Energy RC10 2-way black Reference-series bookshelf speaker pair
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Reference Connoisseur RC-10 bookshelf speakers — who knew that something so small could make such monster sound? Whether you use them for great stereo sound, as part of a kickin’ gaming system, or to make your home theater rock, these speakers bring tower-like sound to your bookshelf.
Features
- Speaker System – Bass Reflex, Rear Vented
- Recommended Amplifier Power – up to 175 watts RMS
- Impedance – 8 ohms nominal
- Minimum Impedance – 4 ohm
- Frequency response – 50Hz-23000Hz +/- 3dB
- Dimensions (W x H x L): 17 x 10 x 27 inches
- Weight: 58 pounds
Outstanding value for the money.
I was going to sell these when I replaced them with big Wharfedale Diamond 9.6 floorstanders for my father. I never thought too much of them when he was using them with an Adcom GTP-500 II preamp/tuner and Trends TA-10.1 in power amp mode. Nice tonality, smooth midrange and highs, but congested, flat, and just not very exciting. The RC-10s have gotten fabulous reviews, which is why I bought them for my dad, but I never really understood what the hoopla was about.
So I brought them home with me to put them up for sale when I decided to do a head-to-head comparison against my B&W DM601 S3 monitors, both mated to my Audio Experience Plus-R pre-amp and Bel Canto S300 power amp. HO-LY COW, SO GOOD! The sound was infinitely more open and extended than with the Adcom! Precise imaging and excellent sound stage depth and width for a speaker I paid less than $300 for (Audio Advisor was running a special at the time)! They are in a different league than the B&Ws, which are a lot more boxy, bright, and thin. The RC-10s are much more like an “audiophile” speaker. Compared to my Sonus Faber Concertinos, they lack the lush sweetness and refinement, but the SFs cost double.
The ultra smooth tweeter will probably sound too polite and maybe even a bit muted if you’re used to “boom and sizzle” big box store junk like Bose and most Polk speakers, or if you’re a metal head who likes a big, forward sound, but if you’re into vocals, acoustic, jazz – that type of thing – these are fantastic value. Just leave at least an equally large budget for at least your amplification + source (cables matter too). You will be rewarded.
Excellent speakers
Bought these when Vanns had them on sale. Currently using them as rear surrounds. Very attractive solid speaker. Provide a clear sound. I tried these as front speakers to see what they sounded like. I have the RC50’s now, but these would be an excellent choice as front speakers as well. More than enough power to fill a room with sound. Bass is incredible…especially for the speaker size. I’ve only experienced using Energy brand speakers for my home theater. These definitely stand out from the other models that I’ve heard so far.
Stunning value and build quality
The Energy RC-10’s are just fantastic, google the Soundstage review online and it is right on the money. Unbelievably smooth tweeter (if you are coming from cheap speakers, the tweeter is so smooth you might think something is wrong with the speaker at first, because you’ve never heard treble that wasn’t harsh and glaring before!!), and shocking bass for the size (the specs do not lie, I’ve measured strong response down below 50Hz in my room). If you can find the real wood veneers (rosenut/cherry) don’t settle for the tacky black ash, the wood veneers are STUNNING and will put your furniture to shame.
Unblieveable clear sound, pleasure to the ears
I brought four of this speakers, one of each surround channel. Also an Energy central speaker to work with my Yamaha professional amp. The sound from those speakers are so clear and so true and so fidelity, you can feel the music. You do need to add a good subwoofer to add full base.
Highly recommended.