FS: Energy RC-30 speakers for $499

[g0lden0rchard]

I bought the $4,000 Energy system a month ago (but I got it for $3,500) when it was on sale at FS
The Energy RC-70 sound so good a buddy of mine wants some now but he can't afford them so he is getting the RC-30s

I am thinking of getting these for my rear speakers?

$499 sounds hot

Review
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ENRC30

I just wish they had a mid instead of two woofers

http://www.futureshop.ca/marketing/canada08/images/canada08_pro4_EN.jpg

HifiOverstock.com has them for $385 each
http://www.hifioverstock.biz/product_info.php?products_id=8220

[ProfessorChaos]

might not want to click that second link...

http://safebrowsing.clients.google.com/safebrowsing/diagnostic?client=Firefox&hl=en-US&site=http://www.hifioverstock.biz/product_info.php?products_id=8220

Also the Energy RC-50's are $999 if you are looking for more power

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10106517&catid=

[sportmiester]

Also the Energy RC-50's are $999 if you are looking for more power

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10106517&catid=

Are the 50s significantly better than the 30s? (i.e. double the price better?)

[Jon Lai]

How did you get the $499 price?
It's $699 online:
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10088979&catid=19171

[Formula1]

How did you get the $499 price?
It's $699 online:
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10088979&catid=19171
It's from this thread:
http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=604384

FS Canada Day sale.

[coolcoolfi]

Nice speakers, just I don't like the color :(

[g0lden0rchard]

The colour is quite nice - I am SICK of everything being either black or silver

Rosenut adds warmth

[txenglan]

I have an old pair (as in 1989-old) of Paradigm 7SE's that have have been and still are absolutely brilliant as my main fronts. Though I have auditioned other speakers in the $1000 range and have never found any that I thought were superior to the Paradigms, I am seriously considering ordering a set of these Energy speakers to try them out with the 7's side by side. Very curious/excited.

[doodio]

I have an old pair (as in 1989-old) of Paradigm 7SE's that have have been and still are absolutely brilliant as my main fronts. Though I have auditioned other speakers in the $1000 range and have never found any that I thought were superior to the Paradigms, I am seriously considering ordering a set of these Energy speakers to try them out with the 7's side by side. Very curious/excited.

Please let me know how that turns out! I would love to know how energy stacks up to Paradigm. I've always considered the later to be the best brand around.

[ProfessorChaos]

I've always considered the later to be the best brand around.

Wow. I'm not sure where you live but even Paradigm's Signature series is not "the best."

Energy and the whole API brand make very quality speakers at a very very affordable price, ever since manufacturing has moved to China (along with every other company except Paradigm, at least Canadian companies) and they started selling them at FS.

It's like comparing Paradigm Monitor 7v5's to Energy RC-30's, quite similar sound signature but the bass extension on the Monitors is better, is that worth the extra ~$300? You be the judge. Make sure the power source is the same.

I find people who are self-proclaimed audiophiles do not value money as much as RFDers do (hence the McIntosh $10k amps)

[txenglan]

Please let me know how that turns out! I would love to know how energy stacks up to Paradigm. I've always considered the later to be the best brand around.

Will do, if I actually end up ordering them. My whole set up is all Paradigm (Titans on the rear and PS1000 for the sub) except for the center channel which is a Polk CS250).

[zenzen]

The colour is quite nice - I am SICK of everything being either black or silver

Rosenut adds warmth

I have them in Cherry. Real wood veneer (as opposed to vinyl). The cabinetry is as good as any speaker I have seen, including Totem.

I was also afraid that Energy quality wood go downhill as soon as production shifted to China. I have owned the Connaisseur C2s and C6s from the late 90s and the Veritas 2.1 from about 6 years ago, all built in Canada. The RC-30 is better to my ears and about as well made as those models. Can't say anything about post-Klipsch Energy.

I'm thinking about picking up another pair. In the meantime, I keep posting in FS RC-30-related threads to emphasize how hot this deal is. These are built to last and nothing compares at 500/pair (new).

About the RC-70 / RC-50 question above, the real consideration is room size. The RC-30 have the same "family sound" as their bigger brothers, but are just about perfect in by 11'x13' room. The bigger speakers would be a waste in such a room. Took me a while to realize how important the room is...

[RHui_BC]

Wow. I'm not sure where you live but even Paradigm's Signature series is not "the best."

Energy and the whole API brand make very quality speakers at a very very affordable price, ever since manufacturing has moved to China (along with every other company except Paradigm, at least Canadian companies) and they started selling them at FS.

It's like comparing Paradigm Monitor 7v5's to Energy RC-30's, quite similar sound signature but the bass extension on the Monitors is better, is that worth the extra ~$300? You be the judge. Make sure the power source is the same.

I find people who are self-proclaimed audiophiles do not value money as much as RFDers do (hence the McIntosh $10k amps)

To me the only good deals from futureshop are when they sell below the staff price. :P

Anyhow, is there a such thing as a budget audiophile? :P

I've gone through so many speakers, and there are many bad speakers... but there are also MANY good speakers and decent speakers...

with that said... the skies the limit... whether your ears can tell the difference well, its a hobby :) Have fun with it!

[ShopperfiendTO]

Audionoob here. Can anyone suggest an ideal set up (which fronts/sides, rears, sub, centre, etc.) incorporating the best deals that FS has right now on the Energy speakers?

Say the room is mid-size (around 13' x 15'), which I assume means that 5.1 (i.e., 2 fronts, 2 rears, 1 centre, 1 sub?) is the best way to go?

I currently have a pair of older B&W 200 series that I inherited that I'm happy with. Will these Energys be significantly better? Main uses would be for movies and non-rock/non-heavy metal music. Not looking to blow the windows out, but would like to hear all the noises that were intended to be heard!

Thanks so much.

[warpdrive]

Audionoob here. Can anyone suggest an ideal set up (which fronts/sides, rears, sub, centre, etc.) incorporating the best deals that FS has right now on the Energy speakers?


