Energy RC-70. Opinions?

ROHfan

My kid has a nice little setup in his bedroom with 2 Energy RC10s running off a Parasound HCA-750A. Audio is fed from his PC.

I can't get over how beautiful they sound. Warm, lush, smooth. So I was wondering how some RC-70s would sound in the HT. Does anyone have any experience with them?

txcoastal1

@DSkip
Ask Skip to see if Dallas distribution has any in stock. It's a dealer distribution item for him.

Houston use to have them out for demo's, but I never got a chance to play with them.


FYI---
Same distribution company

ROHfan

Thanks for the info. I actually just saw a pair being sold not too far from me for $425 the pair. Excellent condition, still in the break-in period. I think I'm gonna snatch them up.

halo

I own the Energy RC70, RC10, & RC-LCR.

I think that all of them are underrated. Initially, the RC70 had an MSRP of $2K. Fry's would sell them for $499 ea unless they were on sale. Sale prices ranged from $249 ea to $199 ea.

It all depends on your set up and the room in which they'll be situated.

They all benefit from breathing room behind them, the more the better.

They are all fairly efficient and don't require a lot of power to drive them but they can handle quite a bit of power as well. Initially I drove them with a Marantz NR1402 @ 50 WPC, then a Denon AVR 2113CI @ 95 WPC, and now with the McCormack DNA 125 @ 125 WPC. Never had an issue using any of these to drive the RC70 speakers.

The RC70 dig deep and are a very well rounded speaker. I don't notice a lot lacking in their presentation and I've heard details through them that I've not heard in set ups I've had before that were held in high regard. I've used them for HT and for dedicated 2-Channel and they are equally at home in both applications.

I would definitely recommend them but, unfortunately, I do believe that they've been discontinued for good. Fry's used to sell them but it looks like their stock has finally run out. It's too bad because I'd like to get another RC-LCR or two and maybe some spare parts as well.

There is an Energy owner's thread over on AVS. Most people there seem to hold the Veritas line in high regard and they discount the Reference Connoisseur series.

Here's some more info:

http://www.energy-speakers.com/products/reference-connoisseur/?sku=RC-70


Here's a review from soundstage

Check out the PDF below as it has all the models and the specs on each pair in the line up.

cmy330go

I too really like that whole line. I still have a pair of the 10s that I like to rotate in and out of my system. I honestly think in most ways they show up the LSi9.

I'd say snag 'em. For that kind of money I don't see how you can go wrong.

steveinaz

The RC-70 is a heck of a value, IMO. I owned the C-9's (the precursor to the 70) and still have them rocking in my shop. I have a set of C-3's (replaced by the RC-10) that have been doing 24/7 patio duty for years.

halo

So these might not be replaced by the ELAC UF5 or UB5 in my set up...it will be an interesting comparison!

ROHfan

halo wrote: »

So these might not be replaced by the ELAC UF5 or UB5 in my set up...it will be an interesting comparison!

I'm missing something. Explain. And, thanks for your input a few posts back. I told the guy I'd take them. Deal goes down next week as he's out of town until then. I'm very excited, to say the least. And the wifey really likes the look of them over the SDAs. (I didn't tell her I might still be keeping the SDAs .

halo

ROHfan wrote: »

I'm missing something. Explain. And, thanks for your input a few posts back. I told the guy I'd take them. Deal goes down next week as he's out of town until then. I'm very excited, to say the least. And the wifey really likes the look of them over the SDAs. (I didn't tell her I might still be keeping the SDAs .

While I do have the Energy RC speakers at home, I am awaiting the new ELAC Uni-Fi line designed by Andrew Jones. I am contemplating between the UF5 (floorstander) or the UB5 (bookshelf) speakers. I will purchase a pair and see which ones I prefer vs the Energy RC series.

I used to own a pair of Von Schweikert VR2 floortstanding speakers and they were one of my all time fav's! I cannot say how the RC70 stacks up precisely as I no longer have them but, IIRC, the VR2 digs a lot deeper and has very fast bass response thanks to the transmission line enclosure; it also has a more expansive sound due to the rear firing ambiance driver. The VR2 is a gorgeous speaker as well, mine were African Hazelwood.

I'm glad that you'll be picking them up, I think that you will really enjoy them!

As for the SDA comparison, they are two totally different speakers. Your ears will tell you which ones you prefer. Everyone likes different things so I'm not going to pick a horse in that race!

Enjoy!

BTW, how's the TEAC DAC? Still happy with it or is it going back? Are you going to try something else instead?

ROHfan

halo wrote: »

BTW, how's the TEAC DAC? Still happy with it or is it going back? Are you going to try something else instead?

I really like the Teac. It seems to put out a decent signal when I use it as a preamp. It toned down the highs a bit, but they're still a little fatiguing. I've tried several things and I can't seem to get the SDAs where I want them. I'm going to wait until I hear the RC10s with the new DAC and take it from there. All my cables are set, and I looked at the speaker cables and they're Star Quads which should be good enough. We will see.

ROHfan

Dang! Fry's has the RC-LCR on sale today for $219, but not available for shipping. That's the lowest price I've seen it at. Bummer.

halo

ROHfan wrote: »

Dang! Fry's has the RC-LCR on sale today for $219, but not available for shipping. That's the lowest price I've seen it at. Bummer.

Yes but they are sold out. All of the RC series is sold out through Fry's. They won't be getting any more in. That's it.