may not be an issue for me as I am strongly leaning towards getting 3 identical floorstanding speakers for the fronts (based on reading Big Daddy's thread about 3 vertical speakers). A lot of this will hinge on how much I can get an acoustically transparent screen for.

Also, I'll probably have 2 subs in the HT so these speakers wouldn't have to do the lower ranges by themselves.

I just received quotes for an SmX CineWeave screen and, while it is higher than I would have wished (when isn't it?), it isn't necessarily a deal breaker for me.

I'll be posting some questions regarding this either in the projector screen forum or somewhere in the speaker forum to get people's feedback, but that's what I'm currently leaning towards.

Regarding the Energy CF-30's vs. Polk M70's, are the speakers comparable with the difference mainly of tone and they way they sound? Or is it like comparing two different levels of speakers? Are the CF-30's more equivalent to the M50's, not just in terms of size, but also quality and performance? Or are they more equivalent to the M70's, even though they are smaller? Or are the CF-70's more the equivalent of the M70's?

I'll also definitely look into the Jamos as I've seen that name popping up a lot for speakers in this price range.

Thanks.

Here would be my take on the Energys vs the Polk Monitors.

The Energys would be less bright, smoother sounding highs and the bass is a little tighter on the CF-30s vs the Monitor 60s. Neither have much bass, but when you use these speakers they should not be run full range, neither should the Monitor 70s. Since youre gonna be crossing over the speakers probably at 80 hz or so, the difference comes in to play, whether you like the sound of the Energy better then the Monitors. The M70s will have more output, but will be bright sounding and lack a little of the mid-range the Energys have. The Energys will be smoother in the highs and better mid-range, but lacking some of the bass and output of the M70s. The CF-30s would be closer to the Monitor 60s, the CF-50s would be like the M70/RTi A5s and the CF-70 would be like the RTi A7

I would like to add that for your money, the best speaker you could buy right now would be the Wharfedale Evo 2-20 towers, they will put both speakers to shame, and be much better buy over the others.
http://www.musicdirect.com/p-15529-w...eakers-pr.aspx

[michaeljoo]

Originally Posted by callas01

Here would be my take on the Energys vs the Polk Monitors.

The Energys would be less bright, smoother sounding highs and the bass is a little tighter on the CF-30s vs the Monitor 60s. Neither have much bass, but when you use these speakers they should not be run full range, neither should the Monitor 70s. Since youre gonna be crossing over the speakers probably at 80 hz or so, the difference comes in to play, whether you like the sound of the Energy better then the Monitors. The M70s will have more output, but will be bright sounding and lack a little of the mid-range the Energys have. The Energys will be smoother in the highs and better mid-range, but lacking some of the bass and output of the M70s. The CF-30s would be closer to the Monitor 60s, the CF-50s would be like the M70/RTi A5s and the CF-70 would be like the RTi A7

I would like to add that for your money, the best speaker you could buy right now would be the Wharfedale Evo 2-20 towers, they will put both speakers to shame, and be much better buy over the others.
http://www.musicdirect.com/p-15529-w...eakers-pr.aspx

Thanks for the response, callas01.

I was going to try a pair of the Energy CF-30's in another area in my house, a secondary movie/TV area and also for music listening since the price was so tempting. However, it looks like this was one of those early sell out DotD, like that $99 Ultimate Ears deal last year. It looks like the deal must have sold out by lunchtime (ET) based on some of the comments. I guess I took too long thinking about it and trying to do some research.

Based on what you're saying, it seems like something like the M70's would fill in the lower range before the sub takes over better than something like the M60's and the CF-30's. Unfortunately, I don't have many places to go audition speakers around here. There used to be a Tweeters and another dedicated home A/V type store, but they both closed years ago.

I checked out the link on the Wharfedales at musicdirect that you provided. So, would the Evo2-20's or the 30's be significantly better than something like the M70's or CF-50's? I would be willing to increase the budget (especially if it's only for some of the speakers) if the return on value was worth it. At $600 per pair that would bring the budget to $300/speaker, or less if you go with a photoshoot model or a demo.