I'd suggest going with the RC30's + SVS sub (www.sonicboomaudio.com) personally. Add RC10 for the rear or another pair of RC30, and a RC-LCR for the center. Unfortunately there are no deals on the matching RC-LCR, and the RC10. You *could* get away with the C500's as the rears and that would be workable, but you want the RC-LCR for the center for the best matching to the RC-30

I'd suggest you go for the RC30 over the C500 that's also on sale because the RC series is just a step above, and this is not something that gets obsolete and needs to be replaced. You can enjoy the RC30 for a decade or two.

As for whether the Energy's would be better, I'd say yes, but you should make that final determination. (return under FS's return policy if you don't find them all that better)

[wlee]

Audionoob here. Can anyone suggest an ideal set up (which fronts/sides, rears, sub, centre, etc.) incorporating the best deals that FS has right now on the Energy speakers?

Say the room is mid-size (around 13' x 15'), which I assume means that 5.1 (i.e., 2 fronts, 2 rears, 1 centre, 1 sub?) is the best way to go?

I currently have a pair of older B&W 200 series that I inherited that I'm happy with. Will these Energys be significantly better? Main uses would be for movies and non-rock/non-heavy metal music. Not looking to blow the windows out, but would like to hear all the noises that were intended to be heard!

Thanks so much.

Best value would be 2 pairs of RC-30, ESW-V8 for sub (50% off MSRP), and talk into a sales rep for better price for RC-LCR (center), got mine under $500, not bad :D

[ProfessorChaos]

Best value would be 2 pairs of RC-30, ESW-V8 for sub (50% off MSRP), and talk into a sales rep for better price for RC-LCR (center), got mine under $500, not bad :D


I suppose one could wait for a boxing day deal on a Velodyne DPS12B or DLS-5000R like last year, much better than an 8" (since it the response is probably down to 23hz or so with a 12"), even though it has a 200W RMS amp.

The RC-LCR is a steal for < $500.

[ShopperfiendTO]

Best value would be 2 pairs of RC-30, ESW-V8 for sub (50% off MSRP), and talk into a sales rep for better price for RC-LCR (center), got mine under $500, not bad :D

Thanks for the replies.

Would it be significantly better if instead of 2 pairs of the RC-30s I got 1 pair of the RC-50s (fronts) that are also on sale and 1 pair of the RC-30s (rear)? :cheesygri

How would the pair of RC-50/30 compare to B&W 200 series pair, since speakers don't generally become obsolete (unlike computers, lol)?

[bubble.tea]

...
Rosenut adds warmth

First time I hear that expression....:D

[bradb]

Aww, I already have the RC-10s and RC-LCR in black, and I've been waiting for a deal on these, but if it's for the non black models, I don't know if I'll pull the trigger :(

[bpopd]

Aww, I already have the RC-10s and RC-LCR in black, and I've been waiting for a deal on these, but if it's for the non black models, I don't know if I'll pull the trigger :(

who cares! you buy em for the sound!

[kelvin]

i have 5 different finish in my speaker system. and i'm looking for the 6th.:D

[audit13]

I've been using the RC-30 as my fr and fl speakers with an rc-mini as the cc. My rears are an old pair of Mirage floor speakers.

Personally, the RC-30s sound really nice and match up nicely with the rc-mini.

[bpopd]

I've been using the RC-30 as my fr and fl speakers with an rc-mini as the cc. My rears are an old pair of Mirage floor speakers.

Personally, the RC-30s sound really nice and match up nicely with the rc-mini.

what type of receiver are you running?

[audit13]

what type of receiver are you running?

I'm actually using an Onkyo 705 receiver for home theatre. I have a separate 2-channel system for music.

[bpopd]

I'm actually using an Onkyo 705 receiver for home theatre. I have a separate 2-channel system for music.

Very nice, Im tempted to get these RC-30's and just run them for two channel music.

[RHui_BC]

Thanks for the replies.

How would the pair of RC-50/30 compare to B&W 200 series pair, since speakers don't generally become obsolete (unlike computers, lol)?

I'd like to believe the B&W would sound better... but if i remember correctly the 200 series were just an entry level B&W. Maybe the x-over circuitry is better in the energy since its more modern... but I can't say from personal experience.

[RHui_BC]

I suppose one could wait for a boxing day deal on a Velodyne DPS12B or DLS-5000R like last year, much better than an 8" (since it the response is probably down to 23hz or so with a 12"), even though it has a 200W RMS amp.

The RC-LCR is a steal for < $500.

I'm sorry, the Velodyne DPS12B did not do well for me... in my opinion is not sub worthy of the Velodyne name. After buying and getting rid of it quickly, I discovered many other awesome subs.

Under $500cdn:
HSU (VTF-3 MK3) -> Large enclosure for deep excursions
SVS (PB10-NSD) -> very solid 10", one of the best I've ever used
Elemental Design (A3-300) -> currently using for my computer, awesome sub.

Overkill, $600 and up:
Elemental Design (A7S-450) -> This thing will not only break yer back, it will blow you away... great for hometheater, needs a BFD for music and room EQ for sure. If you got the room and forklift...
HSU VTF-3 HO Subwoofer with Turbocharger -> Crazy HT sub... simply amazing for a single 12", will reproduce anything u throw at it.
SVS PB12-Plus/2 -> thunderous dual 12" setup...

You have money to burn:
JL Fathom 113 -> one of the best subs (without the room/weight) ever made. Will do anything the above can do, with the digital amp and eq built into it.
ED A7 - 900 Subwoofer -> this thing eats small children for breakfast... I felt it like 2 houses away... not heard, felt...

[ProfessorChaos]

JL Fathom 113 -> one of the best subs (without the room/weight) ever made. Will do anything the above can do, with the digital amp and eq built into it.
ED A7 - 900 Subwoofer -> this thing eats small children for breakfast... I felt it like 2 houses away... not heard, felt...


