Energy Speakers Veritas V2.1 Speaker

The Veritas 2.1 Bookshelf speakers by Energy Speaker Systems is the subject of this review. I have been a long time admirer of the Veritas line and recently became an owner.

The V2.1 is a bookshelf speaker and is available in either a cherry veneer / high gloss black combination or a straight high gloss black finish. Approximate weight of two speakers is 55 pounds.

Energy recommends amplifier power of up to 100 watts with an impedance of 8 ohms. Frequency response is rated at 45-20,000Hz +/- 3dB. Sensitivity is 89dB. The V2.1's driver compliment consists of a 1" aluminum dome tweeter and a
6 1/2" "dual hyperdrives" woofer. These speakers can be bi-wired or bi-amped. Energy recommends bi-amping. My speakers are bi-amped and I would also recommend doing so to take full advantage of the V2.1's capabilities.

Most note worthy of the V2.1 is the absolutely neutral demeanor of this speaker. Music is reproduced in the manner it was recorded. Well recorded material is natural and thoroughly enjoyable. The V2.1 does exceptionally well with vocal and instrumental material with a realism that is very pleasing. Poorly recorded material, however, is a less than pleasing listening experience as the V2.1 will unmistakably reveal the faults and weaknesses therein. Prior to owning this set of speakers, I have never been able to so readily discern a good recording from a bad. I think it quite an accomplishment by Energy to have produced a bookshelf speaker so neutral that even my wife can easily tell the quality of the recording she is listening to. These speakers tell the truth!

Additionally worthy of praise is the ability of these speakers to create an impressive sound stage. Again, as a bookshelf speaker, the V2.1 reproduces a sound stage that rivals that of quality tower speaker systems. Music fills the room much in the way it would if you were at a live performance. That's not to say, "close your eyes and you're there", but it's pretty close.

Finally, worthy of mention is the accurate imaging of the V2.1. A problem loudspeaker designers face is the balance between a speakers ability to "throw" a wide sound stage and at the same time be able to "place" voices and instruments accurately within the sound stage. These speakers do a very good job of creating the illusion of placement in a recording. A sense of origin is apparent while listening to good vocal and instrumental music. All of this is accomplished without the speaker becoming the focus of the sound.

The only drawback of the V2.1 is a slightly audible ringing that is characteristic of aluminum drivers. I only notice the ringing during very loud passages and it truly is very minimal. My wife does not even notice it. I suspect most people would not. Nevertheless, if you are a careful listener, you will probably be able to discern the ring as well. That, or I am just crazy. Take your pick.

With a frequency response down to 45Hz, the V2.1's sound pretty good by themselves. I have spoken to people who are completely satisfied with their sound without any augmentation. I prefer a full range of sound, though, and do utilize two subwoofers with my speakers. A quick and musical "true" sub makes a very nice compliment to the V2.1's.

I have also been pleased with the V2.1's performance in my home theater (I am one of those poor boys who can't afford separate set-ups.) I have found them to be very capable in the movie application and have no complaints about them in that regard. I would say that the Veritas line was designed with the music enthusiast in mind. But, as with music, the addition of a subwoofer or two can fill in the blanks and put on a very good show. By the way, I use a third V2.1 as a center channel speaker and am very happy with it in that role.

In my opinion, the entire Veritas line represents the best of affordable quality speakers on the market today. I have listened to a number of high-end, more expensive loudspeakers from the likes of Sonus Faber, Martin Logan, Vienna Acoustics, and B&W and can honestly say that I am perfectly satisfied with the value and performance of my V2.1's in comparison. I would recommend these speakers to anyone with an ear for natural sounding speakers.