Energy RC-70 Tower Speaker User Guide

Energy RC-70 Tower Speaker

Introduction

We are proud to welcome you as an owner of ENERGY® Speaker Systems’ Reference Connoisseur Series. ENERGY® Speakers are the result of extensive research into accurate sonic reproduction and represent the leading edge in speaker design and performance. The finest components and cabinet materials, combined with sophisticated manufacturing and quality control procedures, ensure many years of exceptional performance and listening pleasure.

Please take time to read all of the instructions contained in this manual to make certain your system is properly installed and set up for optimal sound reproduction. Be sure to unpack your system carefully. Retain the carton and all packing material for future use.

UNPACKING

Using a knife carefully cut the tape to open the package. Fold the carton flaps back and slide the speaker and packaging from the box. When removing the RC-30, RC-50 or RC-70 floorstanding speaker, stand the box upright, cut the tape and slide the speaker from the box. Remove all inner packaging and parts.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

The Reference Connoisseur Series floorstanding models RC-30, RC-50 and RC-70 are designed to be used with spikes and feet for the speakers’ bottom. It is important that these are installed properly as they provide stability and also add to the cosmetic look of the speakers.

Contents :

• 4 – Self adhesive rubber bumpers
• 4 – Protective discs (RC-30,RC-50,RC-70 only)
• 4 – Spikes (RC-30,RC-50,RC-70 only)
• 4 – Nuts (RC-30,RC-50,RC-70 only)
• 1 – Wrench (RC-30,RC-50,RC-70 only)
• 1 – High gloss black plinth/base/base (RC-30,RC-50,RC-70 only)
• 1 – High density port plug (RC-10)
• 2 – High density port plugs (RC-LCR)

BREAK-IN PROCEDURES

It is VITAL that your new Reference Connoisseur speakers be allowed to break- in properly before you perform any precise set up procedures, system adjustments, and before you play them at higher volume levels. The best method of performing the break-in is to play a full range musical passage at a moderate level as long as possible. Utilizing the repeat function on your CD or DVD player can assist greatly. Optimum sound will not be achieved until approximately 100 hours of playing time. After break-in, the volume level can be increased. Do not play the speakers at high levels until the break-in process has been completed. The transducers need to “loosen up”, and until this occurs, damage can result to the transducers.

PLINTH/BASES

The RC-30, RC-50 and RC-70 floorstanding speakers come out of the box with high gloss black plinth/bases attached to their bottom. The plinth/bases are removable if you so choose, by unscrewing the 4 round head machine bolts that attach the plinth/base to the cabinet. Care should be taken to not damage the speaker or plinth/base during removal. Plinth/bases ensure a larger surface area, and therefore provide greater stability to the speaker. Please see diagram 1.

SPIKES

Spikes are included with every floorstanding speaker and are designed to decouple the speaker from the floor. With the speaker upside-down (be sure to protect the speaker surface when doing this), insert the spikes into the threaded insert in the plinth/base. Using the supplied wrench, tighten the nut on each spike, to ensure a sturdy and stable footing is established. The nuts also allow for the speaker balance to be fine-tuned when the speaker is standing up, ensuring the speaker is level and plumb. If your flooring is hardwood or a hard surface like tile, laminate flooring, etc. the included protective discs are designed to be placed between the spike and the floor, with the padded side down, to protect your flooring. Simply lay the protective discs on the floor and position the speaker so the point of the spike fits into the hole in the top of the protective disc. If you have removed the plinth/base, spikes can be inserted directly into the threaded inserts in the bottom of the speaker. When using carpeting, ensure no wiring beneath the carpeting is pierced by the spike. If you do not wish to use spikes or spikes with protective discs, self-adhesive rubber bumpers are included, to protect hardwood or hard surface floors.DO NOT SLIDE THE SPEAKER WITH THE SPIKES INSTALLED, THIS WILL DAMAGE YOUR FLOORS AND YOUR SPEAKERS. Please see diagram 2.

MAGNETIC SHIELDING

While all Reference Connoisseur series speakers are magnetically shielded, stray magnetic fields can still exist. Placing your Reference Connoisseur speakers on top or beside your CRT based television should not cause any interference. In the case where there is some minor discoloration, simply move the speaker forward or backwards or away from the television a few inches, this generally resolves the issue. Note: LCD, DLP and Plasma displays do not suffer from magnetic interference.

CONNECTING YOUR SPEAKERS

All of the models in the Reference Connoisseur Series have the same high quality gold plated binding post connectors, so connection to each channel offers the same options.

