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Les Unregistered guest | Love the sound of the Ascend 170's but saw the Energy's on sale somewhere the other day. How do they compare? Any thoughts on Energy speakers in general? http://www.energy-speakers.com/v2/products/product-page.php?id=25 |
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Energy Fan Unregistered guest | Energy C3s are great speakers at their normal price, and on sale they're even better. They're neutral, with great imaging and excellent bass response from a small bookshelf speaker. The mids and highs may not be quite as startling as the Ascends, but they're a great all-around performer. And they look a helluva lot better. |
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Energy Fan Too Unregistered guest | I actually think that the mids and highs of the Energy's are better. |
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Silver Member Username: TwebbzAnn Arbor, Michigan USA Post Number: 295 Registered: Apr-04 | I purchased a new in the box Energy C-3 pair for $229 on Ebay. I guess they're being dumped because they are being replaced by the new "C Series". They sound great with nice crisp detail and smooth highs but they are not that efficient. I have some older Polk RT-3s with 5" woofers that play louder (not better). I hooked them up A & B and compared them just a couple of hours ago. The Polks have no bass compared with the C-3s but the C-3s ARE a bit bass shy themselves. I'm looking for a subwoofer...Maybe an HSU STF-2. Also did an A-B comparison with Athena AS-F1s. While the Athenas are not perfect being a bit unbalanced, they do produce the presentation of fullness and richness that the Energy C-3s can't match just because of they're size. And, when you compare the prices, the Athenas win hands down. Will I get an overall better sounding system with the C-3s & a the $400 subwoofer? I think so....Oh, forgot to mention speaker stands...Lets just say $120 for a pair... $229 Speakers $400 Sub $120 stands ---- $729 |
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Gold Member Username: ArtkAlbany, Oregon USA Post Number: 2348 Registered: Feb-05 | I can't really speak to the Ascends which I plan to rectify in the near future but the Energy C series speakers represent a pretty good buy. They have an exceptionally well balanced sound for a budget speaker. I recommend an audition and if they don't meet your expectations the Ascends will still be there. |
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Silver Member Username: TwebbzAnn Arbor, Michigan USA Post Number: 296 Registered: Apr-04 | With a bass limit of 63Hz chances are you'll be looking for a sub with the Ascends too. |
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Bronze Member Username: QuinnPost Number: 83 Registered: Aug-05 | The Ascend 170SE is supposed to be flat into the 50s. Athena and Energy are made by the same company. Athena is API's made in Asia budget line below the Energy line. |
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Gold Member Username: Edster922Abubala, Ababala The Occupation Post Number: 3174 Registered: Mar-05 | ART!!! > I can't really speak to the Ascends which I plan to rectify in the near future OMG, are you finally going to try out a pair? lawdy, what's the world coming to, Art Kyle orders Internet speakers, and cheap ones to boot! ; ) |
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Silver Member Username: ZiggyzoggyoioiOutside Philadelphia, PA Post Number: 183 Registered: Jun-05 | I haven't heard the Ascends to compare, but I will also speak very highly of the Energy C3s. I use them as rears in a HT system, but they are extremely competent as a main speaker in a smaller system. I certainly wouldn't hesitate to buy another pair for that purpose. |
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Silver Member Username: TwebbzAnn Arbor, Michigan USA Post Number: 297 Registered: Apr-04 | Mirage, Energy and Athena are made by the Canadian company, Audio Products International. According to the back of my black Energy C-3s, they are made in China too, probably at the same factory. The cabinetry, is identical to the Athenas. Of course they slap a different front baffle and speakers on them. Both have superb finsh and detail in construction. |
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Gold Member Username: ArtkAlbany, Oregon USA Post Number: 2360 Registered: Feb-05 | Edster, I met someone at training this week who has a pair of the 170's so either I will try his or buy a pair for demo. I won't be doing it this week but sometime soon. He's not as enthused about them as you are but he likes them. |
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Gold Member Username: Edster922Abubala, Ababala The Occupation Post Number: 3185 Registered: Mar-05 | UH-OH. (bracing for another Art audio onslaught...lol) |
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Silver Member Username: TwebbzAnn Arbor, Michigan USA Post Number: 298 Registered: Apr-04 | Ed...What subwoofer are you using? |
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Gold Member Username: Edster922Abubala, Ababala The Occupation Post Number: 3194 Registered: Mar-05 | ...a horrible little JBL e150. Wanna buy it? lol |
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Gold Member Username: ArtkAlbany, Oregon USA Post Number: 2368 Registered: Feb-05 | You only have to worry if they suck! :-) |
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Silver Member Username: NuckParkhill, Ontario Canada Post Number: 553 Registered: Dec-04 | Art, maybe they wont... My buddy dropped by with a pair, and I AB'd them with my 12 yr old Alphas. I preferred the psb's cause I own them, and had more bass, but the 170's had everything else. Hmmm... |
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Gold Member Username: ArtkAlbany, Oregon USA Post Number: 2370 Registered: Feb-05 | I'm going into it with an open mind. I have no bias for or against them. Remember I'm still looking for speakers for my second system. |