At A Glance & Ratings: Energy Reference Connoisseur RC-70 Speaker System

Subwoofer: S10.3
Connections: Line-level (mono) and speaker- level (stereo)
Enclosure Type: Vented
Woofer (size in inches, type): 10, polypropylene-hybrid cone
Power Rating (watts): 200 continuous, 800 peak
Crossover Bypass: Yes
Available Finishes: Black Ash vinyl
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 17.33 x 14.14 x 18.31 Weight (pounds): 34
Price: $500

These listings are based on the manufacturer's stated specs; the HT Labs box below indicates the gear's performance on our test bench.

Speaker: RC-70
Type: Three-way, tower
Tweeter (size in inches, type): 1, aluminum dome
Midrange (size in inches, type): 5.5, Kevlar cone (1)
Woofer (size in inches, type): 6.5, Kevlar cone (2)
Impedance (ohms): 8 nominal, 4 minimum
Recommended Amp Power (watts): Up to 250 Up to 200 Up to 125
Available Finishes (veneers): Black Ash, Cherry, Rosenut
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 39.88 x 7.75 x 15
Weight (pounds): 59.6
Price: $2,000/pair

Speaker: RC-LCR
Type: Three-way, L/C/R
Tweeter (size in inches, type): 1, aluminum dome
Midrange (size in inches, type): 2, aluminum cone (2)
Woofer (size in inches, type): 5.5, Kevlar cone (2)
Impedance (ohms): 8 nominal, 4 minimum
Recommended Amp Power (watts): Up to 200
Available Finishes (veneers): Black Ash, Cherry, Rosenut
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 7.5 x 19.2 x 10.25
Weight (pounds): 24.2
Price: $600/each

Speaker: RC-R
Type: Three-way, surround
Tweeter (size in inches, type): 1, aluminum dome
Midrange (size in inches, type): 2, aluminum cone (2)
Woofer (size in inches, type): 5.5, Kevlar cone (2)
Impedance (ohms): 8 nominal, 4 minimum
Recommended Amp Power (watts): Up to 125
Available Finishes (veneers): Black Ash
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 9.75 x 12 x 6.13
Weight (pounds): 13.9
Price: $300/each

Ratings: Energy Reference Connoisseur RC-70 Speaker System

Build Quality: 94
• Has well-braced enclosures
• Aluminum cone midranges in center and surround speakers
• Custom Kevlar woofers

Value: 90
• At this level of execution, the price is usually higher
• Draws on design of higher-end Veritas line
• Composite-coned drivers are not off-the-shelf parts

Features: 91
• Patented Ribbed Elliptical Surround technology
• The die-cast baskets are finished in brushed aluminum
• Sub has continuously adjustable phase control

Performance: 91
• Generous soundfield with abundant detail
• Clean mids and treble; nice bass
• Good dispersion

Ergonomics: 90
• Not the slimmest towers, but they produce real bass
• Wood veneer, not vinyl, in three shades on all but the sub
• Magnetically attached speaker grilles

Overall Rating: 91
Energy makes their transition to new ownership with a set of world-beating towers, a daringly designed L/C/R, and an extremely versatile bipole/dipole/monopole surround. The sound is smooth and natural, with good bass. A choice of three wood veneers will make these speakers fit into even the most elegant homes.
General Information
RC-70 Tower Speaker, $2,000/pair; RC-LCR L/C/R Speaker, $600/each; RC-R Surround Speaker, $300/each;
S10.3 Subwoofer, $500
Energy Speaker Systems
(416) 321-1800
www.energy-speakers.com

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