You should utilize high quality speaker cables, up to 12 gauge (AWG).The Reference Connoisseur series will accept a variety of connector types including spade lugs, banana jacks, or pin type connectors. The best connector in our opinion is the

“Spade lug” as it provides more contact area with the terminal and allows the binding post to be tightened for a secure connection. Audiophiles and novices alike have preferences as to which connector type they favor, speak with your Authorized ENERGY retailer as to which is the best for your Audio Video System. Rest assured, plain speaker wire is more than acceptable, you can always upgrade your wires and/or connectors later on.

In the case where you wish to use banana type plugs, simply unscrew the binding post nut in a counter clock-wise fashion, until it comes completely off. Remove the plastic red or black insert and reconnect the binding post nut. The plastic insert is a mandatory security measure, as dictated by many local and federal government associations. Please see diagram 3.

To Connect your speaker system: Start at one speaker, and connect one channel at a time, starting with the front speakers. Always ensure that the entire A/V system is powered OFF before performing any connections. The positive and negative (red and black) sides of the speaker terminals MUST match the positive and negative (red and black) terminals of the receiver or amplifier. If they do not match, abnormal sound and a lack of bass response will result. After connecting the front speakers, connect the rest of the speakers to their appropriate channels of the receiver or amplifier. The three connection methods and their explanations include:

TRADITIONAL CONNECTION METHOD (Please see diagram 4)

• Using your choice of speaker wire and termination method, connect the speaker cable (minding the positive and negative polarities),to the lower set of connectors. Ensure the terminals are tight. The gold “shorting straps” that connect the lower and upper connections must remain in place.
• Repeat the procedure for the second speaker.

BI-WIRE METHOD (Please see diagram 5)

This method involves using multiple cables and connectors, to access both sets of terminals on the Reference Connoisseur loudspeakers simultaneously. The benefit of bi-wiring is to reduce noise, and reduce the likelihood of grounding problems, as you will have twice the thickness of cable between the amp and speakers as the traditional method would provide. For more details on the benefits of bi-wiring, please discuss this with your authorized ENERGY® retailer.

• Using your choice of speaker wire and termination method, connect one speaker cable from the amplifier (minding the positive and negative polarities) to the top set of connectors. Ensure the terminals are tight.
• Next, connect the second cable, from the same channel of your amplifier to the lower set of terminals.
• Repeat the procedure for the second speaker.

BI-AMPLIFICATION METHOD (Please see diagram 6)

This connection system involves the use of two separate two channel amplifiers to power one set of speakers. The idea is to have one stereo amplifier connected to one speaker, and another identical amplifier powering the second speaker. This is often referred to as “Vertical” Bi-amplification. It is the only method ENERGY® recommends.

NOTE: Before starting, remove the gold “shorting straps”, which connect the top and bottom set of input terminals. To remove the straps, loosen all of the connectors and pull the straps away from the binding posts. Make sure you put them in a safe place for future use.

• Using your choice of speaker wire and termination method, connect one speaker cable from the amplifier (minding the positive and negative polarities) to the top set of connectors. Ensure the terminals are tight.
• Next, connect the second cable, from the amplifier’s other channel to the bottom set of terminals, again ensuring a tight connection.
• Repeat Steps 1 and 2 for the second speaker using the second amplifier.

POSITIONING AND INSTALLING YOUR SPEAKERS

Left and Right Main Speakers (RC-10, RC-30, RC-50, RC-70, RC-LCR) The main speakers are usually placed in the front of the room, on either side of the TV or video projector. They should be placed a minimum of 6 feet apart, and if the furniture placement allows, keep them at least 12 inches from all walls. To calculate the best placement, measure the distance between the speakers themselves and the listening position. Your distance from the speakers should be roughly 1.5 times the distance the speakers are apart from each other. For example: If the distance between each speaker and the listening position is 9 feet, then the speakers should be 6 feet apart from one another. This will provide excellent stereo separation and imaging for music playback. This is just a starting point, the room’s acoustics and furniture placement will vary the placement of the speaker. Use your best judgment and experiment with speaker placement. Slight adjustments can provide significant improvements in performance.

RC-10

The RC-10 is designed to be used as a front left or right speaker, or as a rear channel speaker. When installing the RC-10 bookshelf speaker to a wall, there is an insert built into the back of the speaker, located above the input terminals. The threaded insert is designed specifically for the Energy Macromount bracket, which is available from your local authorized Energy retailer. Please see diagram 7.

