I have my Take 5's matched with the Yamaha RX-V795 and a Velodyne VA-8100X sub.
Home Theatre: * * * * * Stars
Music: * * * * * Stars

Best speaker package in this price range ($499 w/o sub)! Comparable to other speaker packages that are twice their price.

For the price and size, these speakers are the perfect setup. They sound awesome in my apartment. The highs are really crisp and clear. All my friends can't believe where all the sound is comming from. The only complaint I have is the 8 inch sub that came with it. I noticed a lot of turbulence when pushing it hard. I traded it in for a Paradigm PS-1200 sub. The DTS playback on my Sony 925 reciever and Proscan dvd player is truely amazing. Now, all I need is a bigger TV to match the huge sound. I give them 5 speakers for value and performance.

Price, have the Take5 w/ XL-S10 sub for $480, size.

sound at low volume, center speaker weak.

I had to finish my home theater with a good sound system so I bought the Yamaha 595a, Take5 system, and XL-S10 sub. Ran me about $900 total. First thing, right out the of box one of the speakers was blown. Got that fixed and hooked it all up to my Pioneer 919 LD/DVD and Mitsumishi 60703 60" TV. After playing for 2 days to get the positioning right I tried out a few loud scenes from some DVDs using Dolby Digital. The Matrix Rooftop rescue scene was very impressive, especially when the helicopter explodes into the skyscraper. You feel the shockwave go through you. Air Force One where the US fighters try shooting down AF1 was equally impressive, the jets flew right over yours head where you wanted to duck to get out of the way. This is great if I always listened to loud explosive scenes, but I dont. Next I wanted some dialogue. This is where I found some weakness, the voice in the center speaker doesnt sound quite right. Also, I noticed at low volumes the speakers seem to hiss or crackle a little if you listen closely. Dont get me wrong, for the price it still sounds a lot better than other speakers at that price range. I think later on I will replace the center with a better sounding one and keep the 4 surrounds and the sub. Next was music CD's. I dont think they had that in mind when creating them. The speakers really do not sound that good with the music I listen to, rock, techno, R&B, pop. I would prefer two tower speakers for that plus that is not what I planned on using the speakers for anyway. It was to complete my Home Theater. Now I wish DTV would start transmitting all the channels in Dolby Digital instead of just 4 or 5.

Incredible rich deep sound for very little cost

none...maybe two more for 7.1 system

One word: I N C R E D I B L E!!! I've never post a review for any products before but this Energy Take 5 system blew my mind. Size does not matter and price is deceiving. Why paid $2000 or more for a systerm while I only paid $800 out-the-door for a Take 5 systerm and a 15" Audiosource subwoofer. What I got in return is not a cheap system but outstanding little speakers that produce amazingly realistic, rich, deep sounds. Yes, the movies and music came to life in my 20' X 22' room, that's one big room with 20' vault ceiling and one side open to a dining room. I watched Matrix, Saving Private Ryan,..DTS again and it's like watching them for the first time: I can hear every pin drop, broken glass, flying bullet, dropped spent casing that I've never heard before. Trust me, it's very inexpensive but not cheap; it's small yet powerful/superb. I've auditioned B&W, Yamaha, Polk Audio, PSB, NHT, Klipsch..(BOSE is a rip off =>junk)...you will be surprised by the sounds coming from the little Energy speakers and the best value, you can't beat the price. Buy it, hear it, love it. I did. But if you're still skeptical, audition the system and you'll be also amazed.

Similar Products Used:

Use with DENON 3300 Receiver

Price, Performance, Quality

Mids could be more mid. Not for music.

I am very happy with this purchase. I listend too Polk's 6200 and Bose Accu-whatever and the Energy Take 5 gave a much more full sound. Considering the price.....the system gives good sounds when pumping up the movies. The fit and finish of the product is that of somthing 3 times it's price.

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Polk 6200

Size, quality and detailed movie playback

music

I loved my C8's, but we just outgrew them. They were great speakers with impeccable highs and good bass and outstanding imaging. Had to give them up due to their sheer size. The wife was really beginning to hate arranging the living room around them. SO, I traded them even up along with my Yamahas for a set of Take 5s with an esXL-8 sub. I am sure that you can spend alot more and end up with better, but these things seem hard to beat at any price. The clarity is uncanny and the little 8" sub is more than adequate for all but the audiophile.

If you are looking at any of the sub/sat systems give these a listen. I compared them to all the Bose Acoustimasses and Klipsch and Polk. When I was able to strike an even trade for these I was barely able to contain my excitement. My dealer used me well knowing that he could profit from the resale of the discontinued C8's.

What the people are saying about music playback is true. With time and patience, you can be satisfied, but you won't be "blown away" by their out-of-the-box music performance. They basically sound like a very nice set of PC speakers from Altec or Monsoon.

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Energy C8's with Yamaha surround/center

Still working great! No problems whatsoever over the last year. These little packs of power were built to last. As DVD's have better sound, these speakers shine even brighter. I truly believe they get better with time. Hooked into an Onkyo TX-DS575, I love the sound, and continue to buy more and more movies. This is a great system that I initially heard at a Harvey's Electronics in New York. This place only carries hi-end stuff, so I knew it would be great. Listening to them convinced. One year later, and I still love them.

Price, clear sound, nice looks

They sound extremely THIN

Well, I read these reviews, listened to these speakers in town, called marc at audioshop and ordered them. I was very excited to get them and hook them up to my Yamaha 795a receiver and DVD player. They sound nice and clear, but the problem is they sound too thin. Like there is no bass, or midrange. I even upgraded to the 10" sub. I watched Armegeddon, and when the meteors were hitting, and during the big action scenes, I never got the 'thudding' or 'thumping' out of the sub that I expected. All it does is make low groans during the movie. Hell, even the Bose had more mid and bass. Everything seems to be hooked up right, so I don't think it is a problem on my end. Either the sub is screwed or these speakers really don't have much
depth. I was really pumped to get them too after reading 150+ reviews on this site, and listening to them locally.
Anyone have any suggestions?

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Some sony out of the box all-in-one kit, Bose AM

Great Sound, Small Size, Good Looking

Center Channel??

I got these speakers a couple of weeks ago. I got them from Audioshop in Canada ($726 delivered) with the 10" E:xl sub.

Nice sound. It fills the room wonderfully. The sub woofer is great. Nice deep sound but not too boomy. Music on the speakers sounds great- very rich and detailed.

I have an older Onyko reciever with good power to the front speaker, but not too much to the center channel and rear speakers. I am pleased, but not thrilled with home audio.I imagine that it is my reciever not getting enough power to the center speaker. At times, things sound harsh on the center channel. Since music sounds so nice, I have to assume that the problem is my reciever.

The speakers are great. Sound wonderful and look good. Even the wife (you spent $700 on speakers????) loves them.

Value - 5/5
Rating 5/5

Low cost considering the quality of sound provided

I read a lot of good reviews both on this site and in many magazines. I purchased these right around Christmas time and I was not dissapointed. Their compact size makes them non-intrusive and they deliver great sound. I have the Eagles hell freezes over concert on DVD and these speakers make you feel like your in the front row.

I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for an entry to mid-level speaker.