However, then I guess you have to compare the Wharfedales not with the M70's, but with other speakers that are in the $300 each range. Would they still represent a much better buy than other speakers in that range?

Also, why are they marked down so much? Are the Evo2's discontinued, or is this one of those marketing gimmicks designed to give you the impression of value? Or if they really are normally in the $1200 range, have they been at these prices 50% long and are they likely to continue for a bit? I'm thinking there will probably be some Labor Day sales and I'd like to see what comes up around then.

Another issue is that I was leaning towards getting 3 identical speakers for the fronts, and it seems musicdirect is selling these only in pairs. I wonder if they would let me buy 3 at those prices?

Also, are photoshoot and/or demo models generally OK, or are they to be avoided? I would imagine the photoshoot ones should be OK as they probably weren't handled by the general public, but I'm not sure how much traffic the demos would have received. I'm not sure I'd want a demo from a place like BB, at least not without being able to inspect it in person, but I'm not familiar with musicdirect.

Thanks.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by michaeljoo

Thanks for the response, callas01.

I was going to try a pair of the Energy CF-30's in another area in my house, a secondary movie/TV area and also for music listening since the price was so tempting. However, it looks like this was one of those early sell out DotD, like that $99 Ultimate Ears deal last year. It looks like the deal must have sold out by lunchtime (ET) based on some of the comments. I guess I took too long thinking about it and trying to do some research.

Based on what you're saying, it seems like something like the M70's would fill in the lower range before the sub takes over better than something like the M60's and the CF-30's. Unfortunately, I don't have many places to go audition speakers around here. There used to be a Tweeters and another dedicated home A/V type store, but they both closed years ago.

I checked out the link on the Wharfedales at musicdirect that you provided. So, would the Evo2-20's or the 30's be significantly better than something like the M70's or CF-50's? I would be willing to increase the budget (especially if it's only for some of the speakers) if the return on value was worth it. At $600 per pair that would bring the budget to $300/speaker, or less if you go with a photoshoot model or a demo.

However, then I guess you have to compare the Wharfedales not with the M70's, but with other speakers that are in the $300 each range. Would they still represent a much better buy than other speakers in that range?

Also, why are they marked down so much? Are the Evo2's discontinued, or is this one of those marketing gimmicks designed to give you the impression of value? Or if they really are normally in the $1200 range, have they been at these prices 50% long and are they likely to continue for a bit? I'm thinking there will probably be some Labor Day sales and I'd like to see what comes up around then.

Another issue is that I was leaning towards getting 3 identical speakers for the fronts, and it seems musicdirect is selling these only in pairs. I wonder if they would let me buy 3 at those prices?

Also, are photoshoot and/or demo models generally OK, or are they to be avoided? I would imagine the photoshoot ones should be OK as they probably weren't handled by the general public, but I'm not sure how much traffic the demos would have received. I'm not sure I'd want a demo from a place like BB, at least not without being able to inspect it in person, but I'm not familiar with musicdirect.

Thanks.

The EVO line is being updated. There should be a new line of EVOs out soon, they are not normally going for that much of a discount. They should be compared with speakers that cost $500+ each. Over on AVSforum.com, there was guy that did a comparison between the EVO 2-8 and the Energy RC-10 and was saying that the EVO was a better speaker. So now you are actually comparing the EVO to a line higher up the Energy line then the CFs, so that should give you some confidence.

any speaker you get you will want to crossover around 80 hz, when that happens youll not get any added bass from the extra drivers, you will only get more output from the spekaers. All the drivers will still play, however they won't play frequencies below 80 hz... so they are all doing the same job. essentially.

[michaeljoo]

Originally Posted by callas01

The EVO line is being updated. There should be a new line of EVOs out soon, they are not normally going for that much of a discount. They should be compared with speakers that cost $500+ each. Over on AVSforum.com, there was guy that did a comparison between the EVO 2-8 and the Energy RC-10 and was saying that the EVO was a better speaker. So now you are actually comparing the EVO to a line higher up the Energy line then the CFs, so that should give you some confidence.

any speaker you get you will want to crossover around 80 hz, when that happens youll not get any added bass from the extra drivers, you will only get more output from the spekaers. All the drivers will still play, however they won't play frequencies below 80 hz... so they are all doing the same job. essentially.

