Price Paid:  $300.00 from Harvery's Electronic

Summary:
These are very nice for the money. I purchased them because my previous surround speakers were strictly delivering atmospheric details and had no "thunk" whatsoever-- they were useless for music. These dipole monitors certainly huge in the bass, but they do a decent job with music. I broke them in by using them as main speakers for a couple weeks, and I was really impressed with the sound, for what they were. Imaging was these speakers' strong point-- they completely disappeared and created a wall of sound. They're not, of course, meant to be main speakers, but it was a nice experiment. I'd recommend these for a beginner's surround setup for someone who might want to listen to multichannel music. They're also excellent for those of us with small apartments, because they're small and unobtrusive. It's not easy to have 5 speakers in a 300 square foot room, but I can pull it off with these Energys.

Strengths:
Imaging, able to play music-- not just surround ambiences.

Weaknesses:
Not for serious multichannel music.

Similar Products Used:
Infinity RS3

Summary:
I had retired an old pair of old ADS bookshelf speakers by relegating them to the rear in our home theatre set-up. I thought they worked well as surround speakers until my wife got me the eXL-Rs for Christmas. The difference was absolutely amazing. These speakers are half the size of the ones they replaced yet outperform them in every way on both 5.1 movies and 5.1 music. Their clarity, definition, and big sound due to their bi-pole/di-pole arragngement is what sets them apart from other surrounds that I have auditioned. I have them on stands at the rear of the listening area, pointing inward at 45 degrees. It is less than an ideal arrangement for these type of speakers, yet they still deliver a a big, diffuse sound field. They also blend perfectly with the e:XL 26s and e:XL-C that anchor the front of our set-up.

Strengths:
Detail and clarity.

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
ADS,Polk

Summary:
Have had these for about 3 weeks and can't say enough about them. I was hesitant to purchase these dipoles because I will be using them behind the listening area rather than the preferred method (on the side, slightly behind). But I am so glad I auditioned them at home. I can't believe what a difference the diffuse sound make for the listening experience and I can't imagine that having these on the sides could be any better. Whether it is 5.1 music or movies, these speakers have changed the listening experience. Instead of a little jet flying over my right shoulder, the diffuse nature of the sound coming from the speaker make it sound even bigger. Although there are arguments that di/bi-pole speakers are inappropriate for DD/DTS, I would suggest you listen for yourself; you won't be disappointed. Purchased these for $259 with a retail value of $359 (I only got this price because I was sold a defective pair of open box). After hearing them, they are worth it at full value (although you could always contact "audioshop.on.ca" for a value better than retail).

Strengths:
No discoloration, excellent soundfield

Weaknesses:
Can't think of any.

Similar Products Used:
None

Summary:
I've had the Energy 16, center channel, and bipolar surrounds for about a year. They're GREAT. They do sound better after owning them for a little while--they were a little bit harsh on the high frequencies at first. A friend has full size Mirage speakers, and these are much better defined and crisp without eating a ton of space.

They don't have great low bass (as do NONE of the bookshelf or intermediate size), so shell out some $$ for a good sub and you'll have it all.

Strengths:
Excellent bi-polar speaker. Seemless with the Energy 16s in front.

Summary:
I just pick these up for my front effect channel for my DSP-A1. They sound great, and really complete my home theater. The highs are very clear, and very good midrange.My system includes
Yamaha DSP-A1 Amp
Energy Audissey A5+2
Energy AV300 Center
Energy RVSS Rear Surround Dipole/Bipole
2-Energy ES18XL Subwoofer (Right And Left)
Audiosource 15" (SW15) Subwoofer (Rear)
and now the Energy XL-R Surrounds
The system sounds great.