It looks

Nothing, an average product for average ears

Nothing special about this center channel. It does not sound natural, terrible choice for HT. Sounds OK with music, but a center channel is for HT, not music. Not worth the money.

Sound

None

What can I say that has noyt been said AWSOME

Similar Products Used:

Other Energy Centers

Excellent dialogue and sound reproduction

None

The AC-300 is amazing! I am using the AC-300 as a centre channel in conjunction with Energy C6 mains and a pair of Encore 2s as surrounds. All the speakers are wired with Kimber cable and run through a Marantz SR-7000.

I used the Energy RVS for a couple of years and found that although it was a close match for the C6s, it was missing something. I bought the Encore speakers and substitued the Encore 1 for the RVS. The Encore 1 was clearer but it was a little bright and it definately did not have the mid and bass extension of the RVS.

When I bought and hooked up the AC-300 (after about 12 hrs of burn in using test-tones) I said "that is what I was missing". The AC-300 sounded just right and accurately reproduced dialog, music and effects. Actually, I have not heard a more natural sounding centre-channel in this price range. The RVS and Encore 1 are still great speakers but they do not have the dynamic range of the AC-300.

I highly recommend the AC-300 and that you speak to Marc Hallam at Audishop in Ottawa Canada if you want a great deal, years of expertise and professional service with a smile.

Similar Products Used:

Energy RVS, Encore 1

Sound, clarity, low frequency range, well detailed

It's big-not really a weakness

First of all let me comment that this particular speaker has received 5 stars across the board for good reason...it's an excellent speaker. Contrary to the review below, this is not an overly bright speaker. In fact, dialogue is just right. Of course with anything it depends on what you are mating it with...the reviewer below might not be giving these things enough juice. This speaker needs a good power source. If you've read the reviews a lot of people have used these in a 5 speaker set-up. The low frequency response for this unit is outstanding. You can actually set your center channel to large and her deep defined base and yet hear crystal clear highs. This speaker retails for about $450, but a little negociating and a sales person will come down to about $350, even at Good Guys. For $350 these speakers are a steal. I highly recommend them if you want to go the Energy route...you won't be disappointed. Give these speakers a try and I assure you you won't find them "bright". Twenty six out of the twenty seven reviews got it right...ignore the one.

Similar Products Used:

NHT Audio Center-1, NHT Super Center, Energy Take 1 center

Price

Too Bright

It is OK but way too bright. No imaging. Going M&k all around.

Similar Products Used:

B&w Paradigm

Dialogue seems to come over very naturally...

None

This center channel has been a pleasure to own. I have these paired with the Energy C-6, RVSS surrounds, and an EXL 12" sub. There's nothing more I can write about this speaker that hasn't already been written. I don't think you can find a better center channel under $400.00.

Similar Products Used:

Paradigm CC-350

Clean Pure Sound. Wonderfull for Home Theatre, Rock or Classical.

Weight.

This may be a lengthy reveiw, so I'll try to break it into sections. I haven't written a review on anything else, however since I used this site to help guide my speaker buying, I thought I should return the favor.

Back-Ground

I have a home theater. My wife likes Country Music and I like Rock and Roll. However, I also like old Jazz. I needed a speaker that would fit the bill for all these needs. When I was a poor college student, I had bought a set of Bose AM5s and a pair baby advents. This setup is woefully poor in comparison to my new system. The new system consists of (5) Five AC300s and one XL-S12. Yes I said 5.

I spent 6 months listening to speakers. Even made a sampler CD for the tests. I listened to Pardigms. Energy XL15s, XL16s, C2 and C6. I listened to M&Ks, Bose AM7s, Mirage FRX1, FRX3 and countless others. I started my quest wanting a Mirage Sub (BPS150i) and matching Mirage Speakers. When I found out that Energy and Mirage are by the same people, I listened to the Energy.

The Test Sampler

For the home theater setup I listened to (Fifth Element Scene 26 and 27 - The Diva singing and Leeloo fighting against the Mangalores). A sample of the music I listened to for the Audio test ("Fin Du Temps" - Art of Noise, "Real Cool World", "My Sharona" - The Knack, "Burning Down the House" - Talking Heads, "Surfing With the Alien" - Joe Satriani.

