The Official Energy Speakers Thread

[beefytwinkie]

Hey, guys. I'm new to the Energy brand. I have seen a bunch of Energy speakers on sale at Newegg.com all the time but never really looked into them.

In the past, I always saw the CF-70's which sold for about 500 on Newegg and they never, ever, ever went on sale. But recently, I'd say for the last year maybe, I've seen them drop to $250 a bunch of times.

Can any of you fine audiophiles give me some opinions as to how they sound? I know this is an insanely broad question but I'd love to hear any opinions, good or bad, about these speakers. I'm very interested in picking up a pair for my bedroom.

[CalgaryCowboy]

They are solid speakers. Slightly on the brighter side and not the usual warm neutral sound of Energy. Lots of good impressions for the price especially for Home Theater. For music they are a bit more forward, bright to some people who prefer the RC series.

[CalgaryCowboy]

Tried to post this when I first signed up but never showed up

I had a RC-LCR and a V-5.2c at the same time and did a little write up. Given the recent discussion wanted to share here as well....

"Ok, set up the RC-LCR and V5.2c on top of each other for testing. My spl meter showed 3db deference on tones so adjusted. All testing done with music coming from my htpc using Media Center 15 so I can send them both the same signal and switch back and forth instantly. Used pure mode so no eq'ing or crossover used. First of all both sound good but slightly different. The only caveat is I don't know how much use this used V5.2c has had so break in unknown. I am going to use terms to describe the sounds as I hear it if the meaning is not clear just ask.

1. The Rc-sounds slightly fuller and chesty (but not in a good way)
2. The V sounded clearer/cleaner (quite a bit) and slightly more detailed
3. On instruments the RC sounded fuller (probally because of the mid range dome) but also this fullness came with what sound like muddness in that range and not razor sharp
4. On vocals they are very similar with clarity almost the same and detail slightly to the V
5. The soundstage on the Rc sounder wider and on the V more narrow but dispersed. What I mean is on the rc the sound came from a wider angle on the V it was more narrow but wasn't localized to the speaker. I am having trouble describing this.

6. With all this talk about simbalance I looked for it in both and did not find any or at least when I heard it was there in both speakers just a smidge more pronounced in the v.


7. As the volumes went up the fuller sound part of the RC sounded worse and the cleaner sound of the V was more evident

When not comparing the two both are great centers. Either would be good centers for my setup. The difference between them is more to do with preference and think you could mix and match between RC and V series front sound stage easy.

Having said the above I am comparing and based on my preference here are my conclusions:

1. The V5.2c is a better match to my V6.3s (no surprise there)

2. I have always been a fan of the 3 way design of the RC. Now I am not so sure. It adds fullness to have the midrange domes but at the expence of a slightly "off" sound to this fullness. I guess if inverted domes were the best solution for midrange sound repreduction they would be used on the towers too. This is only really detectable when comparing the two centers and would be hard if not impossible to hear in real life use. I thought the lack of 3 way design of the V5.2c would be a draw back, not now. This is a surprise.

3. Just comparing the sound of the two I prefered the sound of the V. I bought this speaker so I could have a perfectly matched front sound stage and looks. I was prepared to keep the Rc if it was better (and resell the v) and a tie would go to the V so I could acheive the above. In the end I will be keeping V5.2c and feel it will be a upgrade to my setup.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by beefytwinkie

Hey, guys. I'm new to the Energy brand. I have seen a bunch of Energy speakers on sale at Newegg.com all the time but never really looked into them.

In the past, I always saw the CF-70's which sold for about 500 on Newegg and they never, ever, ever went on sale. But recently, I'd say for the last year maybe, I've seen them drop to $250 a bunch of times.

Can any of you fine audiophiles give me some opinions as to how they sound? I know this is an insanely broad question but I'd love to hear any opinions, good or bad, about these speakers. I'm very interested in picking up a pair for my bedroom.

My feeling on the CF-70s is similar to what Cowboy said. They are more forward then what previous Energys sounded like, a little more dynamic and not as smooth in the highs. They are a little tinny tho, but they are a very good speaker for the $500/pr that they can be had for. Otherwise some other brands offer better bookshelfs for a similar price, and if integrated with a good sub, they'll be superior performers.

[beefytwinkie]

Originally Posted by CalgaryCowboy

They are solid speakers. Slightly on the brighter side and not the usual warm neutral sound of Energy. Lots of good impressions for the price especially for Home Theater. For music they are a bit more forward, bright to some people who prefer the RC series.

Originally Posted by callas01

My feeling on the CF-70s is similar to what Cowboy said. They are more forward then what previous Energys sounded like, a little more dynamic and not as smooth in the highs. They are a little tinny tho, but they are a very good speaker for the $500/pr that they can be had for. Otherwise some other brands offer better bookshelfs for a similar price, and if integrated with a good sub, they'll be superior performers.

Cool. Thank you both for taking the time to reply to me. I'm going to see if the mom and pop audio shop near my house carries these so I can demo them before buying.

I have a Polk PSW10 subwoofer I can pair with these temporarily... though I doubt I'd ever upgrade the subwoofer. It's just going to be going in my bedroom where I also have my desktop so it will be used as the sound system for my games and music. Nothing too crazy.

I'll try to head out to the shop this Saturday.

Also, CalgaryCowboy: Welcome.

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by callas01

My feeling on the CF-70s is similar to what Cowboy said. They are more forward then what previous Energys sounded like, a little more dynamic and not as smooth in the highs. They are a little tinny tho, but they are a very good speaker for the $500/pr that they can be had for. Otherwise some other brands offer better bookshelfs for a similar price, and if integrated with a good sub, they'll be superior performers.

