The Energy veritas 2.4i are absolute gems! If you can find one in the used market, grab them right away. I'll go over their characteristic performance below:

Bass: tight, controlled, fast, extremely punchy. Once you hear the 2.4i, you'll find lesser speakers sound bloated and boomy. This is why Energy uses three 6.5 inch woofers instead of a bigger 10 or 12 inch woofer.

Midrange: very smooth. Some may find the midrange a bit recessed, especially if you're used to more "forward sounding" speakers. But the smooth midrange makes you want to listen to music forever with none of that listening fatigue. Here, the 2 inch midrange dome does all of the magic.

Treble: sparkling highs. Cymbals are crisp sounding and sizzle as they should be. Not harsh or etchy. 1 inch aluminum tweeter responsible for this part.

Dynamics: excellent. From low volume resolution to high impact macrodynamics, these speakers really excel here.

Soundstage: Able to create a large cavernous soundstage.

Overall: sound leans on the warm side because of the recessed midrange. Voices and instruments have body and warmth. Bass is tight and punchy. There is a wall of sound with excellent dynamics.

Downside: weighing in at almost 100 lbs each, these are hefty speakers. They need proper room placement to get the best out of them, so moving them around is a major chore. They also need lots of high power amplification to get the best out of them. AVR will do them a major disservice. They are very transparent and revealing of your other equipment, so remember "garbage in, garbage out." Different speaker cables, interconnects and even power cords can affect the sound. Don't ask me how. Doesn't seem possible from a physics standpoint, but somehow they do. Again, some may not like the recessed midrange which makes them warm rather than analytical sounding speakers. Lastly, the rubber tops degrade and look ugly, but this is purely cosmetic and does not affect the brilliant sound.

When properly mated to get system synergy the Veritas 2.4i's show excellent and uncanny imaging, a very large lateral soundstage, great dynamics, smooth sound, excellent midrange, great musicality, amazing detail, and excellent PRAT.

The neutrality of the 2.4i's can be unforgiving with poor system synergy and poor component matching.

This review is for the Veritas 2.4i with the improved driver. I have had these speakers now for just over a year. This review is based on my experience over that time.

Energy designed these speaker for thee important characteristics: flat on-axis frequency response with wide bandwidth, wide and constant dispersion at all frequencies, and low distortion and resonance. Many other manufacturers build speakers with similar characteristics.

First off, these speakers are massive overkill for HT application. While I do use them for HT, I do not find this is not useful for reviewing a speaker. All of this subsequent review is a result of critical listening of 2 channel music.

These speakers are very attractive, well built using quality components, and heavy. But more importantly, it is about the sound.

I cannot significantly comment on bass output as my room acoustics result in a bass lull in my seating position.

Initially, I found these speakers neutral, with good finesse and details. Imaging was nice and soundstage was average. However, for their price range I didn't find their sound quality much of a step up from previous less expensive speakers.

After listening to a friend's high end system with Tannoy D700's I realized I wasn't getting what I thought these speakers should be capable of in this price range. I found in a critical assessment of my initial set up the speakers were overly analytical/detailed and unforgiving of SQ (sound quality) reproduction. Harshness was present at moderate to loud volumes, and they were unforgiving of large volume transients, especially at the higher frequencies. My system was completely SS (solid state), and these tendencies have often been attributed to poor component matching in a system. I extensively used an older flagship AV receiver as preamp. This and the other components in my system were not in the same price range nor quality level of the Veritas 2.4i's.

I commenced with a slow and methodical component upgrade for the rest of my system to be better matched to the 2.4i's. I upgraded amplification, the CDP, and wiring. The 2.4's SQ demonstrated minor improvements. However, the biggest change in sound from the speakers resulted from using different preamplifiers.

I tried a Gamut C2R solid state preamp with the Veritas 2.4i's and while it had demonstrated some definite improvements over my AV receiver SS pre, it also magnified some other issues with my system. It exacerbated the harshness, especially in transients, and more analytical. I stopped using the Gamut C2R with the Veritas 2.4i's because the AV receiver SS pre was more forgiving.

I briefly borrowed and listened to a Conrad Johnson PV10B tube preamplifier with the Veritas 2.4i's. This tube preamp demonstrated immediate and large improvements. The midrange warmth was beautiful to listen to. The overly detailed and analytical tendencies of the speakers were gone, as well as the harshness. The sound from the Veritas 2.4i's was much more musical.

Subsequently after much research I purchased and incorporated a Cary SLP 2002 tube preamplifier. This tube preamplifier really woke up the Veritas 2.4i's. Everything improved a lot. Midrange, including voices, became excellent; more natural, warm, and a strongpoint. Imaging tightened up considerably and the sound stage doubled in width. Some depth is notable in the soundstage, but the strength of the 2.4i's are in the lateral / extremely wide soundstage. Enveloping is a good word. Dynamics were impressive. Surprisingly, instruments became even more detailed and significantly more pronounced, but the harshness & analytical aspects I associated with these characteristics were gone. It was just so musical. The "cotton batting removed from my ears" analogy I have heard would be a good analogy. High frequency response also lost its harshness and sibilance. Subsequently the Veritas 2.4i's also became much more forgiving of less-than-optimal recorded CD's.