Did you forget the Gotham as well? :P

JL Audio products always have been solid from their car audio products. Now their home theatre products starting with the ultra high end subs are awesome.

[RHui_BC]

Did you forget the Gotham as well? :P

JL Audio products always have been solid from their car audio products. Now their home theatre products starting with the ultra high end subs are awesome.

Haha riiight, the Gotham... that thing is just... droooool :P
If i had the money :P 12k sub... hahah 3800W RMS...

[wlee]

Haha riiight, the Gotham... that thing is just... droooool :P
If i had the money :P 12k sub... hahah 3800W RMS...

a minor earth quake is reported :cheesygri

[uddinf]

Question for all the audiophiles here:
I have a really old set of speakers from the early-mid 90s:

Fronts: Paradigm Monitor Series, Esprit model
Rears: Paradigm Performance Series, Titan model
(Center is an Infinity but I forgot the model)

Questions:
-Just wondering how these speakers would stack up to todays needs in a 5.1 setup mainly for TV and HD movies.
-How would these compare to the RC-30s?
-Is performance series better than Monitor series? If so, I was thinking of getting the RC-30s and using the Titans for the Rears. (and then also get a sub and centre) Would you recommend this type of setup? I'm not looking to spend too much extra money.

Thanks! :)

[robg]

Question for all the audiophiles here:
I have a really old set of speakers from the early-mid 90s:
... I'm not looking to spend too much extra money.

Thanks! :)

I don't think you'd be doing yourself any favors by mixing/matching brands. If you have a plan to switch to Energy in the longer term then sure, you could take advantage of a good deal now to get started.

[oc613]

sold out in 30 minutes.

shame it was only cherry, they don't appeal to me in that colour.

the black also looks really cheap IMO, had a look at them today in person.

maybe the rosenut will be restocked and lowered to 499$ as well.... ...I doubt it.

[goqcom]

Was hoping for the rosenut version to be offered at this price, but will try to make do.

Anyone know whether you can stain the veneers on these speakers?

[sportmiester]

Anyone got in on the deal? What shipping rate were you charged? It was supposed to be $29.99 when I checked out, but showed up as $59.98 on the final bill!

[robg]

Was hoping for the rosenut version to be offered at this price, but will try to make do.

Anyone know whether you can stain the veneers on these speakers?

Yikes! Veneer is probably quite thin... you might get away with a very light sanding at best - no belt sander, whatever you do. At least you'll be going from a light color to a dark so it might work.

[uddinf]

I was very tempted but decided to pass on it b/c although I can use the speakers now, they won't be in a complete setup (with new reciever and LCD)until next boxing day. Hopefully I made a good decision.

[txenglan]

Anyone got in on the deal? What shipping rate were you charged? It was supposed to be $29.99 when I checked out but showed us as $59.98 on the final bill!

I got charged the $59.98 as well...

[caprio]

It stated 29.99 shipping as well but I was surprised when I checked my order status after that it was 59.99. I suppose that there is one box each per speaker so they are charging the shipping twice. I remember my old Energy e-XL front speakers which are the same size as the RC-30s came in one big box. If the RC-30s come in one box, we should be only charged once for shipping. We'll have to wait and see. Still a good deal with the shipping.

[coolcoolfi]

OOS already. Sigh...

[NightRain]

It stated 29.99 shipping as well but I was surprised when I checked my order status after that it was 59.99. I suppose that there is one box each per speaker so they are charging the shipping twice. I remember my old Energy e-XL front speakers which are the same size as the RC-30s came in one big box. If the RC-30s come in one box, we should be only charged once for shipping. We'll have to wait and see. Still a good deal with the shipping.

They'll come in separate boxes. I ordered my Energy C-500's from online and they came in two separate boxes, in fact both speakers were delivered on seperate days. Box 2 of 2 came one day and box 1 of 2 came the next.

[drake21]

For anyone charged 59$ for shipping call FS Web support and tell them about it. I called and they adjusted my account so that I'm only charged 29$. They told me the system is double charging automatically because of the seperate speakers items.

[sportmiester]

They'll come in separate boxes. I ordered my Energy C-500's from online and they came in two separate boxes, in fact both speakers were delivered on seperate days. Box 2 of 2 came one day and box 1 of 2 came the next.

Which shipping company? I know for smaller items they use Canada Post, but what about bulky stuff? Thanks

[ProfessorChaos]

Which shipping company? I know for smaller items they use Canada Post, but what about bulky stuff? Thanks

they still use Canada Post.

[sportmiester]

they still use Canada Post.

Thanks.

For anyone charged 59$ for shipping call FS Web support and tell them about it. I called and they adjusted my account so that I'm only charged 29$. They told me the system is double charging automatically because of the seperate speakers items.

Good idea!

[NightRain]

Which shipping company? I know for smaller items they use Canada Post, but what about bulky stuff? Thanks

Canada Post

[g0lden0rchard]

RC-30 in Cherry still 36 available at 12:16 am

[jetway1212]

they still use Canada Post.

For big parcel, they use purolator.

Its back in stock. I just ordered 3.

[sportmiester]

Back in stock at time of posting! Glad to see they are restocking

[g0lden0rchard]

I wish they had the Rosenut

By the way - did you see the 8" sub? $300
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10096139&catid=10554

[goqcom]

Thanks for the tip, I just called and if things go as the customer support person suggests, then I should see a refund. Question is whether they will do this correctly or not, remains to be seen, but can't hurt to ask I guess.

For anyone charged 59$ for shipping call FS Web support and tell them about it. I called and they adjusted my account so that I'm only charged 29$. They told me the system is double charging automatically because of the seperate speakers items.

[ProfessorChaos]

Thanks for the tip, I just called and if things go as the customer support person suggests, then I should see a refund. Question is whether they will do this correctly or not, remains to be seen, but can't hurt to ask I guess.

Well for the people who ordered during the first stock of 100, they seem to have charged $59.98 as the shipping charge.

