Energy 5.1 or Harman Kardon hkts 18: Anyone heard both?
1062932
I too am interested in this question. From specs, the Energy's have a higher sensitivity, so the amp won't need to deliver as much power for the same loudness. They also have binding posts as opposed to spring clips. I read somewhere (CNET?) that duplicate drivers in a horizontal configuration (center channel) create an interference pattern of peaks and troughs that affect the sound when heard off-center, so Energy's single mid driver could actually be an advantage.
360732
i am not familiar with those speaker / i use Klipsch Heresey but they are inefficient so check the power rating for the cerwins online.
330264
The Klipsch Quintet III system is way better than the Energy Micros. I know they are not the same as the classic, but I was offered the Energy Micros since the classic was discontinued. After comparing the two systems, there was no question that I had to return the Energy Micros and pay the associated "restocking fee."
1166931
Michael is correct, but if you're looking for particular brands to be suggested you can't go wrong with pairing JBL speakers with Harman Kardon receivers. I've been a fan of Harman Kardon for awhile and I will either get their receivers or Denon. Denon is a bit pricey, but either will do. And like Michael said...you can pair it with any 5.1 surround sound system of your choice.
30243
the Harman Kardon is amazing, haven't tested the other but this one offers the best sound quality, goes very loud and looks really good too
1256424
I have a Harmon Kardon. It's awesome I also have the Klipsch quintet with these floor speakers with the 10" sub. Sounds excellent!
1357086
I'm using these as fronts in a 5.1 set up. They are powered by a Harmon Kardon 1510 AVR, rated to oush 75w per. Believe m when I tell you that you will abslutely NOT be disappointed with these speakers as fronts. They will handle bass (tight and solid), midrange and highs (clarity and detail). They have a zobel crossover configuration in them so you can't go wrong. These are very good speakers, and will stand up to speakers costing more then twice as much. If you doubt, just youtube it for a user review.
961818
I happen to own both models... They both sound tlhe same at reference levels, however the egged one is better for music.
330263
I'm returning my energies right as we speak.. and gonna give these a shot, my energies sounded crisp clear and beautiful with my polk fronts and hafler sub.. but a normal levels certain frequencies had them buzzing and popping..... in a tiny room they might do ok as 7.1 one with better fronts and sub like I said.. but on there own or in a full size living room they are completely worthless to me
574494
The HK has in the front panel and "Phono" selection button. In the back of the unit, it has a RCA stereo input dedicated to Phono input, and "Phono ground" terminal to connect the ground wire from a turntable to reduce system hum. As most receivers, this HK model has 80 continuous Watts per channels, driven into 8 ohms. I use a pair of Monitor Audio Silver 6 at 6 ohms. It works just fine. Here is a link to the HK user manual: http://www.harmankardon.com/resources/Brands/harmankardon/Products/ProductRelatedDocuments/en-US/OwnersManual/Owner's%20Manual%20-%20HK%203390,%20HK%203490%20(English%20EU).pdf The HK has in the front panel and "Phono" selection button. In the back of the unit, it has a RCA stereo input dedicated to Phono input, and "Phono ground" terminal to connect the ground wire from a turntable to reduce system hum. As most receivers, this HK model has 80 continuous Watts per channels, driven into 8 ohms. I use a pair of Monitor Audio Silver 6 at 6 ohms. It works just fine. Here is a link to the HK user manual:... » Read More The HK has in the front panel and "Phono" selection button. In the back of the unit, it has a RCA stereo input dedicated to Phono input, and "Phono ground" terminal to connect the ground wire from a turntable to reduce system hum. As most receivers, this HK model has 80 continuous Watts per channels, driven into 8 ohms. I use a pair of Monitor Audio Silver 6 at 6 ohms. It works just fine. Here is a link to the HK user manual: http://www.harmankardon.com/resources/Brands/harmankardon/Products/ProductRelatedDocuments/en-US/OwnersManual/Owner's%20Manual%20-%20HK%203390,%20HK%203490%20(English%20EU).pdf « Show Less
1170210
AKG is a Harman Brand, like Harman Kardon, JBL, Infinity, Mark Levinson all are Harman Brands as well.
1651678
For what it's worth, I have not heard the Klipsh system but recently purchased the Energy Take Classic 5.1 system. The speakers are quite small and I'm sure you get better sound than the Micro system. Unless you really have a confined set-up arrangement I would go with the Take Classic's. Combined it with the Yamaha RX-V371 single zone receiver which produces 100w per side and plenty of inputs/outputs and options. Together they sound very clear with enough low end for my taste. All in the system cost $700 including additional cables. BTW, Energy is owned by Klipsch, so you probably will not go wrong with either system. Detailed audiophiles might disagree with my assessment, but everyone has their own take. Good luck and good listening.
1408471
Yes the K8's are great powered speakers. I would not use ANY powered speakers with powered mixers though.
1308674
The HK 3390 has "decent" Phono and Tuner sections. Having a Phono preamp at all is valuable. Both are mid-Fi and listenable. The real value in this large, heavy hardware is the clean, robust power amp section, which will crank any size speakers. A great value IMHO.
790684
I haven't tried the HK Aura, but I have purshased the Hk Onyx and it has excellent sound and power. On the other hand, the wifi conection doesn't work really well.
170849
Both amps are nice and both are 7.1 vs the 5.1. Can't imagine them not having an option to set up for 5.1. Or you could buy two more satillite speakers for it. But the klipsch speakers are amazing sound! You won't hurt the speakers if you hook up to the 7.1 if that is your concern.
793678
Almost impossible to answer... the KEF is a dynamic bookshelf size speaker and is superb at any price. The ESL type (I have stacked Quad 57s) are also excellent. I can say that I use the KEF in my bedroom system and am totally satisfied. It is really a matter of scale, not so much sound quality.