The system was finally showing what the Energy Veritas 2.4i's were capable of. With properly match components and good system synergy the Veritas 2.4i's shine to a level I have rarely heard. I heartily recommend these speakers, but be aware that they are only as good as the system match and synergy you have them incorporated with, as my experience has shown.

Similar Products Used:

Athena ASF2's, Tannoy D700's, Energy Connoisseur, Energy Reference Connoisseur, B&W, Def Tech, KEF, Klipsch speakers

Associated equipment - Sim Audio Moon W-5 amplifier, ESOUND CD-E5 cdp, Cary SLP 2002 tube preamplifier, Cardas Golden Cross / Golden Reference IC's and Analog Research speaker wire.

play all kind of music tremendous dynamic range bass extension extremely detailed and smooth sound

Better without grilles!! AND NO OTHER WEAKNESS

EXELLENT! I FINALLY FOUND THE BEST SPEAKER! I'ts a lot of time that i am searchin ''my sound'' , The music is good I can enjoy it despite the recording quality. I've audiotioned many many speaker in my life because i work in a hifi store The energy 2.4i need a long break in period , almost 200 hours , because of this in a shop can sound dry and without the grace these speaker reach after.. Bass presence is outstanding , velocity is extreme , B&W 802 or SONUS FABER CREMONA can only dream that punch . The only similar bass performance i remember only from dynaudio.. but The Veritas woofer uses a dual voice coil , the distortion even at the maximum power doesnt exist , it seem that its reduced! An amplifier with 200 watt minìmum is required for this! The soundstage is fantastic , you will hear the instruments outside the speakers' positions , it seems like you have the surround and center speaker on! Very very clean voices.. from 500hz to 20khz the sound is reproduced by Aluminum Dome Tweeter and midrange that have the same sound that you cant feel their separate , with an extremely detailed and smooth sound . the perfect matching cables for the speaker are van den hul inspiration hybrid , the most natural sounding cable i've ever heard! With there speaker you can hear every kind of music ( buy b&w nautilus series if you need to hear the hifi system instead of THE MUSIC!) from rock , classical , jazz and even extreme metal , they can handle everything! If you can spend more money for your speaker system be sure you listen well th e2.4i because these blak tower can blast other speaker in the higher price rance , speaker that that are made for a special kind of music.. the veritas play all kind of music ?with tremendous dynamic range! My system : MARANTZ SA-11S1 sacd/cd PLAYER PERREAAUX SM6 reference preamplifier TWO NAD S200 final amplifier in mono mode (800W x 2) VAN DEN HUL GOLD BALANCED INTERCONNECTS VAN DEN HUL Inspiration Hybrid speaker cable VAN DEN HUL MAINSSTREAM for all AC cord And many other components for home theater only application...

Similar Products Used:

B&W 803 , SONUS FABER CREMONA ; DYNAUDIO 82 , VERITAS 2.3i , B&W 604s3 and many many other...

Detailed, smooth, opened high-end, very very liquid, build quality is number one

You have to have a good or GREAT amplication

This review is for the new 2.4i. Although the old 2.4 sounded so damn good, however, sometimes they have problem with frozen drivers. 2.4i is the best speakers for around $4000. They sound reeally smooth, detailed and fast. The build quality is awesome, they weigh about 99lbs each, not so many speakers out there will have this kind of build quality. However, they took a long time to break in, the best way just play them at least 250 hours before they sound the way they should sound. Also, please pair them up with a good amplication. YES indeed, amplification is the key thing. I am running Krell Monoblock FPB 450 cx, 450 watts class A. If you don't pair them up with the good amplication, they sound dry.So, it is not the speakers. It's the amp, Also try to do biwring.

Tight controlled bass Liquid mid range Extraordinary highs Canadian quality build

I am a novice enthusiast. I am in no position to account for weaknesses.

I am no expert when it comes to reviewing audio equipment. I worked in mid-high retail for a long time and had a chance to use alot of different equipment. The Energy Vertias 2.4 is the best performer I have had the pleasure of listening to to date. The speaker reproduces every nuance with little effort The bass is surprisingly tight and controlled. Bravo! The only word that comes to mind when trying to describe the mid range and highs is LIQUID. The speakers are fast and detailed. The best speaker for audio enthusiasts on a budget At present I use the following gear to bring my audio to life Integra DTR 9.1 Bryston 4B SST Sony 777ES SACD Player Rega P3 Turntable

Similar Products Used:

KEF Reference 4.2 Paradigm Studio Reference 100 Mirage B&M

You usually either get warmth and smoothness, or you get speed and definition. Usually the only way to get the best of both worlds is to spend $5000 or more. The Veritas do it all for $3500.

NONE !

