Okay, so I don't own either the Take 5 or the Encore, let me explain. I almost bought the Bose AM 15 until I found this site. The next day I went and listened to the Boston Acoustics Micro 9000, and the Energy Take 5's. Both systems sounded great, but I liked the Take 5's better, and they were cheaper. Then I keep reading on this site, and see that Energy also has the Encore system, and alot of people notice enough of a difference to warrant the double price.
So, I went back and listened to the same movie trailor (Air Force One) first on the Take 5's then on the Encore. I really couldn't tell much of a difference, if any at all.
In fact, the Sub rattled a little when heavy bass scenes were playing. Is this correct? I am going back this weekend for another listen, maybe the salesperson didn't hook up the Encore's properly or something. But, I am on the verge of buying the Take 5's, unless the Encore's listen tomorrow night can change my mind. I have money for either set, but no sense in buying a $1200 set when the $600 set sounds just as good (at least it did today). Also, for you experts out there, what's the best receiver I can get for either Energy system, that is under $500? I am currently looking at the Sony DB-830 and the Yamaha 5150 and the 5240 (2000 version of the 5150). If anyone can give me your suggestions, they are much appreciated. I am rating the speakers 4 on value and 5 on sound, simply because even in the Encore's sounded exactly like the Take 5's they would still sound great, but they are pricey. Thanks!

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Demo'd both the Take 5 and the Encore

Great looks, incredible sound

Required break in period

After several weeks of research and many visits to audio shops to compare systems, I purchased the Encore system. This was my first system and I wasn't going to mess around. I wanted a system I could have more many years and the combo I came up with didn't disapoint!

I hooked them up to a Sony 555ES receiver with Kimber 4VS speaker wire, all conected to my Sony 36" XBR WEGA TV. The system is absolutely incredible! It definately has gotten better after the first 60 hours or so of burn in time.

The speakers are very attractive but my wife keeps telling me I should put the covers on them to protect them! I always take them off when company comes over because they look so good! Movies are incredible... we watched the intro to Saving Privot Ryan just from our digital cable and it was unreal. There are many surrond modes to choose from on the ES sytem. This is just as if you had a HiFi VCR. I can't imagine what it would have been like with the DVD on 5.1! Movies on 5.1 are unreal, especially when cranked up!

The bass rocks the house and the center speaker is cystal clear. I usually set the center channel a bit low so the sound effects are more intence and the voice is not too loud. My wife is always telling me to turn it down. This way it doesn't sound too loud for the dialog but when the action heats up the house starts shaking!

The bottom line is this is one badass system. Don't skimp on the amp or speaker wire. I've heard the speaker on other systems and they are not as clear and crisp as mine.

The system is not cheap in the US, around $1500! I bought mine from Marc @ the audioshop in Canada http://www.audioshop.on.ca for about $1150 including next day shipping.

It's nice to know after spending all that money that I would buy the same thing again if I had to do it all over! I'm glad I didn't settle for the take fives but I must say they were very impresive for the price.

Mike.

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n/a

Size, looks, great sound

speaker brackets

Note that I am a casual listener.

Compared these to Def Tech 100's at the store. The Def Tech's were somewhat richer sounding on music than the Encores. However, when watching Ronin, I heard things on the Encores that I did NOT hear on the Def Techs. Why? I don't know, but since I was buying these for 75% HT use, that swung the deal to the Encores.

Had to get the speaker brackets replaced. The speakers sagged on the brackets all the time -- I couldn't tighten the screws any tighter...

Seem to be doing much better with the new brackets. Note that there are two holes but you will need a VERY long (3-1/2 inch or more) screw on the long hole.

Driven by a Marantz SR-7000 receiver, these sound great! My room is 20x20 and I do have to crank the volume a little but they do the job.

Final analysis -- no regrets!

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first experience with HT/subs

Sound, Looks, Compact Design

Mounting Brackets, Manual

The Energy Encore speakers are part of my first HT system. This also includes a Marantz SR-8000 receiver and a Toshiba 5109 DVD player. I have found the sound full, covering all ranges. I did some extensive research before I got the Encore. I made the mistake early on on setting my eyes on BOSE; after I auditioned them however I was dissapointed with their perfomance. I could not justify the cost for these speakers. After visits to a lot of review sites, reading some magazines and most importantly asking a couple of my friends who are real audiophiles, I decided to have a look at the Energy speakers. After I auditioned them I knew these speakers where what I needed. They completely blew me away. I ordered mine online; they sounded great out of the box. I can only imagine how these will be after the break in period.

SMALL SIZE - BRACKETS INCLUDED - GREAT SOUND

NO OTHER COLORS AVAILABLE

I have an Onkyo TXDS777 Receiver - Toshiba SD-5109 Progressive scan DVD - Pioneer Plasma TV. This encore fits inside my custom wall unit. For its small size the sound is perfect. I tried a few others but none came close to the clarity and performance of this encore system. Price was great at www.sounddistributors.com - around $1050.00. for a system in this range i would not buy anything else!!!!!
Polk RM7500 - flat sounding
infinity hts-20 - tinny

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INFINITY

Design, Sound, Construction. Awesome for Home Theater.

Manual

In terms of size and quality, these are some of the best speakers I’ve heard. I first heard them in the Good Guys show room, and was blown away by their sheer size and the degree of impact they were able to deliver. I’m powering mine with a Sony STR-DB930, and they sound awesome. Couldn’t be more satisfied with my purchase.

With regards to the brackets, contrary to other posts, they do have two mounting screw holes. One is obviously on the base of the bracket, clearly visible, the other is through the black ball in which the speaker hangs from. I too made the mistake of thinking there was only one screw hole. But when I tried to mount the bracket, it didn’t look like it was going to hold. Further examination led me to locate the possible other screw hole. If you don’t have the right equipment, they can be a pain to mount. I purchased a stud detector and mounted them on the studs. Look’s nice and they sound great in my room.

The only negative would have to be the manual. I could’ve saved a lot time if it would’ve mentioned the screw holes in the brackets!

small size with a big sound!! complete with brackets and mounting hardwear.

none at all - could offer it in other colors -

small compact home theater system with a big sound. my room is 20 x 20 - i have a plasma pioneer TV - onkyo txds777 - polk rt3000 for the front - cs1000 center and kef ci200 motorized surrounds. i love it. go and atke a listen - i was able to save about $400.00 on line at www.sounddistributors.com

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polk - infinity

small size with a big sound!! complete with brackets and mounting hardwear.

none at all - could offer it in other colors -

small compact home theater system with a big sound. my room is 20 x 20 - i have a plasma pioneer TV - onkyo txds777 - polk rt3000 for the front - cs1000 center and kef ci200 motorized surrounds. i love it. go and atke a listen - i was able to save about $400.00 on line at www.sounddistributors.com

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polk - infinity

Built for HT/Amazing design

None...Now!!!

This is a follow up review to one that I did a while ago. I accidently punched in the wrong price at $1000.00 when I meant to put $2000.00 as a purchase price (Canadian Funds). Even at $2000.00 this is a WHALE of a system. It puts other product in its class in a TOOME when you look at value for the dollar. I initially was not happy with the subwoofer's performance, but then I did some rewiring, and used IXOS 6003Geometry wire between the amp and sub and then out to the small Encore fronts, and WOW does it make a difference. I am glad I got rid of the Subout cable!!! I am really happy with the performance now that the system has warmed up, and I look forward to many years of quality performance from a leader in the manufacturing of speakers such as these.