Axiom vs Energy RC series

[JohnDi]

Hello,

I am looking for some advice on speakers for my new HT that I am in the process of building, I am to the point where I am ready to drop some money on the speakers for the system and I am looking for some advice. My budget for the speakers is in the 2200 - 2800 range, that will get me a set of Energy RC-70s with the RC-R rears and the 12 inch sub, I have also been looking at the Axiom Epic 60-350 setup. I would also be open to other suggestions. Thanks in advance for any advice.

BTY My receiver is a Onkyo SR-674 7.1

 

[AVRat]

What are the dimensions of your HT space? For the money, you may want to consider a better sub from HSU or SVS. The RC-70/50s both have 4ohm impedance which may present a problem to your receiver. The RC-30s would be a good option. A Polk RTi8/CSi5/Fxi3 combo or Ascend Acoustics 340s for fronts combined with either Def Tech BP2Xs/Polk Fxi3s for surrounds with the previous subs I mentioned should fit the budget.

 

[JohnDi]

My HT space is 14 feet wide by about 22 feet long, basement so the hight is about 7'6"

 

[billy p]

My 2 cents. I've heard the RC 50's. The axiom I have not heard. The RC 70 is closer to the m80's as are the 50's to the m60's. My audition of the rc50's was by chance and I love their sound. The 50's or 70's would easily fill your room for music. I read somewhere that the RC line was designed more for H/T then for music but you couldn't convince me of that. Whatever you choose the HSU & SVS referral gets my vote as well. However, I also heard the polk RTi8's and the rc50's are MUCH better although they cost more.

Hope this helps, Billy p
One more thing the rc's do very well in wide room designs.

 

[apatel25314]

you could always but a 7.0 epic 80 system for about 2200 and then spent that other 600 bucks on a sub from hsu or svs

 

[B5I8]

I'd go with Ascend Acoustics 340 SE's all they way around and spend whatever you have left on a sub from SVS or Hsu.

 

[edmcanuck]

For the money, you may want to consider a better sub from HSU or SVS. The RC-70/50s both have 4ohm impedance which may present a problem to your receiver.

You may want to check your facts. The entire RC line are 8 Ohm. Their impedance curves don't go anywhere near 4. They're also very efficient... the 50 and 70 moreso than the 30s. So they'll be easier to drive.

I agree an SVS/HSU sub is a good idea.

 

[Wid]

Actually the RC-70s do dip down in the 4 ohm region around 150hz then again in the 1k range.

 

[PENG]

Actually the RC-70s do dip down in the 4 ohm region around 150hz then again in the 1k range.

Wid, thanks for the link, any chance you can provide a link to the review itself? (Found it, thanks anyway)

On a quick glance of the curves, I noticed the following:

1) According to specs, sensitivity is 92 dB anechoic, measurements show 87.5 dB, that's quite a discrepancy.

2) On axis frequency response looks excellent.

3) Dips in impedance in the mid bass frequencies.

4) Electrical phase shift (> 30 degrees at times) also in the mid bass frequencies.

1), 3), and 4) would indicate that the RC-70 is not that easy (not too hard neither) to drive. Still, a 200WPC amp would be a good idea. I have not auditioned the RC-70, but based on the specs I am afraid to do so. It likely will sound just as good as my Veritas, at a much lower cost.

 

[Wid]

Here ya go Whoops, I see ya already found it.

 

[AVRat]

Good catch edmcanuck, sorry folks I misread the spec sheet.

 

[PENG]

The RC-70 and M60 are both 8 ohm (nominal) speakers but thanks to Wid for the link, looking at those impedance/electrical phase vs. frequency curves, the RC-70 will love power. I still think 200 WPC, at least for the R/L front speakers is needed for the RC-70 to perform its best. That is not to say the Onkyo cannot do the job, but it will most likely do a better job with the Axioms.

 

[billy p]

I have not heard the Veritas simply can't afford them. I have auditioned the RC's and like them alot and many Energy owners have echoed that the two lines sound close. With that in mind I would take the Veritas in a heartbeat over the RC's(& OTHERS) if only for music.

 

[JohnDi]

Thanks to everyone for the advice. I am about two weeks away from making my purchase and it is very helpful to have assistance