Energy Connoisseur CF-50 Floorstanding Loudspeaker System First Look
Energy CF-50 Floorstanding Speaker
Summary
- Product Name: Connoisseir CF-50
- Manufacturer: Energy
- Review Date: September 24, 2010 03:20
- MSRP: $800/pair
- First Impression: Pretty Cool
| System Type | 2.5-way floorstanding, magnetically shielded bass reflex with front-firing port |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 20kHz |
| Recommended Amplifier Power | 20-250 W /channel |
| Impedance | 4 Ohms min / 8 Ohms nominal |
| Tweeter | 1-inch (25.4mm) hyperbolic aluminum-dome |
| Woofer | 3 x 5.5-inch (140mm) w/Ribbed Elliptical Surrounds |
| Sensitivity (2 speakers in a typical room) | 96dB |
| Crossover Point | 2kHz, 1.2kHz |
| Inputs | Dual gold plated 5-way binding posts |
| Overall Dimensions | HxWxD (including feet) 38.6 x 7.1 x 14.6 inches 98.1 x 18 x 37cm |
| Weight | Product: 39.3 lbs / 17.8 kg (each) Packed: 45.3 lbs / 20.5 kg (each) |
| Finishes | High gloss black baffle with black ash cabinet |
| Included Accessories | Manual, port plugs |
Canadian based loudspeaker company Energy is making a comeback with a completely revamped model line starting with their new Connoisseur series. The CF-50 is a 4 driver 2 1/2 way vented floorstanding speaker system sporting dual 5 1/2" midbass phase plug drivers with ribbed elliptical surrounds, one 5 1/2" phase plug midrange, and a 1" aluminum tweeter. In speaking with the Energy rep at CEDIA, they informed us that the Connoisseur line is based on their flagship Veritas line which has recently be refreshed and re-released to the market.
Some key features of the CF-50 that Energy is touting includes:
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Exclusive Convergent source Module features woofer and tweeter uniquely integrated for accurate sound and expansive soundstage.
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Triple 5.5-Inch Woofers feature patented Ribbed Elliptical Surround suspension for greater dynamics, output and lower distortion
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Exclusive 1-Inch Hyperbolic Aluminum tweeter provides high frequency accuracy, high power-handling and wide dispersion
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Rigid, low-distortion cross-braced MDF enclosure with attractive Black Ash Finish and Black High Gloss trim.
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Port plug & carpet spikes included.
Don't be fooled by their small footprint or asking price, the CF-50 are rated to play down to 39Hz which is excellent extension for a speaker of its size. The Energy CF-50 is designed for a wide range of multimedia applications, including movies, music, and gaming. The build quality looks to be genuinely excellent and we were particularly pleased that the phase plug drivers actually used real phase plugs that were not attached to the cone like so many budget model speakers employ for cosmetic reasons.
Editorial Note About Phase Plug Drivers
The phase plug essentially eliminates the need for a dust cap, which in turn, reduces cone mass, permitting extended frequency response. It allows more airflow through the motor structure, which improves cooling and thus increases power handling. A Phase plug also helps to reduce on-axis beaming by dispersing higher frequencies that the cone is producing. Beware, many loudspeaker manufacturers use a quasi phase plug which looks like a phase plug for marketing purposes, but does not physically separate from the cone of the driver. These "so called" phase plugs can do more harm than good as they provide an inconsistent surface area and can also increase mass of the cone yielding poorer frequency response and linearity.
We've always been fans of Energy loudspeakers and glad to see their entire model lineup has been refreshed. At $800/pair packed with some impressive technology developed by Energy, the CF-50s should perform as good as they look. We have high expectations for this series and look forward to taking a closer look in a formal review.
For more information, visit: Energy Loudspeakers
Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.
Gene manages this organization, establishes relations with manufacturers and keeps Audioholics a well oiled machine. His goal is to educate about home theater and develop more standards in the industry to eliminate consumer confusion clouded by industry snake oil.
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