Thanks for the info, callas01.

I've started trying to find out more info about the Evo2's, especially the photoshoot models, which are discounted a little extra just because they were taken out to take pics of. I don't think that seems like it is anything to worry about.

I'm not sure about the Demos, though, as they are ones that were bought by someone to audition, and then returned.

I wish there was somewhere close to me that I could go to try these out, but the closest one to me seems to be 2 hours away.

The other issue is that they will only sell the speakers in pairs, but I'm probably going to be looking for 3 identical speakers for my fronts (I'm leaning towards getting an AT screen). They won't split up a pair, and I wouldn't need a 4th, and it's too expensive to just buy without using.

I'm going to contact some of the other Wharfedale dealers to see if the have the same clearance prices, and if they would be willing to sell 3.

Any other suggestions on trying to buy 3 at the clearance pricing?

[kayvan79]

I felt inclined to pass this on to those interested in the Energy CF/CB speakers.

Vanns has stackable coupons for some Energy speakers now.

If you combine the "energy" and "amexaudio" promo you get the CR-10 pair for $104/pair, CC-5 for $60, CC-10 for $130, CF-70s for $150/each, RC-10 for $240/pair, CB-10 for $100/pair, CB-20 for $150/pair, V-mini for $110/each!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Anyone wanting these prices pull trigger quick. I didn't find this deal myself but it's BY FAR the best prices i've ever seen on these from an authorized retailer.

Go here to enter both promos
http://www.vanns.com/shop/promo

Don't know how long they will work so hurry up!

[jsr]

Keep in mind, this hobby is about what you like and sounds good to you. I know that makes it all the more difficult since you have no where to audition, but that's to remind you to take all reviews and opinions with a grain of salt.

While some categorize the Polk Monitors as bright, I honestly don't find them very bright. They do have a hint of brightness, but nothing near other speakers I consider bright, and I have a very sensitive ear to bright speakers (I tend to like a much more neutral sound and anything bright hurts my ears). But that's my ears relative to others. No way to know how your ears will interpret the sound.

For HT setups, I honestly don't think a hugely better (and pricier) speaker is needed. However, getting one will allow for more flexibility should you decide down the road to use it more for music.
I find the Polk M60s more musical than the M70s with a bit better midrange clarity. As mentioned, the M70s have better low-end extension. Another matter of personal taste, I do tend to like it more when the low-end response of the mains are stronger as I think it transitions better with the sub. But again, that's my taste and it may also be due to the sub placement limitations in my house (only a couple of areas I can place the sub).

At those promo prices on the Energys, I would personally pick up a set of those over the Polks (and this coming from someone that has those same Polks). I bought the Polks because they were best IMO in it's price range at the time. Without the Energy sale, I would still say that (along with recommending to audition the Jamos, which are similarly priced).
As mentioned, opening up your budget opens you to the Wharfedales, but there may also be other brands and models that are clearancing due to older models or stock. One example is Saturday Audio's sale on PSB GT1 ($800/pr) and GB1 speakers ($500/pr). Beautiful gloss black finishes and these were just below PSB's top line speakers before they were replaced by the Imagines (which run for $2k/pr for the towers). The more open your budget is, the more options there are and more research to be made. Sometimes, I like having a restricted budget (read poor) just so I don't have to worry about "did I buy the best?", because the "best" is more easily defined in a smaller lower cost category.

Oh, just to add about the Jamos, the S606 HCS 3 HT setup can be had for $400 for the 5.0 system and the S606 towers are larger with an 8" woofer relative to the smaller S426s I mentioned earlier.

[michaeljoo]

Originally Posted by kayvan79

I felt inclined to pass this on to those interested in the Energy CF/CB speakers.