The orders that are going through after the re-stock are showing correct at $29.99, so I see no reason why they would refuse a credit back of $29.99+taxes.

[g0lden0rchard]

While the RC-30s are a good price the rest of the Energy line pricing is not that great

During the last sale I got the Rosenut package of RC-70 + ESW V10 + RC-LCR + RC-R + Denon 988 for $3,500. Today the speaker package without the receiver is $3,880

Now do I get the RC-30 in cherry for the bedroom?
Rosenut RC-30 would have been nice for rears but I guess I cant do that now

[jetway1212]

Well for the people who ordered during the first stock of 100, they seem to have charged $59.98 as the shipping charge.

The orders that are going through after the re-stock are showing correct at $29.99, so I see no reason why they would refuse a credit back of $29.99+taxes.

huh ? i just ordered and they still charged 59.99

But it showed 29.99 in cart b4 check out.

[WildThing]

Hi

I don't really need new speakers but it's very tempting. I don't really like the color of the cherry and they're a bit small (just the look). My other speakers are black and I have a 106" screen so I think that the cherry (the only available as I write this) could reflect to much light from my projector)

I currently have a 5.1 setup + 2 front effects speakers (good old Yamaha RX-V2095). I watch mostly movies. I currently have at front 2 Athena AS-F2.2 which also had terrific reviews for the price, many wrote that they were the best under $2,000). I know that it's from the same company but lower quality but I like the sound. The front however was crap and I replaced it with a good Polk Audio.

Would these RC-30 be really a lot better than my Athena AS-F2.2? The Athena are bigger and have 2 8" woofers. The Athena were at the top of the line while these RC-30 still have 2 big brothers above (RC-50 and RC-70)

But I have a HSU VTF-3 MKII with turbocharger to take care of the bass.

At this price, it's even tempting to order them just to hear both side-by-side and ressell or return them if it's not worth it.

My home theater is 14' x 19' in the basement.

Thanks for your advices.

Wild Thing

[GiOBoY]

I wish they had the Rosenut


Nuts nuts nuts - I was hoping for the Rosenut to be on sale too.

I guess this is a good enough excuse for me to pass up on this deal as it isn't in the color I would like and staining or refinishing isn't an option I would like to go through either. :lol:

[squeezee]

Would these RC-30 be really a lot better than my Athena AS-F2.2? The Athena are bigger and have 2 8" woofers. The Athena were at the top of the line while these RC-30 still have 2 big brothers above (RC-50 and RC-70)

But I have a HSU VTF-3 MKII with turbocharger to take care of the bass.

At this price, it's even tempting to order them just to hear both side-by-side and ressell or return them if it's not worth it.

I'd be interested to hear how the RC-30 and AS-F2.2s compare, you don't see many modern 2-way speaker designs which use an 8" driver. I would guess that the RC-30s sound better overall although they would have quite a bit less usable bass response as you noted.

I don't think the difference will be massive mind you, certainly less so for movies than regular stereo music listening.

[WildThing]

I'd be interested to hear how the RC-30 and AS-F2.2s compare, you don't see many modern 2-way speaker designs which use an 8" driver. I would guess that the RC-30s sound better overall although they would have quite a bit less usable bass response as you noted.

I don't think the difference will be massive mind you, certainly less so for movies than regular stereo music listening.

Thanks for the answer, I just save a few hundrews bucks (because after the RC-30, I would certainly want for the rest of the Connoisseur serie :)

I'm now in peace with myself but not buying this deal

Wild Thing

[sportmiester]

huh ? i just ordered and they still charged 59.99

But it showed 29.99 in cart b4 check out.


Just got the following reply from FS when I emailed them for an adjustment:


Please include the following line in all replies.
Tracking number: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Dear NNN:
We apologize for the confusion.
Our system charged you shipping for both speakers when it should have only charged the one shipping cost.
The second shipping cost will be refunded back to your credit card in 5-7 business days.
Thank you for visiting Futureshop.ca

Sincerely,
Customer Care
Future Shop

[radeonboy]

Please let me know how that turns out! I would love to know how energy stacks up to Paradigm. I've always considered the later to be the best brand around.

Easy there bud, there is a hell lot more better companies than Paradigm, although they are good enough for most folks.

[g0lden0rchard]

Sold out again

[squeezee]

Thanks for the answer, I just save a few hundrews bucks (because after the RC-30, I would certainly want for the rest of the Connoisseur serie :)

I'm now in peace with myself but not buying this deal

Wild Thing
Well this won't be the last time they have these speakers (or their big brothers) on sale for a similar price. I've seen the RC-30s for $499 and i believe the RC-50s for $799 last year around boxing day or during one of their days-of-deals things.

[caprio]

What's the cheapest that you have seen for the RC-LCR center speaker? It is on sale now for $599.99 at FS.

[fbrm]

I have them in Cherry. Real wood veneer (as opposed to vinyl). The cabinetry is as good as any speaker I have seen, including Totem.



Anyone have a photo of how the RC-30s look in the cherry veneer? Anyone actually have them in cherry at home?

Thanks!

[bpopd]

Anyone have a photo of how the RC-30s look in the cherry veneer? Anyone actually have them in cherry at home?

Thanks!

The finish on these Energy speakers are as good as top quality furniture.

[txenglan]

The finish on these Energy speakers are as good as top quality furniture.

True! In fact, I am planning to use mine as high-end, vibrating bar stools!

[bpopd]

True! In fact, I am planning to use mine as high-end, vibrating bar stools!

you've got me beat, Im just using mine as lumber...damn that speaker company for putting those circular useless pieces of plastic inside, and cutting up a perfectly good piece of wood.

[bpopd]

True! In fact, I am planning to use mine as high-end, vibrating bar stools!

you've got me beat, Im just using mine as firewood...high end finishes help aid the burning process, but those damn speaker magnets keep exploding.

[txenglan]

you've got me beat, Im just using mine as firewood...high end finishes help aid the burning process, but those damn speaker magnets keep exploding.