For me the Veritas bookshelves actually outperform them anyhow in every aspects except loe end and Air Displacement but when it comes to resolution, imaging, soundstage, vocals, musicality and control the Veritas wins hands down.

[CalgaryCowboy]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

For me the Veritas bookshelves actually outperform them anyhow in every aspects except loe end and Air Displacement but when it comes to resolution, imaging, soundstage, vocals, musicality and control the Veritas wins hands down.

Or even on the more bang for buck side the RC-10s from Vanns. I like the V5.1 better but the RC-10 are very close. I find the 10s smoother on the high end but the V5.1s more detailed and fuller with better soundstage. I own the Rc 10s and only demoed the V5.1s in store.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

For me the Veritas bookshelves actually outperform them anyhow in every aspects except loe end and Air Displacement but when it comes to resolution, imaging, soundstage, vocals, musicality and control the Veritas wins hands down.

probably very true, but i can't really comment on that since Ive yet to hear the Veritas or RCs.....

But that is also why I said,

Otherwise some other brands offer better bookshelfs for a similar price, and if integrated with a good sub, they'll be superior performers.

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by CalgaryCowboy

Or even on the more bang for buck side the RC-10s from Vanns. I like the V5.1 better but the RC-10 are very close. I find the 10s smoother on the high end but the V5.1s more detailed and fuller with better soundstage. I own the Rc 10s and only demoed the V5.1s in store.

Very true, slightly more highs and mids on the Veritas vs the RC line.

[CalgaryCowboy]

Time to list my speakers so others know what I have experience with
Present

2 Energy V6.3 Rosenut
1 Energy V5.2c Rosenut
2 Energy V6.3 Black
2 Energy RC-10 Black Ash
Velodyne DEQ 15
Denon 3808ci
Emotiva XPA-3

Spares
Denon 2707
2 Energy V-mini Black
Energy ECW-V8 sub (not working-trying to repair)

Past Rescent Speakers
Polk RTi10s
Energy RC-70s
Energy RC-LCR

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by CalgaryCowboy

Time to list my speakers so others know what I have experience with
Present

2 Energy V6.3 Rosenut
1 Energy V5.2c Rosenut
2 Energy V6.3 Black
2 Energy RC-10 Black Ash
Velodyne DEQ 15
Denon 3808ci
Emotiva XPA-3

Spares
Denon 2707
2 Energy V-mini Black
Energy ECW-V8 sub (not working-trying to repair)

Past Rescent Speakers
Polk RTi10s
Energy RC-70s
Energy RC-LCR

Welcome to the forum CalgaryCowboy! We love pics on here, so perhaps you could provide a few shots of your speakers and setup!

[Bluray_ne1]

Hey there fellow Energy owners. I'll be uploading some new pics soon of my 3 front RC-LCR setup, as I have moved into new digs. Fortunately, I am now able to orient all 3 RC-LCR's vertically!

Unfortunately, my apartment has vaulted ceilings, which makes the acoustics a bit more challenging. Any tips out there from our experts to make the sound (particularly the low-end from the sub) tighter other than expensive acoustical treatment?

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by Bluray_ne1

Hey there fellow Energy owners. I'll be uploading some new pics soon of my 3 front RC-LCR setup, as I have moved into new digs. Fortunately, I am now able to orient all 3 RC-LCR's vertically!

Unfortunately, my apartment has vaulted ceilings, which makes the acoustics a bit more challenging. Any tips out there from our experts to make the sound (particularly the low-end from the sub) tighter other than expensive acoustical treatment?

Bigger and a better sub

[Bluray_ne1]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

Bigger and a better sub

LMAO!!! Hey that could be a possibility down the road.

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by Bluray_ne1

LMAO!!! Hey that could be a possibility down the road.

Do you knwo Innexpensive Accoustic treatment?, Some members ave buit their own room treatment panels, i do not recall who but i can find out for you.

[Bluray_ne1]

Hey Al & Callas,

I got my speakers all set up in my new place. They sound great and I should have pics up in the next couple of days. I did the "Subwoofer Crawl" to determine the best place to set the sub and came up with a position that's not totally perfect, but as close as I can get.

My new issue is the placement of the surround backs. I posted a reply in the speaker placement thread and wondered, given your experience with Energy speakers and speakers in general, if you might have any suggestions for me. Here's a link to the thread:

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread...10#post5935310

Thanks Guys!

John

[donaldsonjune]

hello all,

anyone using an anthem amp-30 with their energy speakers? I'm upgrading from a rotel rps-1066 to the anthem amp-30. My speakers are the rc-30, lcr center & c-100 surrounds with an energy sub.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by donaldsonjune

hello all,

anyone using an anthem amp-30 with their energy speakers? I'm upgrading from a rotel rps-1066 to the anthem amp-30. My speakers are the rc-30, lcr center & c-100 surrounds with an energy sub.

awesome, congrats.

[wesnah]

I have the Take 5 system. Very happy with it. Looking to add 2 more speakers. Vann's has the CB-5, CB-10($150), CB-20 and CR-10 all at the same price. At $199. Which is the best way to go?

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by wesnah

I have the Take 5 system. Very happy with it. Looking to add 2 more speakers. Vann's has the CB-5, CB-10($150), CB-20 and CR-10 all at the same price. At $199. Which is the best way to go?

Hat are the 2 additional speakers going todo? Fronts? At this point the best thing to do is go straight for the CB-20.