I worked in the " High End " business for 9 yrs, and have sold countless numbers of great speakers in that time. Occaisonally a product is introduced that performs Wayyyy beyond it's price point. The V2.4 is definitely one of those products. I have owned Linn, Aerial Acoustics, Alon, Vandersteen, Mirage, B&W Nautilus, Dynaudio and I could just go on and on. The V2.4s have all of the warmth of the Nautilus 803s, with the definition, speed and accuracy of the Dynaudio 3.3s. They have an unbelievable soundstage, imaging and dynamics.They will play VERY loud when given enough power. They should sell in the $5000 to $6000 range easily. Do yourself a favor and buy a pair, BUT make sure you mate them to very good electronics. They are an open window to EVERYTHING upstream !! Associated equipment : Tara Labs RSC Air 1 cables, Sony 777ES SACD player, Thule PR250B preampprocessor, Adcom GFA 5802, Townsend Seismic sinks.

Similar Products Used:

Nautilus 803s, Linn 5140s, Dynaudio 3.3s, Vandersteen model 5s, B&W 801s, Alon model 5s, Aerial 10ts ect...

You usually either get warmth and smoothness, or you get speed and definition. Usually the only way to get the best of both worlds is to spend $5000 or more. The Veritas do it all for $3500.

NONE !

I worked in the " High End " business for 9 yrs, and have sold countless numbers of great speakers in that time. Occaisonally a product is introduced that performs Wayyyy beyond it's price point. The V2.4 is definitely one of those products. I have owned Linn, Aerial Acoustics, Alon, Vandersteen, Mirage, B&W Nautilus, Dynaudio and I could just go on and on. The V2.4s have all of the warmth of the Nautilus 803s, with the definition, speed and accuracy of the Dynaudio 3.3s. They have an unbelievable soundstage, imaging and dynamics.They will play VERY loud when given enough power. They should sell in the $5000 to $6000 range easily. Do yourself a favor and buy a pair, BUT make sure you mate them to very good electronics. They are an open window to EVERYTHING upstream !! Associated equipment : Tara Labs RSC Air 1 cables, Sony 777ES SACD player, Thule PR250B preampprocessor, Adcom GFA 5802, Townsend Seismic sinks.

Similar Products Used:

Nautilus 803s, Linn 5140s, Dynaudio 3.3s, Vandersteen model 5s, B&W 801s, Alon model 5s, Aerial 10ts ect...

Outstanding build quality; fantastic imaging; bass response is clean and fast

None that I know of now

I purchased a Denon AVR-1802 (which has brought mixed comments from other audio enthusiasts) and a Sony DVD/CD/MP3 player. The salesman originally set me up with a pair of Boston CR65 bookshelf speakers and a Mirage LF100 8" amplified subwoofer. I have my equipment in an 18x20 room that is open on 2 sides. Obviously, this didn't do it. Then I brought home 2 more Boston bookshelf speakers. This time they were high end monitors. Even with the 4 speakers, I would still say no dice. I turned to particpants in the AudioReview.com discussion area for help. The following brands/models were recommended to me: JBL, Klipsch, B&W, Paradigm and Energy. I auditioned the JBL N26II's, several bookshelfs and floor speakers from the Klipsch Synergy and Reference lines, B&W 601 and 602's, Paradigm model 60s, Mirage OM10's and Energy Veritas 2.4. I will tell you straight away that it is completely unfair to compare the Veritas 2.4's against anything else mentioned above. These speakers retail for $3500 and the rest are in the $600-$1200 range. The only reason I even looked at them was because the price was so significantly reduced. However, I will tell you that I fell in love instantly. Even when paired to a Denon AVR-882 in the store (which is the same as the AVR-1802), I could see that these speakers were the ones I needed. With only 90 watts per channel output they sounded crisp, clean and full. They exhibited no signs of stress or distortion that I kind of expected when driving a speaker of this type. The sound separation and detailing was immaculate and the imaging left me feeling that I was center stage. I cannot say enough great things about the Energy Veritas line. These speakers perform so well with my existing equipment, it will be a while before I upgrade. When I do, I think it will be to a 225-250W output amp. From what I'm told, this will add an entirely new dimension to my listening experience. I didn't even consider looking at speakers in the $3500 price range when I started my search (nor could I afford it). However, the $1500 price of these units just couldn't be beat. BTW, I did check out comparably priced Pradigm, Mirage and Klipsch floor speakers. They were simply outclassed. I recommend the Veritas line very highly and would simply advise to look for bargains on these guys before you decide they cost too much.

Similar Products Used:

JBL, Paradigm, Boston Acoustics, B&W, Klipsch, Mirage

Forgiving of poor recordings

Lacks transparency speed microdynamics

Laidback midrange voiced for Home Theater not for music.Treble smooth but not particularly open.Bass is decent to 40hz. Imaging and soundstage average.

Similar Products Used:

ML QuestZ, PSB Stratas Gold, Totem Mani2

Full Body Sound!

None

I listened to these speakers at Good Guys here in Vegas, and some others and there is no comparison between the Energy Veritas 2.4 and any other speaker i heard there! But of course i was not gonn pay there hi prices either! So i contacted Audio Shop on the Web! The rest is history! I got a great price on a great product!

Similar Products Used:

Energy EXL 25