Great idea since I hear that fire is non-directional! Might I also point out that you could have said that you were using yours as (drum roll) ...."timbre" :lol:

[Euphoric]

Energy makes a great product!

[sportmiester]

Well this won't be the last time they have these speakers (or their big brothers) on sale for a similar price. I've seen the RC-30s for $499 and i believe the RC-50s for $799 last year around boxing day or during one of their days-of-deals things.

The RC-50s for $799 would be a great deal

[bluetroll]

can't wait for my rc30s to come in...

will be powering them off a yamaha 663 receiver.

[txenglan]

2001 model Harman Kardon 120 here. Still love it.

[maimin_matty]

hopefully these will be on sale again. I just didn't have enough money saved up and if I got these I'd need a new sub and new....

[bpopd]

hopefully these will be on sale again. I just didn't have enough money saved up and if I got these I'd need a new sub and new....

haha don't fret, it's not a big deal.
I would save up for those RC-50's while you get the chance.

They have dual 6 1/2'' drivers which will be plenty of bass, and should sound a lot better than the RC-30's.

[tkbl]

Only one speaker arrived today. Is it why they double the shipping charge? Aren't these supposed to be sold as matching pairs?

[crempel]

I also ordered these, but have not received any shipping info yet. I hope they are sent soon as we are leaving on vacation next week. Do other people have their's shipped already?

[ahcash]

Any chance that the price is for 1 speaker only.. I didn't see "1 pair" anywhere.

[tkbl]

I got one earlier today. Called them and the CSR gave me another tracking number. He has no idea when the other one will be shipped and cannot tell me the correct shipping charge. Very disappointed about the whole process. Too bad there is no ISPU.

[ProfessorChaos]

Any chance that the price is for 1 speaker only.. I didn't see "1 pair" anywhere.

More Information

Please Note: This product is sold in pairs. When added to your cart, the 2nd speaker will be added at no additional charge.

[bluetroll]

nice, now we just need to wait for fs to ship it out!!! c'mon canadapost!

[txenglan]

I have two Canada Post delivery cards in my mail today but was too lazy to drive to the post office after getting home. I assume that they are both for the speakers.

[Redmen62]

Good to heart there's some deliveries being made already, even as singles!

I have a JVC RX-7042s receiver that I purchased when I was working at Future Shop a couple of years ago- any thoughts on whether this receiver will be enough to drive the RC-30's?

On the one hand it's a "cheap" receiver (retailed for about $400, iirc). But the numbers actually look pretty solid, power-wise...

http://support.jvc.com/consumer/product.jsp?modelId=MODL027171&pathId=5&page=1&archive=true

[fbrm]

Looks like they will all be shipped under two tracking numbers, so two boxes., most likely over the course of a few days. Anyone get two boxes at once?

[caprio]

I received both speakers in two boxes just before 1 pm today. My packing slip lists two shipping charges:

$29.99
$33.89

I don't know why it would $33.89 but when I called FS web support, they said that they would credit me one of the shipping charges. I will look into this further.

[tkbl]

Just finished unpacking the single speaker I got and the fit and finish is top rated. The Chinese factory really did a good job. They even give you some nicely machined spikes which I have to pay extra for my old V2.8. Hope the other one is coming soon since it is not fun to listen in mono. My only concern is some distintive wood grain pattern and it will not be matching on the other speaker if they are not pairing them.

[Jon Lai]

I received both speakers in two boxes just before 1 pm today. My packing slip lists two shipping charges:

$29.99
$33.89

I don't know why it would $33.89 but when I called FS web support, they said that they would credit me one of the shipping charges. I will look into this further.

Probably the taxes.

[caprio]

I opened my pair last night to test them against my old Energy e-XL 25 speakers which are almost identical in size to the RC-30s. The wood grain is definately different on the two speakers but I think it is less of an issue once you put the black grill on since most of the front is covered.

The workmanship is fantastic and they look very high end. The woofers remind my of the look of some of the higher end B & W speakers.

These speakers at first sounded softer than my old Energys. I think they need more amplifier power (current) than an average speaker to get the right sound out but my Marantz receiver has enough juice. The RC-30s sounded much more natural than my old e-XL 25s. I was impressed.

The speakers also come with a port styrofoam plug. I read in a review that the bass may sound a bit heavy in a smaller room (non-pro review). You simply put the plug in behind the speaker and the bass is decreased.

In my room, they sounded great and I am very happy with this purchase.

Now if only the RC-LCR (centre) comes down in price!

[tkbl]

My other speaker came in today and I hook them up and compare them to some other speakers in the house. Unfortunately, I think the RC-30 look better than they sound. The high and mid sound very polite and almost restrain and the bass is a bit lose. By comparsion the RC-10 are more lively and balance sounding. Somehow adding the extra driver has mess up the balance on the RC-30. When compare to the Athena F2.2, the Athena sound much fuller and exciting. For $500, its a still a good deal although not as much of a bargain as the F2.2. But for the over $1,000 original price there are better choices.

[sportmiester]

My other speaker came in today and I hook them up and compare them to some other speakers in the house. Unfortunately, I think the RC-30 look better than they sound. The high and mid sound very polite and almost restrain and the bass is a bit lose. By comparsion the RC-10 are more lively and balance sounding. Somehow adding the extra driver has mess up the balance on the RC-30. When compare to the Athena F2.2, the Athena sound much fuller and exciting. For $500, its a still a good deal although not as much of a bargain as the F2.2. But for the over $1,000 original price there are better choices.

Hopefully they'll sound much better after some breaking in

[tkbl]

Playing them for several hours non-stop now. The mid and high still sound shut in but the bass are getting better. Strange that I don't have the shut in a box sound with the RC-10 right from the start as they use the same drivers. The speakers are fairly heavy so there should be enough bracing inside.

[caprio]

tkbl,

Did you try to use the port plug that came with the speakers? They are supposed to improve the accuracy of the bass at the expense of decreased bass output so that could make the speakers more balanced.

