Hi guys, long time lurker and first time poster. I'm in the market for an entire home theater setup from the speakers to the receiver to the TV and Projector.

I have been looking at the Axiom M60 or M80 setup for a while with an EP 350 or 400 Sub. I've been looking at the Factory Outlet to cut costs.

Yesterday I noticed that FutureShop.ca has the Energy RC-70's going for a ridiculously lower price of $1199/pair due to a sale and the Friends and Family reduction. The same sale will occur tonight Online as well. Normally they are over $2000 CDN/pair.

Does anyone have any feedback on the RC-70's compared to the M80s? I'll probably have a listen to them tonight but I really am not an audiophile and I know i will be impressed by them no matter what!

Would it be wise to mix them with Axiom surround speakers?

Can't help you on experience with the Energy speakers. However, if you use the Search tool and go back 5 years with Energy in the subject line there are lots of threads and lots of reading.

It is more important that your LRC match, however, I also think there is some importance for the surrounds as well, since they use the same brand drivers.

Hi Infamous, cant tell you what the axioms sound like as mine haven't arrived yet but I know that orange260z just purchased a set of RC 70's and he says they sound great. You could try to PM him to get more info.

I will search for the Energy threads right now! I tried to search for RC-70 in the past year and didnt find anything!

I will PM orange260z now but i dont really have much time to make a decision as the Friends and Family discount goes away in the morning!

Here's a review. I doubt very much that you will be disappointed with these speakers...especially at that price. It looks like they are targeted to compete against the Paradigm Monitor 11s. I've listened to the 11s and, with some slight differences, they sound very similar to the M80s. Note that the 80s will play louder and are more linear than the RC-70s. The 70s come with a real wood veneer.

Very nice review. Looks like there was some debate on this in October on these forums as well and i'll read that now! I feel almost guilty talking about these on an Axiom forum but like I said I've been lurking for a while and you guys are all very knowledgable about this stuff!

Keep in mind the Axioms are a closer match to the "Studio" lineup from paradigm. The "Monitor" series historically has been defined to be a grade lower.

I will second the idea about you liking the Energy but for the money I would take the M80s, as they have more detail and play louder. It is the ability to play this detail that sets apart the Studio Paradigms/ M80s and other top end speakers from the Monitors and other slightly lower speakers, IMO.

The M80s from the Factory outlet($1174cdn) are actually less than the RC70s.

double posted

You could buy the RC70's and try them out. Futureshop has a great return policy the is extended to 2008. You could also order a pair of m80's and decide which you like better. I'd be very interested in a side by side comparison.

Paul