Energy vs Psb

[Tubbo16]

Hi. I am looking for speakers to go with my new Yamaha V663. I have come across a couple possibilities.

Energy: $250
Two XL-26 floor speakers (7" w x 36" h) front left & right channel)
One XL-C center channel speaker (6" h x 17" w)
Two XL bookshelf speakers (6" w x 10" h, rear right & left channels)
- black metal stands included
One XL-S10 subwoofer (~16" all sides)

OR

Psb Image T45 pair: $350

These are both local and used. I am not well versed on speakers and have no idea on prices and quality. These companies both seem to be well respected. Any info would be appreciated. I am also considering Polk RTi8's for around the same price as the Psb's.

Thanks.

 

[3db]

Hi. I am looking for speakers to go with my new Yamaha V663. I have come across a couple possibilities.

Energy: $250
Two XL-26 floor speakers (7" w x 36" h) front left & right channel)
One XL-C center channel speaker (6" h x 17" w)
Two XL bookshelf speakers (6" w x 10" h, rear right & left channels)
- black metal stands included
One XL-S10 subwoofer (~16" all sides)

OR

Psb Image T45 pair: $350

These are both local and used. I am not well versed on speakers and have no idea on prices and quality. These companies both seem to be well respected. Any info would be appreciated. I am also considering Polk RTi8's for around the same price as the Psb's.

Thanks.

I own the T45s and love them for detail, tonal accuracy, tight fast bass, smooth treble, lidfe like mids and amazing imaging and soundstaging. NOw that I've gushed, I'll settle down and ask you a few key questions.

a.) Whats the intended system going to be used for? If its primamyly HT, greater than 70% HT and less then 30% music, go with the Energy.
(They are a veryy respectable and good quality speaker manufacturer. I remember my jaw dropping when I heard the original Energy 22s being pushed my a NAD playing Planet Claire by the B52s. It was just fantastic.
b.) If the system is going to be used double duty with a greater than 30% use with music, are you willing to save up for the remaining Image series speakers and buy them later on? If the question is yes to both, go for the PSBs . I bought my PSB setup over 3 years. If you can't wait and need to get everything at once, get Energy. Liek Isaid, they're good speakers too. I just prefer the PSBs.

Good luck.

 

[Tubbo16]

Thanks for the reply.

I hardly ever listen to music on my stereo. I will be mainly HT/Gaming. Probably 90%. I just can't seem to find any reviews of the Energy XL line and am a little apprehensive to pull the trigger on a craigslist listing, but the price seems phenomenal for all the components.

 

[jamie2112]

My vote goes to the PSB T45.....

 

[jostenmeat]

That is an excellent price on the T45. Completely unfamiliar with Energy though.

 

[billy p]

My 2 cents

I've audiotned from PSB the b25,t45 and t55's and from Polk Audio the rti8's and of those two I like the PSB Image series. Having not heard that particular speaker line from Energy I can't comment on them directly but I do like the Energy sound and for that reason I chose the Energy RC's over the PSB Image and did likewise over the Polks. Just remember speakers are very subjective and in the end you must do whats right for you. Truth be told the RC's are a tad neutral and for some that's bland BUT trust me if you really listen than you'll hear everything just not in your face.
Goodluck and if you posted this same question at AVS than "batpig" really want to bat for the Energy fanclub.
Goodluck in your decision, Bill

 

[jostenmeat]

In defense of batpig, someone I've never really directly conversed with, he always seemed to be open minded, even keeled, and fair, at least in the amps forum. He never stuck me as a "fanboy". He also specifically said that he is rather unfamiliar with PSB. Even the last poster, who owns PSB, said it was a very good deal.

Now you, me, and 3db can commiserate on our failure to add to the PSB club.

 

[Tubbo16]

I guess I can't lose on either. I just don't know if I can pass up the 5.1 setup for $100 less, even if the PSB are better speakers. I would highly doubt I would dislike either setup as I am currently listening to an RCA HTIB It will be a monumental step up no matter what I decide. Thanks for all the input. And yes, batpig gave a big thumbs up to the Energy setup.

 

[mazersteven]

I guess I can't lose on either. I just don't know if I can pass up the 5.1 setup for $100 less, even if the PSB are better speakers.

Then why ask our opinions?

If your after a deal read the classifieds in the Sunday paper.

If $100 bucks in that important, you don't need speakers. JMO

 

[John Bailey]

Then why ask our opinions?

If your after a deal read the classifieds in the Sunday paper.

If $100 bucks in that important, you don't need speakers. JMO

I've always found the entire PSB line to be a great value. I've not heard the Energy line, however, if you are mostly HT and gaming, I would think the Energy surroun would be the way to go over a stereo system. I like the PSB line for music as that's 100% of my use.

John

 

[3db]

Then why ask our opinions?

If your after a deal read the classifieds in the Sunday paper.