Vanns has stackable coupons for some Energy speakers now.

If you combine the "energy" and "amexaudio" promo you get the CR-10 pair for $104/pair, CC-5 for $60, CC-10 for $130, CF-70s for $150/each, RC-10 for $240/pair, CB-10 for $100/pair, CB-20 for $150/pair, V-mini for $110/each!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Anyone wanting these prices pull trigger quick. I didn't find this deal myself but it's BY FAR the best prices i've ever seen on these from an authorized retailer.

Go here to enter both promos
http://www.vanns.com/shop/promo

Don't know how long they will work so hurry up!

Thanks for posting.

But I don't think it's working anymore, unless I am doing something wrong. The CF-70's are coming up as $500.

Has anyone else tried or have any info if you can still stack these promos or how to do so?

[Blu Balls]

Promo wouldn't work for me either.

[michaeljoo]

OK, it seems like the ENERGY code works, but you have to add to your cart and look in your cart to see the discount. The CF-70's are 50% off with the ENERGY code to $250 in the cart, but the AMEXAUDIO doesn't seem to stack with it.

Anybody had any luck stacking the promo codes?

[callas01]

Originally Posted by michaeljoo

OK, it seems like the ENERGY code works, but you have to add to your cart and look in your cart to see the discount. The CF-70's are 50% off with the ENERGY code to $250 in the cart, but the AMEXAUDIO doesn't seem to stack with it.

Anybody had any luck stacking the promo codes?

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/co...-PriceIncrease

Here is page with both promo entered, it looks like you only get one or the other, whichever is the active promo for that item, you can see here that the cf70s are $250/ea

$150 was probably a typo

[michaeljoo]

Originally Posted by callas01

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/co...-PriceIncrease

Here is page with both promo entered, it looks like you only get one or the other, whichever is the active promo for that item, you can see here that the cf70s are $250/ea

$150 was probably a typo

Yes, or maybe a glitch in their system earlier in the day. According to kayvan79, it seems like you could stack 2 promos earlier this morning, but he posted like at 5 in the morning.

In anycase, $250 still seems like a decent price for the CF-70's.

I don't know if you (or anyone else) has had a chance to listen to both the CF-70's and the Wharfedale Evo2-20's, but how would you compare those as they are in the same price range currently (about $250-$300 per speaker).

Based on your earlier post I'm guessing you would still put the Wharfedales Evo2-20's above the Energy CF-70's. When you said earlier that the 2-20's would put them to shame I interpreted the comment to refer to the CF-30's and the M70's, but wasn't sure if you were also including the CF-70's in the comparison.

I would be very tempted with seriously considering the Wharfedales if I could find a dealer who could get me the clearance pricing and let me buy 3 (vs. in pairs). I have a few calls to authorized dealers and they are looking into it, so we'll see.

[kayvan79]

Sorry guys i think Vanns corrected it very early this morning. Many ppl over at avsforum picked them up at those prices including myself. I havent received any order cancellations so hopefully they will honor them. I heard some of the energy speakers are still stackable but i'm at work now and cant confirm. Check the energy thread at avs for more info.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by michaeljoo

Yes, or maybe a glitch in their system earlier in the day. According to kayvan79, it seems like you could stack 2 promos earlier this morning, but he posted like at 5 in the morning.

In anycase, $250 still seems like a decent price for the CF-70's.

I don't know if you (or anyone else) has had a chance to listen to both the CF-70's and the Wharfedale Evo2-20's, but how would you compare those as they are in the same price range currently (about $250-$300 per speaker).

Based on your earlier post I'm guessing you would still put the Wharfedales Evo2-20's above the Energy CF-70's. When you said earlier that the 2-20's would put them to shame I interpreted the comment to refer to the CF-30's and the M70's, but wasn't sure if you were also including the CF-70's in the comparison.

I would be very tempted with seriously considering the Wharfedales if I could find a dealer who could get me the clearance pricing and let me buy 3 (vs. in pairs). I have a few calls to authorized dealers and they are looking into it, so we'll see.

