Energy Take 5 Pack 5CH Home Theater Speaker System

Incredible clarity and realism!

Reviewed By: Drew_V on 12/27/2009

Tech Level: somewhat high - Ownership: 1 week to 1 month

This user purchased this item from Newegg

Pros: Sound much fuller and more powerful than their small size might indicate. In a 18x12x8 room, they are more than powerful enough to FILL the room with sound. Clarity, detail, and accuracy are all top-notch. Even with a cheap Dayton 12" sub, the system sounded cohesive and well-rounded. Not harsh, not shrill, just accurate, CLEAR sounds. After the 50-hour break-in, I took them to around 75% volume on my Onkyo (80 W/ch), watching Spider Man 2. I was absolutely blown away. The sound was still crystal clear and very punchy. Surround effects were very transparent and non-directional. The system actually works together as a SYSTEM and provides a wall of sound coming from seemingly all directions. I was completely drawn into the movie and was admiring the soundtrack and effects during the action scenes. I've never really liked the movie itself, but hearing it at a respectable volume on the Take Classics was a very rewarding experience.

All in all, unbeatable for the price.

Cons: Slow break-in, maybe. The 100-300 Hz range is a bit weak, perhaps. I've spent my life listening to small speakers and these are the best, by far. I honestly can't think of a REAL con when you compare them to other speakers that may be similar in price or size. Blows every other "similar" speaker out of the water.

Other Thoughts: Drive them with a clean signal and sit back and enjoy. Easily sufficient for "normal" TV watching and small-scale home theater. Not chest-pounding, but clear, accurate, and fairly powerful.

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Great Value

Reviewed By: tatanka on 12/23/2009

Tech Level: high - Ownership: 1 day to 1 week

This user purchased this item from Newegg

Pros: Incredible sound in a small package. Very inexpensive. Solid construction. High WAF (Wife Approval Factor). Small and attractive.

Cons: None.

Other Thoughts: I bought these as a replacement for a Logitech X-540 surround system for my computer. The X-540 is okay, but even in a smallish office, just doesn't produce enough volume. Looked at the Z-5500 from Logitech which gets rave reviews, but at $350 street price, you can build a better system for not much more.

The Energy Takes with the Polk PSW10 subwoofer on sale at Newegg seemed to be just the ticket. Combined with a Yamaha RX-V465 A/V receiver delivers a nice mid-to-low end surround system for very little coin. The sound delivered by the Energy speakers is amazing when the size and price are considered. This is easily a five-star purchase and will work very well in any small to mid-size room.

You will need a subwoofer if you want the lows for movies, and the Takes come with no speaker wire, but that's to be expected.

If you're new to surround sound and don't want to spend a lot, this approach is far better than a low-end HTIB solution. Well done, Energy & Newegg!

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Reviewed By: TBJ on 2/9/2010

Tech Level: average - Ownership: 1 week to 1 month

This user purchased this item from Newegg

Pros: Terrific deal on terrific speakers. Had larger Energy speakers and needed to get something a bit more compact. Knowing how well the old ones worked, I tried these and matched them with my existing Energy subwoofer. Great sound in a small package. I'm very happy.

This was also my first experience with Newegg - very satisfying.

Cons: With my configuration, the piano finish on the center speaker can cause reflection depending on the viewing angle. But that's a minor quibble on an otherwise exceptional set of speakers.

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good home theater speakers

Reviewed By: Nine11 on 2/6/2010

Tech Level: high - Ownership: 1 week to 1 month

This user purchased this item from Newegg

Pros: Got these speakers to replace my front stage Boston 555x THX center channel and JBL LX44 L/R which were returning to nature. I'm still running my Polk monitors in the rear, SVS PC12-NSD 325W BASH powered subwoofer, and HK AVR 235 home theater amplifier/reciever. The Take 5's have no trouble keeping up during normal home theater viewing and sound just as good as my old front stage. I was worried about the single-driver center stage speaker, but it's not an issue and sounds as good as the Boston 555x it replaced. I have not pushed them to the limit, but they're fine for the family TV. Overall, I'm very satisfied.

Cons: Small speakers may not satisfy for musical listening and will reqiure a subwoofer no matter what. Piano finish attracts fingerprints and dust.

Other Thoughts: They're great for your average home theater, just make sure to pair them with a good subwoofer.

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Good clarity at a great price

Reviewed By: Duane on 2/6/2010

Tech Level: high - Ownership: 1 week to 1 month

This user purchased this item from Newegg

Pros: Great clarity. Decent mid range. Can't beat the quality/$.

Cons: None so far.

Other Thoughts: I bought this system to replace my 90's Technics system.
I paired them with the Energy ESW-8 subwoofer from Costco. I am running a Pioneer Elite Reciever.
I just got all the pieces put together and I was blown away at the clarity of these speakers. The vocals on the tracks that I was listening to were clear and sounded like the vocalist was in the room with me.
I still need to ring the system out a little, and the speakers are not broken in yet, so the mid range and handoff to the Sub could be better, then again, i am used to a tower system.
i would definately reccomend these speakers to anyone on a budget.

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