I only tried my speakers for about 30 minutes but I didn't have my cds (all packed) so I could only test them with a classical music cd which doesn't have much bass. Hope they will sound better with more break in.

[tkbl]

I will try the plug but the bass is not the main problem in my room. Anything with a kick drum sound punchy enough if not a bit single noted. The lack of openness of the mid and high is what annoyed me. The RC-10 image well but with the RC-30, the sound is clearly coming from the boxes. Even the tonal balance is drier with the RC-30. They use the same tweeters so the specification for high frequency extension should be the same yet the RC-10 high is more airy. I may be asking too much for $500 but the other speakers that I got from API have all been better than my expectation.

[zenzen]

I will try the plug but the bass is not the main problem in my room. Anything with a kick drum sound punchy enough if not a bit single noted. The lack of openness of the mid and high is what annoyed me. The RC-10 image well but with the RC-30, the sound is clearly coming from the boxes. Even the tonal balance is drier with the RC-30. They use the same tweeters so the specification for high frequency extension should be the same yet the RC-10 high is more airy. I may be asking too much for $500 but the other speakers that I got from API have all been better than my expectation.

That's disappointing. Still, I don't doubt that's what you're hearing. In my room (and equipment and ears), there's almost zero of that boxy sound you describe. In the end, only your ears (in you room, with your other equipment) are the final judge. It doesn't matter how good the expert (or forum) reviews are or how impressive the specs are.

At least you can send them back (or sell them!).

I must try the rc-10 one day.

[KennyC]

I will try the plug but the bass is not the main problem in my room. Anything with a kick drum sound punchy enough if not a bit single noted. The lack of openness of the mid and high is what annoyed me. The RC-10 image well but with the RC-30, the sound is clearly coming from the boxes. Even the tonal balance is drier with the RC-30. They use the same tweeters so the specification for high frequency extension should be the same yet the RC-10 high is more airy. I may be asking too much for $500 but the other speakers that I got from API have all been better than my expectation.

may i ask...what amp are you using with the RC30's? it could be an amp issue (underpowered perhaps).

i remember when i first got my Energy C6's, i thought i had a 'problem' with them. when i brought them back to retailer, they connected it to a 2-channel yamaha power amp (2X200+ watts), and the speakers sounded much better than when connected to my amp at the time. i think i had a denon avr3300 at the time. (oh and yes i am aware yamaha's are considered 'bright' and denon's are 'warm' :) )

[tkbl]

The amp is a Chinese made Yaqin tube intergrated using a pair of KT-88 per side. It sound wonderful with the RC-10 and even the F2.2. I did try filling the bass port with some drinking straw instead of the bass plug. That help to tune the bass a bit without making it into a sealed box. Do try the RC-10 as I believe they are the better speakers.

[noway]

The amp is a Chinese made Yaqin tube intergrated using a pair of KT-88 per side. It sound wonderful with the RC-10 and even the F2.2. ..

Tried changing taps on the amp?

Maybe also related to the room. I find my small Mission 2-way monitors sound a lot better (more involving, more detail, better pace) than the floorstanding Vandersteen 2CE I used to have in the same room.

[txenglan]

Just set my RC-30s up a few hours ago and used them casually for a few hours. Didn't do any serious listening (and likely won't for the next 100 hours or so as prescribed by the manual) but noticed that these have similar tonal and acoustic characteristics as the old 7SE Paradigm speakers I have. I did seem to find that my attention was being drawn to the speakers in a way that has already been mentioned in this thread. This has never been the case with my 7SEs. It's as if the overall stereo "image" is being broken in that the listener is constantly reminded that the sound is coming from speakers and not from the musical/sound matter of the source. Given the description of the way in which the manufacturer describes what is taking place during the "breaking in" period, I can imagine this flawed "imaging" to improve over time but this remains to be heard.

Will update with more feedback later.

[warpdrive]

Definitely give them more time to break in. The one thing about the RC series is that they tend to need more space around them to sound "3D". Their dispersion is very good so they can't be placed close to walls or furniture otherwise you'll get interaction from the room which muddies the image.

[bluetroll]

i've put about 20hrs on them already.... i think they sound better everytime i listen.... i can't wait until the 100hrs.

[Drew_W]

100-200 hours maybe for amps and electronics.... My current speakers were dealer demos that I bought with 200 hours on them and they sounded like ass (I was upgrading from a lower model in the same line)....they took about another 300 hours to break in fully, so 500 hours total. In my experience, it does take a while, esp with speakers.

[txenglan]

Hmmm....it is going to be hard to get that many hours before the last day of 30 day return policy of FS. Despite the fact that mine are good, they are not good enough to warrant spending the cash on them (even with the discount). If I don't start hearing some promising changes in them over the next week or so, they will unfortunately have to go back. One thing is for sure though, they do look a lot sexier than my haggard old Paradigms :)

[maimin_matty]

is it possible you just got slightly defective speakers? Makes me think that $500 isn't such a great deal after all if they sound off.

[txenglan]

is it possible you just got slightly defective speakers? Makes me think that $500 isn't such a great deal after all if they sound off.

Given my luck, yes but I don't think that these actually are defective. I have tested other speakers over the years and have always stayed with my Paradigms. I have heard speakers that would make me give mine up but they going for far more than I wanted to pay. I don't think it is my "emotional" attachment or bias towards the 7Se's either as I have had other people do blindfold tests on mine vs others and they have all picked the Paradigms over any others (including speakers in the $1000+ range). In any case, there are so many variables that could cause my Paradigms to sound very good compared to other speakers. The receiver I use is one of those and I haven't upgraded it in 7 years.

