Originally Posted by
Beave
FWIW, I used to own Energy RC-10s, along with Sierra 1s. The Sierras trounced the Energys in practically every way.
But where did you read that the RC-10s are 91dB monitors? They aren't close to that. The NRC estimated their sensitivity at 85.5dB for a 2.83V input, which happens to be exactly the same as their estimate for the Sierra 1. My listening comparisons of the two side-by-side confirmed they're pretty close in loudness for the same input level.
In any case, you will get *decent* levels with your amp, but peaks will almost certainly be compressed if you play the speakers at anything above modest levels. Even at modestly loud levels, you might average only 1 watt output from your amp, but peaks can easily go 10 times higher.
One final note: The bass from the RC-10s is mostly mid and upper bass, with an emphasis on upper bass. True low bass (that you would get from a subwoofer) is practically non-existent with the RC-10s. Even the Sierra 1s, with their much better bass, don't provide much output in the lowest octave. Until you hear/experience true low bass from a subwoofer, you might think you're getting good bass from these small speakers. But you're really not. Now, you might say if you don't know what it's like, you won't miss it, and that's true to some extent.