Sorry for the long post: it shows my enthusiasm. I have a pair of small Primus bookshelf 2-ways, P-152. They're exceptional,
much better than I expected. Cabinets are built like bricks, and the unusual coatings (Alumina?) on the drivers really seem to work — light and fast, and free of cone/dome resonance even at high levels. They really sing, crystal clear, with good imaging and tangible soundscape.
The Thrift shop wanted $100 for them. I said to the Manager, "$100?! You're joking! Knock off that last 0, and I'll buy them." "OK," he said.
$10 well spent. I don't know how they compare to the Energy: Energy made some very good small speakers. Get both. BTW Energy subwoofers are terrific for the price, I have 3 of the 8" models. They're no bigger than the average 2-Way standmount, but spec down to 29Hz (much deeper than any other 8" sub). Perfect size for an apartment. I got them at the same Thrift for $30 each (as new).
So for $100 total, I got a very good speaker system (Infinity+Energy) with FR from 29Hz to 20KHz, compact and fairly attractive. I have better, but I don't need better.
I found this well-written, spot-on review on Amazon —
"Past experience as a loudspeaker systems designer and audio shop owner are qualifications helpful in evaluating fine audio gear. I periodically test and compare components, particularly loudspeakers. As small monitor speakers go, these speakers perform at a level far beyond their price in fact besting many comparably-sized audiophile speakers costing many times more. Critical midrange is reproduced with fine clarity and detail that rival many of the finest systems I've heard. Bass response is very good for a speaker this size as is control without cone break-up. This is due to the quality of the mid bass driver, particularly it's cone, suspension and voice coil. The crossover blends the two drivers seamlessly. Highs are detailed and clean but slightly forward. Efficiency is relatively high, providing a pleasant listening experience even with low power amplifiers. To achieve this level of performance, the designer had to carefully optimized critical parameters and most likely had access to a well-equiped lab of design and measurement tools.
"I've combined these with a subwoofer, crossing over at 90Hz, with surprising results. As I am particularly impressed with the midrange response. Whether you're an audiophile or audio tinkerer or someone seeking good loudspeakers at a very reasonable cost, you can't go wrong with the Infinity P152 loudspeakers."
