Energy RC-30/50 vs CF-30/50

[ffejeff224]

So I have been looking around at some towers to replace my L/R front Energy Take Classics and I have stubbled across these four speakers. I currenty have a 5.1 system subwoofer, and am looking to make it a 7.1. I haven't been able to find a lot of discussion on this so I am looking for some peoples opinions on what speaker would be the best. So far I am leaning towards the RC-30's because I found them for $400 a pair where the CF-30's are $600 a pair. The RC-50's I found for $675 a pair where the CF-50's are $800 a pair. Because I already have a subwoofer I am not really sure that it is worth it for me to spend more money on the 50's just to get a little bit more base.

Another speaker on my list is the EMP e55ti. It has really caught my eye in the reviews and under $1000 showdown that Audioholics did.

Please give me any opinions as to what would be the best choice.

 

[its phillip]

I'd take the RC over the CF in a heartbeat, especially for lower prices...but you should replace your center as well since that take center will not keep up.

 

[ffejeff224]

Yeah, I hadn't said that, but I will eventually be replacing my center channel as well. Until then I may just have to deal with it.

 

[GO-NAD!]

If you're interested in the RC series (and that is the route I would take, given those two choices), you should probably hop on sooner, rather than later, because I think they may be out of production and replaced by the new Veritas series.

 

[sholling]

Yeah, I hadn't said that, but I will eventually be replacing my center channel as well. Until then I may just have to deal with it.

Discontinued items so you'll pretty much have to get the center and mains at the same time or chance never having a matched set.

 

[ffejeff224]

Discontinued items so you'll pretty much have to get the center and mains at the same time or chance never having a matched set.

Is it really important to make sure the center and the front L/R speakers match perfectly or could I get another center channel? I have found the RC-LCR for $280... but that seems kind of high seeing as the RC-30's are only $199 a speaker.

 

[its phillip]

Well, you could get another RC-30 or you could try to find an RC-10 or a RC-Mini-CC. $280 is a great price on the RC-LCR though.

 

[ffejeff224]

Okay... well I thought I found and rc-lcr at vanns... but apparently they don't carry it anymore and I can't find it anywhere. So, if I can't get the LCR should I still go with the RC's. I really like the price on the RC-30's so I would prefer to get those. How important is it to match the center perfectly?

 

[alphaiii]

Is it really important to make sure the center and the front L/R speakers match perfectly or could I get another center channel? I have found the RC-LCR for $280... but that seems kind of high seeing as the RC-30's are only $199 a speaker.

That's a very good price for a LCR.... they're tough to find now as it is... and have been selling for more that that used.

The RC-30 pricing is exceptionally good, so don't base the price of the LCR of the price of the 30's.

Like others, I'd take the RC over the CF... but you'd be best to get the LCR now... or you'll have to be patient to find a used one later...

 

[alphaiii]

Okay... well I thought I found and rc-lcr at vanns... but apparently they don't carry it anymore and I can't find it anywhere. So, if I can't get the LCR should I still go with the RC's. I really like the price on the RC-30's so I would prefer to get those. How important is it to match the center perfectly?

Are you completely opposed to buying used?

If not, here's an option:
http://www.chasehometheater.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3488

As I said, these are tough to find, so even used they aren't going cheap. Still, $325 isn't a bad price.

 

[bwilberg266]

I have the RC-50's in front with RCR's in the rear and I use a Mirage OMD-C1 for my center channel and I love it! Mirage and Energy are sister companies and have some very similar technology going into their speakers. I've actually heard that the OMD-C1 does a bit better with clarity of dialogue than the LCR.

Vanns has it for $299 right now and as an RC user and lover, I highly recommend this match-up.