January 7, 2005 - Part 1

Energy has followed up its ultra-successful Connoisseur speakers with the new Reference Connoisseur lineup, which features all-new driver technology and cabinets with real-wood veneers. Shown above are the stand-mounted RC-LCR (left, $550 each), RC-10 (middle and right, $500 per pair), while below are the...

...floorstanding RC-30 (left and second from left, $1000 per pair), RC-50 (second from right, $1500 per pair), and RC-70 ($2000 per pair).

All Reference Connoisseur models use woven-glass-fiber woofers that feature Energy's patented Elliptical Surround technology, which is marked visually by the shape of the woofer's surround as well as the ribs along it.

Also part of the Reference Connoisseur line are the RC-SUB 10 (shown, $1000), RC-SUB 8 ($800) and RC-SUB 12 ($1500). All RC subs feature a single active driver with two passive radiators.

Finally, rounding out the line is the RC-R surround speaker, priced at $300 each. [www.energyspeakers.com]

HiVi, now the owner of Swans Speaker Systems, showed the $73,000 Swans 2.2 multichannel speaker system, featuring the seven-foot-tall, 330-pound 2.2 left and right speakers, F1C center-channel and...

...F1R surround speakers.