[Drew_W]

Hmmm....it is going to be hard to get that many hours before the last day of 30 day return policy of FS. Despite the fact that mine are good, they are not good enough to warrant spending the cash on them (even with the discount). If I don't start hearing some promising changes in them over the next week or so, they will unfortunately have to go back. One thing is for sure though, they do look a lot sexier than my haggard old Paradigms :)

That's 20 days straight of playing. Hook one speaker up properly, hook the other up with inverse polarity (black/red, red/black) and put them facing each other, grilles off, about 4-6 inches apart. Leave the radio on (music station) or put a CD on repeat. Fastest way to break in speakers. Doing the polarity and facing thing cancels out much of the sound waves so even though the speakers are playing loud on their own (good for breakin), one cancels much of the other so the net effect isn't deafening.

[txenglan]

That's 20 days straight of playing. Hook one speaker up properly, hook the other up with inverse polarity (black/red, red/black) and put them facing each other, grilles off, about 4-6 inches apart. Leave the radio on (music station) or put a CD on repeat. Fastest way to break in speakers. Doing the polarity and facing thing cancels out much of the sound waves so even though the speakers are playing loud on their own (good for breakin), one cancels much of the other so the net effect isn't deafening.

I think I have heard of this method before. Sounds very interesting! Have you done this? If so, with what type of speakers and with what sort of results (first impressions compared to what you heard after the 20 days)?

[tkbl]

Anybody get a refund for the double shipping charge? My CC was charged $628.87 even after talking to their CSR twice right after the order. Will FS deduct the shipping cost from the refund if I decide to return the speakers? I cannot find that out from their returm policy. Anyway, they also say that you have to return the "NEW" and "UNUSED" item for refund and I wonder if they are serious about that. I really want to like the speakers but it seems to me that is not going to happen.

[zenzen]

Given my luck, yes but I don't think that these actually are defective. I have tested other speakers over the years and have always stayed with my Paradigms. I have heard speakers that would make me give mine up but they going for far more than I wanted to pay. I don't think it is my "emotional" attachment or bias towards the 7Se's either as I have had other people do blindfold tests on mine vs others and they have all picked the Paradigms over any others (including speakers in the $1000+ range). In any case, there are so many variables that could cause my Paradigms to sound very good compared to other speakers. The receiver I use is one of those and I haven't upgraded it in 7 years.

I'd send them back and not look back. A couple of years ago I picked up an perfect used pair of Totem Hawk for a great price. I tried to live with them for a few weeks, but ... Yeah. Beautiful speakers, amazing price, but in my setup and room, they didn't do much for me. I sold them soon after that. Glad I did.

[txenglan]

I'd send them back and not look back. A couple of years ago I picked up an perfect used pair of Totem Hawk for a great price. I tried to live with them for a few weeks, but ... Yeah. Beautiful speakers, amazing price, but in my setup and room, they didn't do much for me. I sold them soon after that. Glad I did.

Thanks for the advice. I have a feeling that you are right and that I won't end up being convinced by them, even after the break-in period. In any case, they are still a good deal and I have friends that need to start building a new HT so they may want to buy these.

[warpdrive]

If you have some friends you could keep them for, it's worth it to keep them but yeah otherwise, don't keep them if they aren't magic for you. The RC's are great speakers but they have to "sing to you" when you hear them. You need to have them sound good to YOU in YOUR room. Since you do have 30 days, I'd keep them around and see if they grow on you.

[txenglan]

If you have some friends you could keep them for, it's worth it to keep them but yeah otherwise, don't keep them if they aren't magic for you. The RC's are great speakers but they have to "sing to you" when you hear them. You need to have them sound good to YOU in YOUR room. Since you do have 30 days, I'd keep them around and see if they grow on you.

When you say "sing to you", what sort of variables have you run into with this? I assume that the variables in question are the same old ones as usual;

personal taste
how they are driven (what sort of amp etc...)
where they are placed relative to other furniture/room fixtures and how big the room is
how broken-in they are
what sort of musical/sound material is primarily used
some variability in the speakers themselves

Have you heard one set of one particular RCs that sounded bad on one occasion but sounded good on another occasion with a change of any of the above or do you just generally enjoy the RCs on all occasions? Very curious to hear more of your perspective on these.

[warpdrive]

Have you heard one set of one particular RCs that sounded bad on one occasion but sounded good on another occasion with a change of any of the above or do you just generally enjoy the RCs on all occasions? Very curious to hear more of your perspective on these.

I've heard the RC's sound amazing and "meh" at different occasions. I heard the RC70's and they were a disappointment, the sound was too big and brash in the room I heard them in. Yes, it depends on all the variables you stated, and it can also depend on your mood. I think the RC's are a competent speakers, and great value. At these prices, they are tremendous value, but they are not the last word on speakers in this price range.

The Energy RC series, like Paradigms you own, were designed to have flat response in an anechoic room. But once you place it into a real room, the speakers starts to interact with the room, and that is where speakers that seem to measure well start to diverge. For the most part, you are hearing mostly the colorations that are imparted by the room, factored with in the signature of the music you are listening to, as well as everything else in the chain, which combined presents a certain sonic picture.

So for you, if you find the Paradigms more musical, it may be exactly that, the speakers resolve the music in a more pleasing way. I own some B&W's which actually measure pretty poorly, but in my room, they sound very lush, and always "bring me closer to the music". Maybe the Energy speakers just don't work in your room at all, but since you do have them, give them a chance, but don't keep them if you don't find them an improvement.

I was actually going to buy these myself and pit them against my more expensive speakers for a extended shootout, but I didn't want the cherry colour, and it would have been wrong to order them with no intention of keeping them.

[wlee]

I was actually going to buy these myself and pit them against my more expensive speakers for a extended shootout, but I didn't want the cherry colour, and it would have been wrong to order them with no intention of keeping them.

just in case you don't know, the photo on FS even Energy's web site is way off, it's actually much darker and much nicer IMO, see http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14224741#post14224741

[warpdrive]

yeah, I know what it really looks like.

[txenglan]

I've heard the RC's sound amazing and "meh" at different occasions. I heard the RC70's and they were a disappointment, the sound was too big and brash in the room I heard them in. Yes, it depends on all the variables you stated, and it can also depend on your mood. I think the RC's are a competent speakers, and great value. At these prices, they are tremendous value, but they are not the last word on speakers in this price range.

