Energy Take Classic VS. Infinity TSS-1200

[nickburnsaudio]

Looking for a 5.1 home theater speaker set and have narrowed it down to these two. I'm new to the game, so which one is the better buy?

 

[zieglj01]

What steps did you take to narrow this down?

 

[shadyJ]

Between those system I would definitely go with the Infinity system. Looks like it has a better sub, and more woofers on the satellites might give it some desperately needed extra bass given how small the speakers are. Also it looks to have a more formidable center channel speaker.

 

[nickburnsaudio]

What steps did you take to narrow this down?

I should have clarified this to begin with!

Well, my original budget was below $500. The Energy speakers had the best reviews I could find for the price. I have a modest size living room. A friend recommended the Infinity speakers on clearance at $449 at Newegg which seemed like a good deal, but they were sold out by the time I got to them. The cheapest I can find them now is $795 online...is it worth paying almost double for the Infinity speakers?

 

[3db]

I would audition both to see which you like better. The satelites on the Energy despite having a 0.5" smaller driver than the Infinities play lower than the Infinities which would mean easier integration with the sub and maybe less localization of the sub. The Infinitiy has a better sub being able to play lower than the Energy.

There is no clear winner in this comparison. Its up to what your ears tell you.

 

[shadyJ]

I should have clarified this to begin with!

Well, my original budget was below $500. The Energy speakers had the best reviews I could find for the price. I have a modest size living room. A friend recommended the Infinity speakers on clearance at $449 at Newegg which seemed like a good deal, but they were sold out by the time I got to them. The cheapest I can find them now is $795 online...is it worth paying almost double for the Infinity speakers?

At 795, you can do better than any home-theater-in-a-box. In that range, look at getting some Behringer 2030p studio monitors or some Infinity Primus p152 bookshelf speakers. A set of 5 of either should run you less than 400. Then look for used or reconditioned receivers for around 200. Check out Accessories4less.com for some options here, or ebay. For a sub, I would look at a cheap BIC or Dayton 120. A system like that would walk all over the Infinity while costing the same.

If that is too much for you, check out the Hsu Performance 1 or 2 package from hsuresearch.com, that might be better than the Energy Take system, looks like the Hsu system has a better subwoofer and better center channel for not a whole lot more money.

 

[zieglj01]

If you already have a receiver - then go to www.ac4l.com or Amazon
and look at the KEF kht2005.3 speaker system. Their sub/sat systems
sound good.