The RC-10 includes two foam plugs in the carton, which are designed to be inserted into the ports on the rear of the speaker, should the speaker be installed near a wall or in a cabinet. Since the RC-10 is a rear ported speaker, placing it too close to a reinforcing boundary, like a wall, will cause undesirable effects. Placing the speaker in a bookshelf cabinet will also generate issues with low frequency reproduction. To solve this problem simply insert a foam plug into the port on the rear of the speaker. Please see diagram 8.

When the RC-10 is to be installed on a bookshelf or on a stand, please attach the 4 rubber bumpers to the bottom of the speaker, as this will protect both the mounting surface and the speaker from damage. Simply peel the bumper off its sheet and stick it in place on the bottom of the speaker, one bumper per corner. The rubber bumpers also help decouple the speaker from the bookshelf or stand. Please see diagram 9.

RC-LCR

The RC-LCR is a left, center, right speaker, meaning it has been designed to be used in both a horizontal or vertical fashion. This design means it can be mounted in either plane, while exhibiting the same dispersion characteristics. Out of the box the Energy logo is NOT attached to the grille, as this speaker can be positioned in various directions. Once the final orientation of the speaker has been determined, select the appropriate location on the grille, remove the adhesive protector and apply the logo directly to the grille. Please see diagram 10.

When the RC-LCR is used as a center speaker, it is ideally placed as close to the center of the TV or video projector as possible. This is to ensure that voices and all sounds come from the performer’s placement on screen. This may be on top, underneath, or on a shelf within a wall unit or other furniture. Use the position that provides the best sound quality, but keep in mind safety and room décor as well. The center channel works best when the front of the speaker is flush with the TV, or the shelf it rests on. If the center speaker is recessed in its placement, it will sound distant, and undefined in character. Please see diagram 11.

When installing the RC-LCR into a cabinet, please insert the two included port plugs into the ports on the rear of the speaker. When the speaker is inserted into a cabinet, the rear ports will cause an overemphasis of low frequencies and must be plugged, in order to achieve the best possible sound. Care should also be taken to fill the cabinet, flush to the front of the speaker, with insulation as this helps to avoid diffraction issues. Your authorized Energy retailer can assist you further with any issues. Please see diagram 8.

When the RC-LCR is to be installed on top of a television, in a cabinet or on a shelf, please attach the 4 rubber bumpers to the bottom of the speaker, as this will protect both the mounting surface and the speaker from damage. Simply peel the bumper off its sheet and stick one bumper in each corner on the speaker. Please see diagram 9.

RC-R

The rear speakers can vary greatly in position depending on the room layout, and the furniture placement. The ideal position is either on the side walls, or rear walls. Side Wall: This position utilizes the rear walls of the room to reflect sound and create the “surround” effect.

Rear Wall: This is generally used when the side wall position is not available to you, due to furniture placement or room dimensions. It is also used in a 6.1 or 7.1 surround configuration.

Both mounting positions have their advantages and disadvantages, the position offering the best coverage of the entire room should be chosen. The goal of the surround speakers during movie reproduction is to create an “atmosphere” around you. The rear channel speakers are ideally placed an equal distance from you as compared to the front speakers. But this is not always possible in a home environment. The RC-R will emit sound from both sides of the speaker, and is best placed where it can use the walls to reflect the sound around the listeners. The best mounting position for a 5.1 system is the Side Wall position, as it makes use of the rooms’ rear walls, and side walls. It will create a lifelike surround effect and make the room sound larger than it is. In this position, try to mount the speaker so that it is beside you or slightly behind you. The height should be above ear level, at approximately 2/3 of the height of the wall.6 feet off of the ground is typically a good starting point, and the speaker should be 2 feet above your head when seated. These general guidelines should aid in positioning choices. Please see diagram 12.

You can also achieve excellent results in the rear position. Try not to place the speakers directly into a corner. Leave 2 or more feet between the edge of the cabinet and the side wall, so the sound can reflect into the room environment. The rear position is usually chosen when your room will not accommodate the side wall position due to unequal walls, a doorway, or a large opening, etc. It is recommended that the rear center (6.1 system) or dual rear surrounds (7.1) be placed at the same height as the other two rear surround speakers wherever possible.

MOUNTING YOUR RC-R SPEAKERS

NOTE: The RC-R features a very simple wall mounting system. Careful attention must be made to mount it securely as the speaker is heavy and damage to the product and/or injury could result from improper mounting. Please follow the directions carefully! Please see diagram 13.

