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The smaller, the better. High style and immense sound come together in a remarkably compact 5.1 speaker package. The RC-Micro consists of four matching speakers for front and surround sound channels, a center channel for highly accurate dialogue, and a pint-sized, but powerful, subwoofer for amazing bass response. Standing just 4.7 inches high and weighing slightly over a pound, each speaker-as well as its center channel-features Energy's proprietary Convergent Source Module. And, just in case anyone does spot these tiny sound giants, each component features sonically inert MDF cabinets with a high-gloss black lacquer finish, so their appearance is every bit as impressive as their audio output. Proving, once again, that good things come in little packages.The LowdownRC-Micro proves beyond doubt that small can still be powerful. And, it shatters any illusions about packaged home theater systems; you won't get better performance, or better looks, even if you buy individual pieces.This system delivers lifelike performance from your favorite games and movies, with their screaming aluminum cone tweeters to the massive bottom end provided by the woofers and the sub, which features a Ribbed Elliptical surround for great bass extension. Keyhole slots and threaded inserts let you choose how and where to place your speakers.Bragging RightsThe RC Micro 5.1 components were developed with Energy's audio principles in mind:Flat On-Axis Frequency Response with Wide Bandwidth: Speakers should reproduce the entire audio range in a uniform manner. By ensuring that no one frequency dominates any other, Energy ensures that every note is the way it was intended to be and the sound as natural as possible.Wide and Constant Dispersion: Sound at all frequencies radiating from the speaker should be in an even pattern, in all directions throughout the room.Low Distortion and Resonance: No speaker system is distortion- or resonance-free, but Energy has achieved a significantly lower distortion level, a clearly audible improvement.The RC Micro 5.1 home theater system offers terrific performance and great features:The RC-Micro 5.1 home theater speaker system offers amazing performance in an amazingly small package. It includes a powerful 240-watt subwoofer with a down-firing port, 8-inch driver and Ribbed Elliptical surround for bass that you feel as much as hear. The .50-inch hyperbolic aluminum dome tweeter on the satellites and center channel focuses sound for clearer dialogue and stirring music. Gold plated push connectors ensure positive connection for top-flight performance.Maximum Performance TipsThe center channel speaker needs to be centrally located so that the dialogue appears to be coming from the center of the screen. It needs to be above or below the monitor, as closely to it as possible. If you're using a rear projection television, the most likely option is to place it above the screen. If you have a front projection system, you have choices - stand mounting, or placement on furniture, for example. It is important, though, to place the speaker so that its front edge is even with the edge of the shelf or stand supporting it. Unwanted diffraction occurs when the center channel is too far back into a cabinet or other surface with edges that could impede sound dispersion.For left or right front channels, the distance between the speakers should be 6-8 feet at minimum for the best stereo imaging. The optimum room shape is rectangular, with the speakers along one of the shorter walls, facing the opposite side. If possible, do not place speakers against a wall or at rear of a bookshelf; corner placement is usually the worst option. Try to keep the speakers - especially rear vented models - at least two feet from the surface behind it, unless you use a vent plug. For best results mounting on a rear wall, position the speakers so they flank the main listening area and point toward the front of the room. They should be raised to a height of approximately six feet and should ideally have a space of six feet between them.The three most common subwoofer locations include corners (which can result in boomy or exaggerated low frequency response), placement along a wall, away from the corner (producing moderate bass performance with increased fidelity over corner placement), or beside a front speaker (creating a better blend with the front speaker, but sacrificing overall volume). Experimentation with subwoofer placement is highly encouraged; slight adjustments can create big differences in sound reproduction. To test subwoofer placement, install it temporarily in your main listening position and walk around the listening room while playing a familiar piece of music until you find the best sounding position.
At USD699, this is ambitious for a used Energy RC-Micro 5.1—original MSRP hovered around USD999, but clean sets in good shape typically trade hands for USD300-500 on the secondhand market, depending on age and completeness. Unless it's pristine with original boxing and barely used, you're overpaying; haggle down to USD450 max for fair value, as these compact systems from the mid-2000s don't command premiums anymore.
Buyers, verify the subwoofer's amp first—those 60W RMS (240 dynamic) units can fail from heat or capacitor age, so test for clean bass down to 36Hz without distortion or hum. Confirm all five satellites and center have intact gold-plated binding posts, no surround rot on the 2.5" woofers, and original cables/grilles included; missing bits kill resale later.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Energy Speakers emerged from Canada in 1973, rooted in a commitment to scientific loudspeaker engineering. Born from participation in the National Research Council of Canada's extensive study from 1977 to 1986, the brand quickly established its heritage with the iconic Energy Pro 22, a design that set benchmarks for accuracy and became a staple, evolving into the Connoisseur and Reference Connoisseur 22 lines. This foundation of research-driven innovation has defined Energy's unwavering pursuit of audiophile-quality sound reproduction.
The brand focuses squarely on loudspeakers, delivering categories from high-end Reference Connoisseur series to value-packed C-Series and RC-Mini wood-cabinet models. It has expanded into powered solutions with the Energy Power Series, including the pioneering Power Bar soundbar, which integrates seamlessly into modern systems without a receiver. While not delving into amplifiers, turntables, DACs, headphones, or cables, Energy prioritizes speakers renowned for sonic precision and spatial drama.
Positioned as a mid-tier contender with premium aspirations, Energy holds strong appeal among discerning buyers seeking powerful, accurate performance at accessible prices. Acquired by Klipsch Group in 2005 alongside Mirage, it maintains a reputation for reliability and value, backed by decades of critical acclaim in the competitive hi-fi market.
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