I think this would be better for you to read.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1356315

Understand that this guy is comparing the Wharfedale Evos to the Energy RC line(which is a step above the CF line)

[jsr]

Damn that sucks. I had the page loaded on my phone waiting to get home tonight to plead my wife to let me buy another set of speakers that I don't need because the price was so great. Oh well.

[michaeljoo]

Originally Posted by callas01

I think this would be better for you to read.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1356315

Understand that this guy is comparing the Wharfedale Evos to the Energy RC line(which is a step above the CF line)

Thanks for that reference, callas01. Actually, I already found and read the comparison after you mentioned it in one of your earlier posts and found it very informative.

However, I didn't know how much of it was applicable to the Evo2-20/30's and the CF-70's as he was comparing the Evo2-8's and the RC-10's.

Granted the speakers are different, but is it generally safe to assume (I know) that the sound qualities will be similar across the speakers in the same line in a brand, just bigger/fuller as you go up the line?

So, with the evaluation of the Evo2-8's and RC-10, should I expect the larger speakers to sound somewhat like those, but just with a bigger, fuller sound?

[michaeljoo]

Also, has anyone had any experience with the CR-10 surrounds?

They are no longer $104 for the pair, but now about $175, which is still about half off.

I was originally planning to budget about $200 per speaker. So my question would be, how do the CR-10's compare to other bipole/dipole surrounds in the $400/pair range?

If they are pretty competitive and comparable to the others in that $ range, then I will probably just get 2 pairs of these today before prices go up as they are still 50% off.

However, if there are other bipole/dipole surround type speakers in the $200 per speaker range that would be notably better, then I'll hold off on these.

Also, does it impact the performance and acoustics that the tweeters (and driver) seem to be angled up and down vs. side to side as in most of the other bipole/dipole speakers I've seen?

Vann's also has some Jamo E8SUR speakers on sale for about $75-80 each, but I can't find any info on those on the Jamo site. Perhaps they are a discontinued line?

[callas01]

Originally Posted by jsr

Keep in mind, this hobby is about what you like and sounds good to you. I know that makes it all the more difficult since you have no where to audition, but that's to remind you to take all reviews and opinions with a grain of salt.

While some categorize the Polk Monitors as bright, I honestly don't find them very bright. They do have a hint of brightness, but nothing near other speakers I consider bright, and I have a very sensitive ear to bright speakers (I tend to like a much more neutral sound and anything bright hurts my ears). But that's my ears relative to others. No way to know how your ears will interpret the sound.

For HT setups, I honestly don't think a hugely better (and pricier) speaker is needed. However, getting one will allow for more flexibility should you decide down the road to use it more for music.
I find the Polk M60s more musical than the M70s with a bit better midrange clarity. As mentioned, the M70s have better low-end extension. Another matter of personal taste, I do tend to like it more when the low-end response of the mains are stronger as I think it transitions better with the sub. But again, that's my taste and it may also be due to the sub placement limitations in my house (only a couple of areas I can place the sub).

At those promo prices on the Energys, I would personally pick up a set of those over the Polks (and this coming from someone that has those same Polks). I bought the Polks because they were best IMO in it's price range at the time. Without the Energy sale, I would still say that (along with recommending to audition the Jamos, which are similarly priced).
As mentioned, opening up your budget opens you to the Wharfedales, but there may also be other brands and models that are clearancing due to older models or stock. One example is Saturday Audio's sale on PSB GT1 ($800/pr) and GB1 speakers ($500/pr). Beautiful gloss black finishes and these were just below PSB's top line speakers before they were replaced by the Imagines (which run for $2k/pr for the towers). The more open your budget is, the more options there are and more research to be made. Sometimes, I like having a restricted budget (read poor) just so I don't have to worry about "did I buy the best?", because the "best" is more easily defined in a smaller lower cost category.

Oh, just to add about the Jamos, the S606 HCS 3 HT setup can be had for $400 for the 5.0 system and the S606 towers are larger with an 8" woofer relative to the smaller S426s I mentioned earlier.

A few things in regards to this post.

