Infinity or Energy

[zepsongs]

I recently received some Energy C100 speakers for free however I have the opportunity to buy some Infinity RS3 speakers from a co-worker for $40. I have no familiarity with Infinity, only what I've read. To my ears, the Energy speakers sound fine for my low to mid volume needs. Are they worth the $40? Would the RS3 speakers be an improvement over the Energy speakers, or should I pass?

Thanks!

 

[Blue Shadow]

get em try em and move one pair on if you don't need both. Gotta start trying different stuff to find better stuff. 40 is not a lot of money and you can sell em for that if you decide the C100 is better. Speakers make the biggest difference in the sound of the system...even just moving them or using proper stands.

 

[zepsongs]

get em try em and move one pair on if you don't need both. Gotta start trying different stuff to find better stuff. 40 is not a lot of money and you can sell em for that if you decide the C100 is better. Speakers make the biggest difference in the sound of the system...even just moving them or using proper stands.

Ah! But that is exactly what I am trying to avoid. I don't want to start chasing tone and end up with a basement full of stereo equipment I need to sell. LOL Just wanted to know if the Infinity speakers would be an improvement worthy of spending the $40. If not, I'm content to stick with what I have. Thanks!

 

[goodolpg]

Which RS3 model?
Or was it just Reference 3?
Infinity reused model names and numbers.
There's an RSIII, and RS IIIa/b very different between those two models (the III and the IIIa/b)
And also a Reference 3
The 3 is probably a good buy if all drivers work, may need refoaming of the surrounds if they have not been done.
The RS III and RS IIIa/b are well worth more that $40 provided all original drivers and they work as they should. Refoaming will be needed if not already done.

JMO since the Energy C 100 appears to be a small two way bookshelf speaker any of the Infinity's would be "better".

 

[zepsongs]

The back says RS3. So I guess this makes them the original speakers from the 80s? Also, in my research I've come across their 2000.3 which look identical and are newer. Are they the same or is one better than the other? Thanks!

 

[goodolpg]

These ones?

Of the three I mentioned these are the least valuable, but I suspect they would be "better" than the 2 way way bookshelf Energy's. The Energys seem to be well rearded but I suspect their bass output will not be that great and a subwoofer might help them shine if you like bass. Used subwoofers seem to be readily available on most Craigslists. If you go that route it's best to buy a powered (active) subwoofer.
As mentioned, the woofers and mids may need refoaming which can be done for not a lot if you DIY, having a shop refoam them will cost more and will depend on how many of the drivers need refoaming.
Can you listen to them before buying?
What type of music do you listen to? How big a room? How loud do you play your music?

 

[zepsongs]

No, the one's my coworker has are 2-way, like these below. Should I maybe spend a little more and get the R132 speakers instead?

 

[goodolpg]

That's why Infinity questions can sometimes result in "which Infinity XXXX", the companies usage of the same model names and/or numbers can sometimes be quite confusing.
Based only on appearance, and guessing at when they were made, I'm not sure these would "best" the Energy's, which seemed well regarded in a quick search I did.
No idea about the R132, maybe someone else can offer an opinion.
My Infinity experience/knowledge is mostly in the classic vintage models. I don't know much about newer Infinitys.
Best advice I can offer is listen to them if you can before buying.
Good luck.