Bookshelf Speaker Final Decision

[trambach]

So I think i'm going to buy the Energy RC-10's--- I just found then on sale for $299.00/pair. Should I buy them?


Runner ups are

Paradigm Atoms v.6
B&W 685
Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE

 

[DJ in TX]

So I think i'm going to buy the Energy RC-10's--- I just found then on sale for $299.00/pair. Should I buy them?


Runner ups are

Paradigm Atoms v.6
B&W 685
Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE

I can't speak for the other speakers you list, but I have had my Atoms for a few days now, and love them Extremely happy with their sound in my house. Have you listened to all of these models in person? If so, you should pick the one that sounds best. If you haven't listened yet, then not sure how you will know.

 

[GO-NAD!]

That's a good price. I own RC-10's, have Monitor 9's and once had Monitor 7's (both V5) and have a CC-290 (v6).

I have listened to the Atoms and the 685's before and they are good speakers. I would rate the RC-10's higher than the Atoms and equivalent to the 685's. I haven't heard the Ascends though, so I can't make an educated comment. What do you plan to use them for?

 

[trambach]

That's a good price. I own RC-10's, have Monitor 9's and once had Monitor 7's (both V5) and have a CC-290 (v6).

I have listened to the Atoms and the 685's before and they are good speakers. I would rate the RC-10's higher than the Atoms and equivalent to the 685's. I haven't heard the Ascends though, so I can't make an educated comment. What do you plan to use them for?

I plan to use them for stereo listening. Mainly classical and jazz. I was first leaning towards floor-standing, but i realize that for the amount of my budget it was better to spend more and high end bookshelf then mediocre floor-standings.

Now since you said you own a pair of the Energy RC-10's, i'm also looking for a stand for them, the one that Vanns recommend seems to be inadequate due to only supporting up to 20 pounds and the Energy RC-10's are 27 pounds...

 

[trambach]

Another question I have is about bi-wiring, since i noticed on the RC-10's they are two terminals. Do you recommend doing that? If so how would I set this up on my integrated amplifier? Would I double up the wires on the A speakers, or would I put one to A set and one to B set?

Also I may in the future plan to hook up a sub, and unlike HT receivers, integrated stereo amplifiers don't have a dedicated sub out. Would I branch off one of the speakers on the back of the integrated amp? or would I plug the sub into one of the speaker terminals?


Sorry i'm neophyte aspiring audiophile...got to learn somewhere lol

Thanks

 

[jamie2112]

Another question I have is about bi-wiring, since i noticed on the RC-10's they are two terminals. Do you recommend doing that? If so how would I set this up on my integrated amplifier? Would I double up the wires on the A speakers, or would I put one to A set and one to B set?

Also I may in the future plan to hook up a sub, and unlike HT receivers, integrated stereo amplifiers don't have a dedicated sub out. Would I branch off one of the speakers on the back of the integrated amp? or would I plug the sub into one of the speaker terminals?


Sorry i'm neophyte aspiring audiophile...got to learn somewhere lol

Thanks

I would NOT bi-wire.It won't make a bit of difference.Just use A speakers red and black.On your speakers connect the 2 sets of terminals together by using spare speaker wire.All you do is jump from red to red and black to black on the terminals.Then from your amp to only 1 set of terminals on the speakers.

 

[jostenmeat]

So I think i'm going to buy the Energy RC-10's--- I just found then on sale for $299.00/pair. Should I buy them?


Runner ups are

Paradigm Atoms v.6
B&W 685
Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE

Buy all of them and sell the losers?

Well, Ascend still has some b-stock left at $260. You can return within a month if not to your satisfaction. Or you can keep them up to a year, and trade them in at full value for an upgrade.

How about an Energy vs Ascend face off? Both are reputed companies known for good value. Since I've only heard the Ascend, that's what I would go for.

http://www.ascendacoustics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=BASK&Store_Code=AD&Action=ADPR&Product_Code=9CB17SBM2BS&Attributes=Yes&Quantity=1

 

[GO-NAD!]

I plan to use them for stereo listening. Mainly classical and jazz. I was first leaning towards floor-standing, but i realize that for the amount of my budget it was better to spend more and high end bookshelf then mediocre floor-standings.

Now since you said you own a pair of the Energy RC-10's, i'm also looking for a stand for them, the one that Vanns recommend seems to be inadequate due to only supporting up to 20 pounds and the Energy RC-10's are 27 pounds...

I make my own stands and if you're at all handy, so should you. They're just about the easiest DIY project in home audio. Then, you could make them the perfect height for you and your speakers.

 

[GO-NAD!]

I would NOT bi-wire.It won't make a bit of difference.Just use A speakers red and black.On your speakers connect the 2 sets of terminals together by using spare speaker wire.All you do is jump from red to red and black to black on the terminals.Then from your amp to only 1 set of terminals on the speakers.

I second that...

 

[Porschetech]

i actually like the monitor audio rs1's

 

[jliedeka]

You probably won't need to add a jumper to the speakers. When they come with two sets of inputs, there is usually a jumper already in place. If you don't see a piece of metal connecting the reds and blacks, then you will need to jumper them.

I agree that bi-wiring is mostly a waste of time. All you need is decent speaker wire, 10-16 gauge depending on the distance. For most applications, 12 ga wire is more than adequate.

If I were selecting from those choices, I'd probably go with the Ascends but I haven't heard any of those.

Jim