The Energy RC series, like Paradigms you own, were designed to have flat response in an anechoic room. But once you place it into a real room, the speakers starts to interact with the room, and that is where speakers that seem to measure well start to diverge. For the most part, you are hearing mostly the colorations that are imparted by the room, factored with in the signature of the music you are listening to, as well as everything else in the chain, which combined presents a certain sonic picture.

So for you, if you find the Paradigms more musical, it may be exactly that, the speakers resolve the music in a more pleasing way. I own some B&W's which actually measure pretty poorly, but in my room, they sound very lush, and always "bring me closer to the music". Maybe the Energy speakers just don't work in your room at all, but since you do have them, give them a chance, but don't keep them if you don't find them an improvement.

I was actually going to buy these myself and pit them against my more expensive speakers for a extended shootout, but I didn't want the cherry colour, and it would have been wrong to order them with no intention of keeping them.

Warpdrive,

Thanks for all your feedback! Good insight and well worth reading your posts.

[Redmen62]

Well, I received my speakers yesterday. And I absolutely freakin' love them.

Fit and finish is, like everyone mentions, outstanding. Although, if I hadn't stopped by my local FS the other day to check them out, I would have been a little disappointed (at least initially) in how small they are.

Sound quality- particularly mid and high end- is simply outstanding, to my ear. The word people have used for the high end- along with "detailed"- is "refined", which I totally agree with. These speakers inspire chills when listening to my favorite acoustic/vocal recordings.

Downsides? Well, we're still well within the break-in period, but bass performance (while solid) doesn't blow me away. I don't really know what to expect in this regard- my "ideal" low end is likely not available from tower speakers of this size anyway (I love a well mic'd kick drum- I'm not looking for mega-bass).

Long story short, these are already the best audio purchase I've ever made (and I've made plenty). I'm hearing new things in songs that I've listened to dozens/hundreds of times before, which is just about priceless for me.

[jetway1212]

Well, I received my speakers yesterday. And I absolutely freakin' love them.

Fit and finish is, like everyone mentions, outstanding. Although, if I hadn't stopped by my local FS the other day to check them out, I would have been a little disappointed (at least initially) in how small they are.

Sound quality- particularly mid and high end- is simply outstanding, to my ear. The word people have used for the high end- along with "detailed"- is "refined", which I totally agree with. These speakers inspire chills when listening to my favorite acoustic/vocal recordings.

Downsides? Well, we're still well within the break-in period, but bass performance (while solid) doesn't blow me away. I don't really know what to expect in this regard- my "ideal" low end is likely not available from tower speakers of this size anyway (I love a well mic'd kick drum- I'm not looking for mega-bass).

Long story short, these are already the best audio purchase I've ever made (and I've made plenty). I'm hearing new things in songs that I've listened to dozens/hundreds of times before, which is just about priceless for me.

No offense, but you must have owned some really shietty speakers. Claiming the RC-30 sounds priceless really makes me think you havent really auditioned many speakers then.

Altho speakers do have the personal taste factor, but only to a certain extend. You should audition some mirage OM design and paradigm studio.

[Redmen62]

No offense, but you must have owned some really shietty speakers. Claiming the RC-30 sounds priceless really makes me think you havent really auditioned many speakers then.

Altho speakers do have the personal taste factor, but only to a certain extend. You should audition some mirage OM design and paradigm studio.

Please review what I wrote. I said that hearing things I had never heard before (an experience) was just about priceless. I did not describe the RC-30 (a product) as priceless.

I stand by what I've said. These are the best speakers I've ever heard. While I haven't listened to many truly high end home theatre speakers, I have worked as a DJ, home theatre salesperson, and as a musician.

I like these ones the best. Why is that a problem?

[bluetroll]

Please review what I wrote. I said that hearing things I had never heard before (an experience) was just about priceless. I did not describe the RC-30 (a product) as priceless.

I stand by what I've said. These are the best speakers I've ever heard. While I haven't listened to many truly high end home theatre speakers, I have worked as a DJ, home theatre salesperson, and as a musician.

I like these ones the best. Why is that a problem?

there are just too many haters.

these are great speakers.... the bass gets better as you get more hours on them...

[fbrm]

Anyone else happy with these speakers? One box came in smashed, I had to return them :(.

[soupnazi]

That sucks and I'm sorry to hear that. Futureshop's "paid" shipping is horrible. Same thing happened when I got some Athena speakers a few years back. I hate these web only deals that make you pay for shady shipping. You'd love the speakers if they arrived in proper new condition.

[fbrm]

For 499, what are the audiophile's recommendations for comparable speakers? With the economy and jobs tanking, is this really a good deal? Is it even possible to get something comparable for 500? Just asking as I had to return mine and am wondering what choices I have.

[txenglan]

My 30 days is up on Wednesday and I am not sure I can part with these now :o I am starting to like these speakers but they are still changing and I feel that I need more time. Not sure what I will do :mad:

[fbrm]

Are you saying you are noticing them change in sound? How much can they change? Have you double/triple checked your wiring ie. neg and pos must match, I am sure you have already but there is mention of this in the manual, if one of them are reversed it may sound muddy and not alive.

[txenglan]

Are you saying you are noticing them change in sound? How much can they change? Have you double/triple checked your wiring ie. neg and pos must match, I am sure you have already but there is mention of this in the manual, if one of them are reversed it may sound muddy and not alive.

I didn't mean that they are changing in a bad way rather, that they are improving as they go through their break-in cycle. The change is subtle but noticeable enough that these speakers are now rivaling aspects of my other loved pair of speakers. Previous to the change that has gradually been taking place, there didn't seem to be much of a comparison as my trusty Paradigms seemed to kick Energy butt in every way. This is no longer the case and I may have to concede that the Energy's may turn out to be superior in a number of ways. In any case, I have decided to hold on to mine with a worst case scenario of selling them at a slight loss if I change my mind down the road.