This system on Monoprice seems VERY similar. http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=109&cp_id=10906&cs_id=1090601&p_id=9774&seq=1&format=2Not sure if I can post the link, but the product ID on Monoprice is 9774. The specs look the same, the images are very similar, even the back of the subwoofer looks the same except for branding. Anyone know anything about this? This system on Monoprice seems VERY similar. http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=109&cp_id=10906&cs_id=1090601&p_id=9774&seq=1&format=2Not sure if I... » Read More This system on Monoprice seems VERY similar. http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=109&cp_id=10906&cs_id=1090601&p_id=9774&seq=1&format=2Not sure if I can post the link, but the product ID on Monoprice is 9774. The specs look the same, the images are very similar, even the back of the subwoofer looks the same except for branding. Anyone know anything about this? « Show Less
451331
Energy Audio is owned by Klipsch. Klipsch ended up sueing Monoprice."Klipsch sued Monoprice in March for selling home theater speakers that were virtually identical to ones made by its Energy brand. Terms of the settlement weren't disclosed"http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-57583930-38/klipsch-monoprice-settle-patent-dispute-over-speaker
451332
http://reviews.cnet.com/surround-speaker-systems/monoprice-9774/4505-7868_7-35512507.html?ttag=fbwp
451333
Certainly does look similar. You have speaker manufactures in China who make the same speaker, and sell to different brands. Only difference is the labels: one may have "Monoprice" logo while the other says "Energy." On one hand I have purchased cables from Monoprice. Quality and price are exceptional. On the other we have no way to verify IF the "Monoprice 5.1 Hi-Fi Home Theater Satellite Speakers & Subwoofer" is actually the "Energy 5.1 Take Classic Home Theater System."Put your money on the table and roll the dice. Let us know how it works out. Certainly does look similar. You have speaker manufactures in China who make the same speaker, and sell to different brands. Only difference is the labels: one may have "Monoprice" logo while the other says "Energy." On one hand I have purchased cables from Monoprice. Quality and price are exceptional. On the other we have no way to verify IF the "Monoprice 5.1 Hi-Fi Home Theater Satellite Speakers & Subwoofer" is actually the "Energy 5.1 Take Classic Home Theater System."Put your money on the table and roll the dice. Let us... » Read More Certainly does look similar. You have speaker manufactures in China who make the same speaker, and sell to different brands. Only difference is the labels: one may have "Monoprice" logo while the other says "Energy." On one hand I have purchased cables from Monoprice. Quality and price are exceptional. On the other we have no way to verify IF the "Monoprice 5.1 Hi-Fi Home Theater Satellite Speakers & Subwoofer" is actually the "Energy 5.1 Take Classic Home Theater System."Put your money on the table and roll the dice. Let us know how it works out. « Show Less
451334
They look the same, same specs, weight and even the same general decals. If I were to guess I would say Monoprice made a deal to private label the same speakers, a common practice. after years of reading reviews from CNET, PC mag, ect, and individuals I bought my Take 5.1 system just a few weeks ago but paid $299+free shipping from newegg. I found the monoprice deal a few days ago and thought the same as you. Did you notice the first review on the monoprice speakers? That guy figured it out and saved a bundle, D'oh! On the other hand the Klipsch brand may lose a bundle and many retailers who dropping the line because no one will pay $400 if indeed monoprice speakers are the same. They look the same, same specs, weight and even the same general decals. If I were to guess I would say Monoprice made a deal to private label the same speakers, a common practice. after years of reading reviews from CNET, PC mag, ect, and individuals I bought my Take 5.1 system just a few weeks ago but paid $299+free shipping from newegg. I found the monoprice deal a few days ago and thought the same as you. Did you notice the first review on the monoprice speakers? That guy figured it out and saved a bundle, D'oh! On the other hand the Klipsch brand may lose a bundle and many retailers... » Read More They look the same, same specs, weight and even the same general decals. If I were to guess I would say Monoprice made a deal to private label the same speakers, a common practice. after years of reading reviews from CNET, PC mag, ect, and individuals I bought my Take 5.1 system just a few weeks ago but paid $299+free shipping from newegg. I found the monoprice deal a few days ago and thought the same as you. Did you notice the first review on the monoprice speakers? That guy figured it out and saved a bundle, D'oh! On the other hand the Klipsch brand may lose a bundle and many retailers who dropping the line because no one will pay $400 if indeed monoprice speakers are the same. « Show Less
972673
We have done quite a few test. Mono performs slightly better under light conditions, but generally they are pretty much same, the difference is really small.
995673
There are several sets of headphones that look identical. Underneath the cosmetics, they probably are identical. The reason is due to the fact that they are all made to the same set of specifications by various Chinese factories, sold to various international distributors and marketed under various brands. It's pretty common practice today where marketing is more important than manufacturing. If the reported specifications look the same, the products probably are the same.
1628638
Hardware wise they are the same. Looks and Audio presets are slightly different.
819319
Not sure it you have purchased the product already. Wanted to replay as the 500s are on 'Today's deal' and the difference is 30 now. hope you get email for this reply. I compared both the system when I bought them year ago and chose 500. The difference was not 200 for me in a local electronics store. If you listen to lot of music, I guess the difference is justified.
479160
OK Thanks. That info helps. I did not know monoprice sold a device like that.