• Select the mounting position best suited for your room.
• Place the wall mounting bracket against the wall in the desired mounting location and mark the center of the two holes with a pencil. This is where you need to insert the appropriate mounting hardware to securely fasten a load of 15 lbs. Hardware is not included with the speaker, as building materials vary greatly in different countries, but the recommended screw head size is a #8. Screw length is to be determined by the wall material.
• If you are mounting directly to drywall, please ensure that you use the appropriate anchors, as screws into drywall itself will not provide a secure mount. Insert the anchors, and then hold the mounting bracket up to the wall. Insert the screws until tight. Try to locate into wall studs wherever possible.
• Screw the included bolt into the insert in the back of the RC-R speaker, located above the terminal cup. Hand tighten the bolt all the way, and then loosen a few turns counter clockwise. Place the two included rubber bumpers on the back of the speaker, on either side of the back label.
• Hold the speaker upright, and insert the bolt head into the large hole. Let the speaker slide down into place.

ADJUSTING THE SOUNDFIELDTM MANAGEMENT CONTROLS – RC-R

The exclusive and patented “Soundfield Management” System allows adjustment of the surround field in different room environments, to compensate for different direct to reflected sound ratios. The controls permit adjustment of the sound field type, and the relative level of the side firing drivers compared to the front drivers. In a perfect world, all of the 5 speakers in a home theater would be the same distance from the listener. But when trying to implement a system into your room environment, this isn’t always possible. The direct to reflected sound ratio is what allows the ear to judge distance and depth of the sound. There are two controls on the “Soundfield Management” Control panel which is located behind the speaker grille on the right side.

MODE SWITCH – RC-R

The first control is the 2-Position Mode Switch. It allows you to customize the type of sound field the speaker will produce. Note: Regardless of the switches’ position, the two side drivers will continue functioning.

• In the “Bi-pole” position the two side firing drivers are engaged and are operating in phase with each other. The resulting sound field is expansive, and with correct placement, the sound will reflect off of room boundaries to create a large sounding surround field.
• In the “Di-pole” position the side drivers are active, but are wired out of phase from each other. The resulting sound field is even more expansive, and can create an even larger effect than the bi-pole mode.
• The RC-R can also be used as a direct radiating or monopole speaker – simply turn the level control all the way to the “minimum” position. When at the minimum position the side-firing drivers will emit no sound at all.

LEVEL CONTROL – RC-R

The Level Control adjusts the relative output of the side firing drivers compared to the front drivers. At the maximum setting the side firing drivers are 1 dB lower in volume than the front drivers. The minimum setting turns the side firing drivers completely off, turning the RC-R into a direct radiating speaker.

HOW TO SET UP THE CONTROLS – RC-R

• speakers (D1 on Diagram “A”), then measure the distance between the listening position and the rear speakers, (D2 on Diagram “A”). Subtract the two measurements, and the resulting number is the difference. The bottom scale of the chart shows the difference in distance. See Diagram “A” for assistance, and Diagram “B” for the actual chart.

NOTE: We do not recommend having the distance between the listener and the rear speakers to be greater than the front measurement.

• Locate the measured difference on the bottom scale of the graph (Diagram “B”), then follow the line up to where it intersects with the horizontal line and look to the left scale to see the level control setting recommendation. The grayed section shows when the Switch should be in Bi-Polar Mode, and the rest of the chart shows the Di-Polar Mode as the recommended mode.
• Always experiment with the controls, and adjust them to your liking, the chart will give you a good starting point, but each room is different, and depending on the RC-R’s location, furniture placement and materials in the room, adjustments may be necessary.

FINE-TUNING

Before beginning any fine tuning, please ensure all connections are properly made and your speakers have had the chance to break-in for a minimum of 100 hours. This will ensure the proper results are achieved.

Your listening room is the final component of your audio system and will be the difference between mediocre sound and high quality sound. Reflections,which are a part of every recording and music playback, will have a major effect on your system’s performance. If your room is too “live”, meaning there are many bare surfaces like glass windows, hard floors and thin furnishings, you might find the sound overly bright. If your room is “dead”, meaning there is thick pile carpeting, heavy furniture and a lot of wall coverings, you might find the sound lacks dynamic energy. To remedy these issues, small changes to your room should be considered as they generally lead to large improvements in sound quality. Most listening rooms must balance aesthetics and sound, but patience and small adjustments in positioning and settings can pay huge acoustic dividends.