The Other Speakers

The Bose sucked. The M&Ks were not a good value. The Paradigms (Titans I think) were too bright. The Energy XL15 and XL16 were too weak. The Mirage were nice. The FRX3 was my preference of the two. The Energy C2 and c6 sounded flat. Due to financial constraints, I almost ended up with an XL16 system.

I initially listened to a home theater with the C2s (also tried c6) in the front, AC300 in the center and the RVSS in the rear. It didn't sound nearly as good as with the AC300s across the front.

The Review

The four word review for Rock and Home Theater - "The AC300s Kicked Ass"

The Longer Review - I findd that the AC300s provide a full, clean, pure sound. I don't think they are too bright or too flat. The vocals come across great. They are not tinny or boomy. They don't add or substract from the sound.
I've been running then with an ADCOM GFA-7000 AMP for the last three months. I've calibrated the home theater with The Audio Video Standard LD, Terminator 2 LD, Jurasic Park LD and Matrix DVD. A key test has been the Matrix lobby scene. That scene would be difficult for any speakers. The gun-fire can drown out the back-ground music.

I've had two of my other friends (Audio Enthusiasists like myself) over a number of times (note: one likes classical music and baroque guitar) for audio test sessions. Their comments are:

"Man, these are clean. I'm amazed at how they sound." - This friend runs Yamaha 835s for the front with 635s in the rear and Velodyne sub.

"These are better than the Paradigms I'm looking at. They can produce classical music just as well as Rock". This friend is putting an order for three AC-300s this week.

I saved my christmas, birthday, annivarsay gift quoata to buy these speakers. Of the things in my audio system, these are the best value.

Reccomendation

Don't buy the C2 or C6 for your fronts. Buy the AC-300 for all three front speakers. If you are as anal as I am, you'll end up with these on the rear too. I did a go a little overboard with the sub. In hind-sight I think the XLS12 is overkill for my room; the XLS10 would have been fine. If you are looking at Bose AM5s or similar set-up, forget it, buy these instead. I used AM5s for 6 years. A pair of these won't cost you much more and you'll be much happier.

I am an Engineer. I like value. You can get these for $250 (USD) each if you look. Ask me where and I'll tell you how.

Similar Products Used:

Bose AM5-II, Baby Advents, Energy C2, Energy XL16

Great natural sound, blends perfect with C series speakers, Great price

Endcaps

Great center for the price and at twice the price. You'd better snatch one of these up before Energy decides not to make them (which they did with the C-series). You wont be dissapointed. At this price point, nothing matches the quality of sound coming from this speaker. If I had put some more thought into my system, I probably would have gotten 5 AC300s instead of using C-2s.

Quality Product!

Great sound and great match for Energy C series speakers.

A little big to sit on top of 32" or smaller TV

I upgraded to the AC300 from my old e:XL-C center. It made a world of difference. The e:XL-C was outmatched by my Energy C6 mains on movie soundtracks. The AC300 is a great match for the Energy C series (short of getting an identical 3rd speaker). For the money, about $250 US, this is one of the best values and performers in that price range. If you like the smooth sound of Energy speakers, I cannot recommend the C series and the AC300 enough. Don't buy them at Good Guys prices, go online and get a great price for them!

Similar Products Used:

Energy C6 main speakers

Frequency range (down to 40Hz), clarity, attack

Beautiful high-gloss endcaps easily scratched when placed on stands

Excellent sound quality and finish for the price. They go quite low, sound very natural (especially for voices) and vibrant. I initially was considering them as a centre but decided to go with five AC300s and an Energy eXL12 sub as I was so impressed. I spent alot of time auditioning other brands but knew instantly the moment I heard these. I think you need to spend more than double to do much better. I am driving them with a Marantz SR18 receiver (200 x 5 into 6 ohms).

Similar Products Used:

Definitive Technology, Paradigm, Jamo