-Can be found used at *very* reasonable prices
-WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY better sound than ANY HTIB speaker set under $1000
-It's got Energy's reputation, and build quality

-Definitely a lower end speaker, doesn't hold a candle to even somewhat higher priced offerings from Polk, JBL, Mirage and ilk
-A tad bright?

Note: this review is for folks doing a very budget minded home theater setup ( > $500 over 5 years) using vintage speakers.

Being someone who has "pieced" together his system using a variety of parts, I decided to give away my "center channel" (a 4 buck goodwill 8" bookshelf turned upside down) to a younger person who would use it for a project. I decided I needed something to replace it, so went down to the audiophile store and auditioned a used Energy EC-100 and compared it to a Polk center (which was more expensive). Comparing the Polk and the Energy it became clear that the Energy was weaker (had a muddy sound, rather bright compared to the Polk). However, I went with the Energy as it was an excellent deal for the price. Brought it home, and was blown away by how much better it was than my other speakers.

In short: If your on a tight budget/college student and need a center to complement your 70s goodwill fronts, the EC-100 is an incredible upgrade.

Customer Service

EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE. Phenomonal Return + Upgrade policy. Somewhat odd store hours, but seriously, if you want a hifi speaker, your'e not gonna go shopping for it very frequently so they don't need to be open every evening.

Similar Products Used:

Polk, Speakercraft, RCA HTIB, RS Optimus-1 floorstanders

Clear, natural sound. Adds no significant coloration to the sound, making it compatible with many front speakers.

None really. Not too deep bass reproduction. Not a problem if you set receiver to small center setting.

I bought the EC-100 because it best matched my KEF speakers and I couldn't find a KEF dealer. Boy was that a good move. I bought the Energy EFX surrounds and ES-12 powered subwoofer and used the system happily for almost two years with a Pro Logic system. Then I upgraded to a Dolby Digital receiver with better amplification and the EC-100 really came to life. Eventually, I ran into a bargain and bought Energy C-2 fronts to replace the older KEFs. I have been using the EC-100 for about 2 months with the C-2s and still like it alot. It is natural, clear, produces good dialogue, music and effects at all volume levels. It's lack of apparent coloration makes it a good match for many front speakers. I have never noticed a difference in the sound with front pans. Although I'm tempted to upgrade to the AC-300 because it's supposed to be a better match for my C-2s, I haven't yet justified the expense. I consider the EC-100 to be a very good speaker and an excellent value.

Similar Products Used:

Def Tech C-100, Paradigm C-170 (?), Energy AC-300

Low price, good quality

I have my EC-100 center speaker for over a year now. I use it in a Dolby Digital setup with Energy Pro 2.5/1.5 speakers and an Energy subwoofer.
The EC-100 blends perfectly with the speakers from the old Pro series. Dialogue is clear and good to understand. Also it has a wide dynamic range and goes right down to 60 Hz bass.
It only plays a little bit louder than the mains, but when I measured it with a sound level meter and lowered the volume -3 dB, it sounded even better to me. I really like it.

Flat and unnatural, period. Get rid of it within a week.

What do people want in a center channel speaker? I think that answer should Be about the same for everyone. Natural and clear reproduction of dialogue and on-screen effects. It is true that in a home theater enviornment approx 50% of the soundtrack information is heard through the center channel speaker. With that in mind I set off to purchase the best sounding center channel speaker I could afford. My self impossed limit was $300.00. As it turns out I only had to spend $200.00. Which brings me to the Energy EC-100 in all its glorry. This speaker sounds as good or better as speakers costing a full third more! The speaker consists of two 4.5 inch drivers and one 3/4 inch ferro-fluid cooled soft dome multi-laminate tweeter. Build quality is high from this ever growing Canadian company and the sound is natural and broad with not so much as a hint of a "tinny" or hollow sound. If your in the market for a moderately priced center channel speaker I think you will be pleasantly suprised with the EC-100.