New Buy: Energy RC-10 vs RTiA1

[DeusExa]

Hey guys, haven't posted in a long while!

I've been wanting to get new bookshelves for my computer rig, a 2.0/2.1 setup, primarily for music, some audio editing (Finale), and a few movies...Listen mostly to orchestral film soundtracks (i.e. Dark Knight/Transformers), classical music (i.e. violin concertos/string quartets), and a bit of light alternative rock/pop/female vocals with guitar. So a lot of acoustic music.

I have my LSi15s downstairs as my main movie/2ch handler, and wish for a scaled down performance when I'm on my computer...the LSi7/9 are out of my budget (under $300)...
Heard good things about the Energy line-up, especially the RC-10s...either those or RTiA1s (both ~$300, although the Energy's MSRP is $600)...

Will be powering these with a Nuforce Icon (http://www.nuforce-icon.com/Product-Icon.htm) Amp/DAC
relatively new (Stereophile Review (http://www.stereophile.com/integratedamps/nuforce_icon_usb-input_integrated_amplifier/))
Could pick up for ~$190...unless there's something else better out there...

suggestions and thanks!

[renowilliams]

I've never used or heard a nuforce icon before but I am a little confused as to why you need one. Could you not use the optical out from your x-gamer card, which has pretty good specs, to your onkyo 805 and use zone 2 to power the new computer speakers. Grant it, you will have some cabling to run, but I would think your avr would do a better job powering the new speakers.


Just a thought and I would look at A3's or even rti6's for speakers.


Tim

[Gravyfries]

I have energy RC-30's for my secondary system. They are very detailed yet laid back. I really like them since they are so smooth. If you go the Energy route, you'll have a few more finish choices for a little while (They are phazing out the colors except for black). I have Rosenut and they look like fine furniture. I haven't demo'd the Polks. Good luck!

[DeusExa]

I've never used or heard a nuforce icon before but I am a little confused as to why you need one. Could you not use the optical out from your x-gamer card, which has pretty good specs, to your onkyo 805 and use zone 2 to power the new computer speakers. Grant it, you will have some cabling to run, but I would think your avr would do a better job powering the new speakers.


Just a thought and I would look at A3's or even rti6's for speakers.


Tim

The thing is, my 805 is located on the first floor and ~50 feet away (diagonally)...plus I'm running my LSi15s on the 805, and don't want to put more stress on it. The Nuforce Icon is a relatively new Amp/preamp/DAC all-in-one. Nuforce makes amps in the couple $K range, and apparently the Icon has been getting great reviews for something at ~$200...Plus, I'm actually moving out in a year or so, (so won't be able to access the 805)...

To Gravyfries - have you tried them with classical music/acoustic, and movies? When are the colors getting phased out? Hopefully not immediately...

[Gravyfries]

I like them very much for jazz and acoustic music. I feel they don't hide anything at all. They might not have the sparkle and soundstage that my monitor audio has but they are very clean and detailed and have lots of bass. They aren't fatiguing at all. You might check out AVS Forum. There are quite a few energy threads. Also, have you checked out the RC Minis? They are very small and come in the same colors as the RC-10's (at least online).

http://www.goodsound.com/equipment/energy_rcmini_s83.htm

http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/energy_rc10.htm

Oh and I have Polk Speakers too. Just not the RTIA line. Didn't want to show favorites!

[DeusExa]

I like them very much for jazz and acoustic music. I feel they don't hide anything at all. They might not have the sparkle and soundstage that my monitor audio has but they are very clean and detailed and have lots of bass. They aren't fatiguing at all. You might check out AVS Forum. There are quite a few energy threads. Also, have you checked out the RC Minis? They are very small and come in the same colors as the RC-10's (at least online).

http://www.goodsound.com/equipment/energy_rcmini_s83.htm

http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/energy_rc10.htm

Oh and I have Polk Speakers too. Just not the RTIA line. Didn't want to show favorites!

I think the RC-minis are $200, so I can justify spending $100 more for the RC-10, although the minis would go great if I didn't have the space. Which Monitors are you using?

[Gravyfries]

rs6 series

[DeusExa]

rs6 series

towers, right?

[Gravyfries]

Yep I have pets so I avoided the bookshelf route. I was afraid they might get knocked off their stand.

[DeusExa]

EDIT: I just found a pair of Focal Chorus 806V for ~$300....how does that compare to the Energy RC-10?

[DeusExa]

EDIT: I mean 706V, sorry!