First, and foremost. YES, sound is subjective and you should buy what you like. That is the most important. However, many times if you find someone that likes similar things to you, or their taste preferences, then someones opinion is more then a grain of salt. BigAl and I have very similar tastes and we can discuss it and understand what each other is saying and draw pretty accurate conclusions that way.

Whether you find the Polks bright or not, it is generally considered that the Polk Monitors and RTis are in fact bright sounding. The LSi are known for warmth. That said, do the Polks sound like Klipsch? Ugh, NO! There is always varying degrees of sound, something like Kef is warm verging on bright, and with one receiver, will sound bright, with another warm. Perhaps you combo of polks and receiver tames the highs, then they wouldn't be as bright. Dont think of bright as bad either. Many people prefer that. Many people want speakers that sound loud and have tons of bass, why do you think some people still buy Cerwin Vega and DCMs? Some people want their music to sound a certian way, they want it loud with lots of bass(ie. Klipsch); others want it to sound a certian way and buy speakers that add to the sound of the music, ie. B&W. B&W has that house sound that is interjected onto the music. Others want speakers that impart as little sound as possible to the music, letting the music deliver what its supposed to without any help from the speakers, ie, Dynaudio.

Regarding the musicallity to the M60s v M70s. Ill let you decide, I think tho that what you are hearing is the M70s added bass is bloated and taking away from the mid-range of the speakers.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by michaeljoo

Also, has anyone had any experience with the CR-10 surrounds?

They are no longer $104 for the pair, but now about $175, which is still about half off.

I was originally planning to budget about $200 per speaker. So my question would be, how do the CR-10's compare to other bipole/dipole surrounds in the $400/pair range?

If they are pretty competitive and comparable to the others in that $ range, then I will probably just get 2 pairs of these today before prices go up as they are still 50% off.

However, if there are other bipole/dipole surround type speakers in the $200 per speaker range that would be notably better, then I'll hold off on these.

Also, does it impact the performance and acoustics that the tweeters (and driver) seem to be angled up and down vs. side to side as in most of the other bipole/dipole speakers I've seen?

Vann's also has some Jamo E8SUR speakers on sale for about $75-80 each, but I can't find any info on those on the Jamo site. Perhaps they are a discontinued line?

Im sure Energy tested the CR-10s many times to make sure their performance was up to the standards of the previous Connoisuer bi-poles. I have not experience with them so I cannot say.

The Jamo should be just fine also if you would rather. I believe that Clippins is using the CR-10s, you may want to ask his opinion, but I have not heard him complain yet.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by michaeljoo

Thanks for that reference, callas01. Actually, I already found and read the comparison after you mentioned it in one of your earlier posts and found it very informative.

However, I didn't know how much of it was applicable to the Evo2-20/30's and the CF-70's as he was comparing the Evo2-8's and the RC-10's.

Granted the speakers are different, but is it generally safe to assume (I know) that the sound qualities will be similar across the speakers in the same line in a brand, just bigger/fuller as you go up the line?

So, with the evaluation of the Evo2-8's and RC-10, should I expect the larger speakers to sound somewhat like those, but just with a bigger, fuller sound?

my point here is that the RC line which was replaced with the current Veritas line, is a step up in performance over the CF/CB line. Therefore, I would say that the Wharfedale Evos if they are performing better then the Energy RC's then they will outperform the CFs also.

[alphaiii]

Originally Posted by callas01

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/co...-PriceIncrease

Here is page with both promo entered, it looks like you only get one or the other, whichever is the active promo for that item, you can see here that the cf70s are $250/ea

$150 was probably a typo

Nope not a typ0... a few folks got the CF-70 for $150 each.... as well as some other ridiculous deals, like the RC-10's for $240.

But as mentioned, Vann's caught on that people were stacking the codes and fixed their system to prevent it.

I was going to try to talk my Dad into grabbing the CB-20 for $130 and CC-10 for $140 for a cheap upgrade from his C-100/C-C50, but Vann's fixed their system before I got a chance to talk to him.