If $100 bucks in that important, you don't need speakers. JMO

On the OPs defence MAzer, its a bit more than a $100 because he's getting a complete HT speaker series with Energy vs only the mains when going the PSB route. Alos because he's more into HT, gaming, and not into music, I think this should be a no brainer and he should spring for the Energy. Its been my experience that soundtrack reproduction in HT is a little easier to do than 2 channel music and the Energy's are up to the task.

I can't believe a PSB fanboy would say such a thing. I hope the gods forgive me on this .

 

[Tubbo16]

Then why ask our opinions?

If your after a deal read the classifieds in the Sunday paper.

If $100 bucks in that important, you don't need speakers. JMO

You know, I've seen some of your other posts and I just don't understand comments like this. I am in the market for some speakers and I thought I would ask a question about something I was not too familiar with so that I wouldn't get ripped off. Money is not the problem. I would bet that I probably make alot more money than you do, I just don't sit in front of my speakers with my johnson in my hand thinking I am better than everybody else. All I'm looking for is quality sound at a reasonable price. I don't need the best and I don't want the worst. I feel that these are both very good deals and I wanted experienced people to offer their opinions on the two products. If someone told me that the PSBs are alot better for my needs than I would buy them. Nobody has said that.

I thought I asked a simple question. Most people here have been very helpful and for that I am thankful, but there's always gotta be a jerk doesn't there.

JMO You're an ahole.

 

[fredk]

I can't believe a PSB fanboy would say such a thing. I hope the gods forgive me on this .

I think the gods will understand. When lightening strikes, death will be quick and painless.

 

[mazersteven]

If someone told me that the PSBs are alot better for my needs than I would buy them. Nobody has said that.

JMO You're an ahole.

5 people recommended the PSB speakers. So you just contradicted your statement.

 

[bandphan]

Hi. I am looking for speakers to go with my new Yamaha V663. I have come across a couple possibilities.

Energy: $250
Two XL-26 floor speakers (7" w x 36" h) front left & right channel)
One XL-C center channel speaker (6" h x 17" w)
Two XL bookshelf speakers (6" w x 10" h, rear right & left channels)
- black metal stands included
One XL-S10 subwoofer (~16" all sides)

OR

Psb Image T45 pair: $350

These are both local and used. I am not well versed on speakers and have no idea on prices and quality. These companies both seem to be well respected. Any info would be appreciated. I am also considering Polk RTi8's for around the same price as the Psb's.

Thanks.

Did you ask the person why they are selling the energy speakers and stands for that price? Have you audtioned them at all? Caling out members for stating opinions when you asked for them seems a little skewed, just becuase you didnt like the response, doesnt allot for personal replies, JMO.

 

[mazersteven]

Money is not the problem. I would bet that I probably make alot more money than you do

Your the man

 

[jmgonza6]

I have never heard the XL line but I have the C-500 for my front left and rights and a C-C1 for my center channel. My viewing habbits are even more skewed than yours being predominatly HD TV and movies with a little bit of GTA4 in the mix and I really cannot be happier. My set is about 6-7 years old and these thing are wonderful. At the moment I have an older Onkyo receiver hooked up to them and they still amaze me and my girlfriend everytime I get them cranked up. They have really nice imaging and very dynamic. I like that I can have them at around 60 out of 80 on my volume control and they are stellar, being very clear and precise and never get to the anoyying level of being tooooo loud. I can even listen to it at modest levels around 30 out of 80 and still get the full range of sounds being produced from the movie soundtrack. Id definatly swing for that Energy set-up. Let us know how you proceed. Cheers.

Joe

 

[Tubbo16]

Did you ask the person why they are selling the energy speakers and stands for that price? Have you audtioned them at all? Caling out members for stating opinions when you asked for them seems a little skewed, just becuase you didnt like the response, doesnt allot for personal replies, JMO.

No, I will be going to see and hear them on friday. That's partly why I was asking you guys. The price seems too good to be true and I didn't know alot about either of the speaker brands. I will be sure to find out why they are selling at such a low price. As for calling out the member, his post was not helpful in any way. He simply insulted me by saying if I'm worried about a hundred bucks that I should leave and look in the classifieds. A completely uncalled for and counterproductive comment. I'm looking for help, not smart-a$$ remarks about what I choose to spend my money on. If I wanted to hear that I would talk to my wife once in a while.

Anyways, enough of that. I really am grateful for all the help and suggestions I have been getting from all of you. I will very likely be getting the PSB speakers if I don't feel good about those Energy's based on what you guys have said. I will keep you posted.

 

[billy p]

I got a question for all you guys who recommended the PSB's? Have any of you heard those Energy speakers or any Energies for that matter. I have not auditioned a lot of speakers but I am comfortable in offering an opinion here because I've heard both mfg's offered in the OP.

 

[Tubbo16]

Your the man

Even though that was meant as an insult, it did make me laugh.