The lower bass frequencies are typically the most influenced by your listening room. If you find the bass in your room to be uneven or exaggerated in certain frequencies, experimenting with placement of the front speakers or their orientation towards the listening position can alleviate some of these issues. The proximity of the speakers to room boundaries, like walls, will also affect the bass frequencies. If you find your system lacks bass, first check your connections to make sure your system is in phase, then experiment with placement. The further from the wall, the less overall bass output your system will have, but the bass will generally be better defined. If you position your speakers too close to a room boundary, the bass will typically be exaggerated and ill-defined. Adjusting your speakers to your room will generate the best results.

If you are experiencing issues with imaging, first ensure your speakers are in phase with each other. If this is the case and imaging is still an issue, moving the speakers closer together or toeing them in slightly (angling them towards the listening position) can aid in this respect.

When installing a surround sound system, all the above holds true. Calibration of your speaker distances, adjusting delays and balancing your levels with an SPL meter are necessary to extract the most out of your system.

CARE OF FINISH

The Reference Connoisseur series cabinets should be gently cleaned with only a damp cloth and warm water from time to time, in order to remove any dust or fingerprints. Do not use an abrasive cleaner, or any type of ammonia-based cleaners, or window type cleaners. To remove the dust from the grille cloth, use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner or a slightly dampened sponge or dust free cloth. Do not touch the speaker cones directly or enter them in contact with water or cleaning materials, as this can cause irreparable damage.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do these compare to the CF 70? Which has the overall better sound?

It will sound better with the RC-70s than the CF-70s. Both sound fantastic. Three layers or lines of speakers made

Do energy speakers still exist?

The Klipsch Group, Inc.-owned Energy® brand has been committed to providing sound reproduction in the most lifelike manner possible since 1973. In reality, the Canadian audio corporation has a steadfast history when it comes to the advancement of speaker engineering and production through scientific research and development.

Do tower speakers sound better than bookshelf speakers?

Tower speakers are often able to produce deeper, more dramatic bass than isolated bookshelf speakers because of their larger size, which allows them to flow more air through the drivers than desktop or bookshelf speakers. Additionally, towers typically have additional woofer drivers, which produces even more bass.

Is energy a good speaker brand?

The Klipsch Energy Bookshelf Speakers are produced. They are extremely reasonably priced and of high quality. The clearest and cleanest bookshelf speakers I’ve ever owned in this price range, they have excellent highs and mids.

Do tower speakers need subwoofer?

Most tower speakers do not require a subwoofer because they produce adequate bass on their own. However, a subwoofer would be a wise addition to your system if you want to hear deep, room-shaking bass. Floorstanding speakers will perform at their peak in the mid- and high-range frequencies when used with a subwoofer.

Are tower speakers worth it?

There are no hard and fast rules, although towers typically have higher sensitivity, better power handling, and loudness capability. Some people have tastes in appearance. Towers give 3-way (or 4-way) speakers extra possibilities.

Should tower speakers be away from wall?

Speakers should be at least 2-3 feet away from the nearest wall (particularly if your speaker is in a corner) (especially if your speaker is in a corner). Many speakers have rear-facing bass ports. A rear bass port that is too close to a wall will reflect sound waves, blurring time.

Why do audiophiles prefer bookshelf speakers?

Many audiophiles who enjoy small-scale music (such as a jazz quartet) adore excellent bookshelf speakers. When you place them on stands far from your walls, their smaller size might make them appear to vanish more than a tower, giving you a fantastic three-dimensional sound stage.

Do tower speakers have bass?

There is still nothing like the dramatic range a larger speaker offers, even when high-tech bookshelf speakers and a subwoofer can duplicate a larger tower speaker’s frequency range. Without a subwoofer, a good tower speaker will provide all the bass you require.

What is the meaning of Tower speaker?

Tower speakers, often known as floorstanding speakers, are typically large enough to stand on the floor without the aid of a bookshelf or speaker stands. They frequently have many drivers with dedicated midrange, tweeter, and bass drivers.

Do tower speakers need subwoofer?

Most tower speakers do not require a subwoofer because they produce adequate bass on their own. However, a subwoofer would be a wise addition to your system if you want to hear deep, room-shaking bass. Floorstanding speakers will perform at their peak in the mid- and high-range frequencies when used with a subwoofer.

Which is better a sound bar or a tower speaker?

Your priorities will determine whether you should buy a soundbar or a set of speakers. A soundbar is less expensive if you’re on a tight budget. Additionally, it requires less setup time and fewer speaker placements per room. In general, soundbars are a better option for smaller rooms with constrained space.

What are the 4 types of speakers?

Traditional loudspeakers, in-wall/ceiling speakers, soundbars, and subwoofers are the four basic speaker kinds now available in homes. Each variety of speaker has a distinct function and is advantageous in certain contexts.

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