Energy® Updates Connoisseur Speaker Series

Nine model home theater lineup features new cabinets and core proprietary technologies [The following is a release from Energy]

September 19, 2008

For the Energy® brand, its Connoisseur® Series has long been a favorite among home theater aficionados and music lovers alike; the most recent changes to these home audio speakers are sure to take their popularity to new heights. According to Energy product manager Ben Burko, “This evolution of the Connoisseur series now incorporates many of the same technological advantages found in our flagship speakers. The line really exemplifies the key audio principles that Energy is known for: high quality materials; accurate, revealing sound and exceptional value.” The newest additions to the Connoisseur family include three tower speakers, the CF-70, CF-50 and CF-30; three bookshelves, the CB-20, CB10 and CB-5; the CC-10 and CC-5 center channels and the unique bipole/dipole surround sound speaker, the CR-10. All of these home audio speakers, except for the CR-10, feature a stunning black ash finish with high gloss black baffles that make them as attractive with their grilles on, as off. The surround sound speaker’s finish is all black ash. Perhaps the single biggest change to the series is the addition of the Convergent Source Module, or CSM. Found on Energy’s ultra-premium Veritas® speaker line, the CSM positions the hyperbolic aluminum dome tweeters (on all of the speakers) and midrange, or woofer (depending on the speaker) in a single unit. This arrangement provides wide dispersion with low distortion and amazing midrange performance. Adding to the Connoisseur line’s performance is the use of Energy’s Ribbed Elliptical Surrounds on the woofers. This technology allows the drivers to perform with lower distortion and greater output, compared to the traditional half-roll surrounds that most competitors offer. Additional benefits include increased excursion and larger piston area, allowing for greater efficiency. The multi-woofer models offer new tapered crossovers that decrease lobing to improve the speakers’ dispersion characteristics. Ported cabinets—on every model except the surround—also work to extend bass performance. The totally new CR-10 surround speaker incorporates a unique switchable bipole/dipole circuit that allows more complete adjustment to the room characteristics. A second tweeter, mounted on top of the speaker reflects the sound off of the ceiling, adding further flexibility to room placement. Placement options also abound for the bookshelf speakers and the CC-5 center channel; all of these speakers have threaded inserts. Gold plated 5-way binding posts ensure positive connections and the tower models offer the option of bi-wire or bi-amp connection with their dual post configuration. “Although the name hasn’t changed,” Burko noted, “the new Connoisseur series is anything but more of the same; this generation of speakers has been engineered to offer premium quality and real value.” Scheduled for a September release, the Energy Connoisseur speakers will be sold at the following U.S. MSRP pricing: CF-70, $500 each; CF-50, $400 each; CF-30, $300 each. The CB-20 bookshelf is priced at $350 per pair, the CB-10 at $250 per pair and the CB-5 is $180 per pair. The CC-10 center channel is $300, while the CC-5 is priced at $200. The CR-10 surround is $350 per pair*. They are available through select specialty retailers. *Prices subject to change without notice.

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