700806
Yes. Absolutely. We bought this one: http://www.monoprice.com/Product/Index?p_id=4117
429290
Glad to hear you got one, have you tried it yet? Mine is on it's way via UPS, I should have it tomorrow.12/5 UPDATE: by now you may have found out the VS4121 only works if you connect the speakers that come with it. The subwoofer doesn't work as a stand alone with the IM600. I just called Altec and got someone who actually knew what they were talking about and he was surprised that it was recommended by an Altec employee (Wagner). None of their speaker systems w/sub work on the IM600. The guy I just spoke with said there is a stand alone sub in the works and should be out early next year. Sorry for the bad advice but as you can see it was given to me as well direct from Altec. Happy Holidays! Glad to hear you got one, have you tried it yet? Mine is on it's way via UPS, I should have it tomorrow.12/5 UPDATE: by now you may have found out the VS4121 only works if you connect the speakers that come with it. The subwoofer doesn't work as a stand alone with the IM600. I just called Altec and got someone who actually knew what they were talking about and he was surprised that it was recommended by an Altec employee (Wagner). None of their speaker systems w/sub work on the IM600. The guy I just spoke with said there is a stand alone sub in the works and should be out early... » Read More Glad to hear you got one, have you tried it yet? Mine is on it's way via UPS, I should have it tomorrow.12/5 UPDATE: by now you may have found out the VS4121 only works if you connect the speakers that come with it. The subwoofer doesn't work as a stand alone with the IM600. I just called Altec and got someone who actually knew what they were talking about and he was surprised that it was recommended by an Altec employee (Wagner). None of their speaker systems w/sub work on the IM600. The guy I just spoke with said there is a stand alone sub in the works and should be out early next year. Sorry for the bad advice but as you can see it was given to me as well direct from Altec. Happy Holidays! « Show Less
1592559
Mine are about a year and a half old and the speakers are the same. Can't hear any difference between the two but we use them for mainly watching movies on our home theater system. So much to like about them, a perfect combination of great sound and design. They replaced bose 901 III's and am very happy with the switch.
1109722
I also love the same music and am particular about the sound . After only 10 days a new CD stuck in the drawer. I had to send the unit back. I decided to order a Denon d-m29s. A little more $ but well worth it. The sound is twice as good as the Yamaha. I also only play CDs on my unit. I would say don't buy the Yamaha if you want great sound but it will give you good sound. If you buy hope yours lasts more than 10 days.
760995
I have to disagree. When I use mine with either my on-board Realtek Azalia or with this SYBA external USB Stereo Sound Adapter for Windows, Mac, Linux Extra Audio Source with Microphone SD-CM-UAUD it sounds loud and very well balanced. They have a "reference" feel, they are very compliant, with a flat response curve. That is, highs, mids, and lows are given the same weight. This is typically found in professional sound equipment, while consumer headphones and speakers are built to accentuate highs and lows. Someone who's used to bass-heavy headphones would probably describe them as weak and tinny, but to my ear they represent bass quite well, if it's there. You can use an EQ to overcome this, and they should comply. I have to disagree. When I use mine with either my on-board Realtek Azalia or with this SYBA external USB Stereo Sound Adapter for Windows, Mac, Linux Extra Audio Source with Microphone SD-CM-UAUD it sounds loud and very well balanced. They have a "reference" feel, they are very compliant, with a flat response curve. That is, highs, mids, and lows are given the same weight. This is typically found in professional sound equipment, while consumer headphones and speakers are built to accentuate highs and lows. Someone who's... » Read More I have to disagree. When I use mine with either my on-board Realtek Azalia or with this SYBA external USB Stereo Sound Adapter for Windows, Mac, Linux Extra Audio Source with Microphone SD-CM-UAUD it sounds loud and very well balanced. They have a "reference" feel, they are very compliant, with a flat response curve. That is, highs, mids, and lows are given the same weight. This is typically found in professional sound equipment, while consumer headphones and speakers are built to accentuate highs and lows. Someone who's used to bass-heavy headphones would probably describe them as weak and tinny, but to my ear they represent bass quite well, if it's there. You can use an EQ to overcome this, and they should comply. « Show Less
2191974
Why match a powerful 12", 300W-460W subwoofer with a weak, small 4", 80W bookshelf speakers? Doesn't make sense. I'm getting the BIC FH-65B 6.5" 10W -175W, 96db speakers for my PSW505. If you're going to go cheap and stick with the SP-BS22-LR Andrew Jones then you should get the PSW10 for half the price ($95) of the PSW505. They are a better power and price match.
934849
It's the exact same system. The average price at most sane retailers is in the $350 to $370 range. Crutchfield and Tiger Direct will gladly overcharge you an additional $200 dollars for the honor ofbuying it from them. It's a fantastic sound system and the subwoofer rattles the windows in my home!
458237
Although I only own the white version I am pretty sure that the internals are identical. The price differences are a fine example of marketing in action; the more popular item (=higher demand) is priced higher or in simple terms: you take what you can get. By the way, the prices are also different in Germany where we live half of the year. Prices are much higher there and black is the cheapest version because customer preferences differ from the US.
429283
Thanks for the update! I'll look into the BX-1021, did you have to use a special cable to connect it to the IM600? Altec told me last week that the sub-woofer for the VS-2421 would work as well. I'm little leary as they have given me bad advice before. My remote for the IM600 died back in March, it's taken me this long to get a replacement. They said it shipped, then said it was out of stock and would ship when they got them in (2 months ago), didn't ship, had to call (2 weeks ago) with still no remote, called again last week, hopefully it's on it's way. Not impressed with their CS.
1904096
I have no idea what the monoprice in ceiling surround sounds like. But I can tell you that the Polk RM85 speakers suprised me. They sound very good for a small speaker. I have a 20 x 35 foot room and was afraid they would not fill it. Along with my JBL 450 watt sub and Denon reciever, I have no problem filling this room. Awesome.
429284
Did you ever find an alternative to the BB2001? Funny, I just bought the im600 today, and it still had the slip in it for the BB2001. I would like to buy a subwoofer for it though, so let me know :) That goes for anybody reading this, too!