Essence and Essence V
Table of Contents
- Main Essence Web Page
- Main Essence V Web Page
- Is the Essence Magnetically Shielded ?
- What amps/recievers are recommended ... ?
- Essence as a center... ?
- Do Essence and Essence V sound the same?
- Decide between Essence V and Veritas V
- Trying to decide between Panorama and Essence V
- What makes the Essence Special ... ?
- What has the Essence been compared to?
- Essence owner's Manual (PDF)
- Essence V owner's Manual (PDF)
Is the Essence Magnetically Shielded?
 | Yes and No. A stock Essence or Essence V features shielded bass and mid-bass drivers. |
| The tweeter is not shielded. You will need approx. 12-15" from the side, top or bottom of a direct view television set. |
| Not as much of a problem with RPTVs because they tube are usually deep in the cabinet. |
| If you need to be closer to a CRT check with us as we can do a special version with shielded tweeter for . . . $ |
What amps or rec are recommended ... ?
| Too numerous to list. The Essence is an easy load for any amplifier or receiver. |
| Even very inexpensive receivers will provide adequate power. |
| Higher quality amplification is recommended for the very best sound. |
| We suggest you let us know specific equipment you own or are considering, and we'll be happy to give you feedback. |
We tend to favor higher-powered tubes or solid-state of 80-100 watts up to 250-300 watt for the best performance.
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How does the Essence work as a center ... ?
The Essence is one of the finest center channel speakers you can find, at ANY price. The vertical mid-tweeter array combined with low crossover frequency to the woofers provides the correct and optimum dispersion pattern for listeners seated directly in front AND listeners off to either side. We dare you to compare the Essence with ANY MTM type of center, the difference isn't subtle. Tired of straining to understand dialog? This is your answer! The Essence has a perfect tonal match with other ACI models.
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Do Essence and Essence V sound the same ... ?
Yes. :) They are the same in sound for a perfect multi-channel match.
They are different in form to be able to fit in different spaces.
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Trying to decide between Essence V and Veritas V. . .
Take a simple test: 1) Can you budget the additional funds for the Veritas V? 2) Will you take the time and do you have at least a Radio Shack meter (or better yet an RTA or ETF) to really adjust and tweek the AWS system? The Essence V and Veritas V sound virtually the same as shipped from the factory. The AWS controls give the user a great deal of flexibility in adjustment, but you have to be willing to invest time and effort into making these adjustments. We say "virtually" the same, because the Veritas series with built-in amps for the woofers will seem a lot more dynamic is your rec or amplifier doesn't have plenty of power. In other words, you can get by with a lot less power feeding a Veritas than and Essence.
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Trying to decide between Panorama and Essence V. . .
We commonly are asked to help a customer decide between the Panorama and the
Essence V. The real difference is in intended use. The Essence is optimized for
the 80Hz multi-channel, home-theater crossover. They must be used with
a subwoofer(s). Used in this manner, their dynamic range is unlimited in
virtually any domestic application. They will play cleanly well beyond reference
levels, even in relatively large home-theaters. Of course they will also sound
absolutely superb doing it.
The Panorama uses a vented enclosure and different tuning to reach a clean 40Hz cutoff point. Subwoofers now become optional instead of mandatory. The Panorama can function exceptionally well as a stereo pair of speakers with or without subwoofer. The lower frequency capabilities of the Panorama also make it an exceptional candidate for multi-channel systems where the owner desires to use a lower frequency cutoff point (below 80Hz) to the sub(s). The Panorama has exceptional dynamic range but the trade-off is that the Panorama will not go quite as loud in the 80-300Hz range as the Essence V. This will only be a consideration in large rooms when playing beyond reference level.
What makes the Essence Special ... ?
First, it is a properly done, three way design with vertical mid-tweeter array. The Essence series may well be the finest way to build a completely matching multi-channel system. Unlike some of it's competition, the Essence can more than hold it's own as a pure two-channel stereo speaker pair. Like all ACI speakers, it is designed first and foremost to reproduce music as it was intended. Built in the USA by skilled craftsmen using the highest quality Danish built drivers. Meant to please for the long-haul. Backed by the best warranty in the business. You get to try it in your home!
What has the Essence been compared to ... ?
These are some of the observations of customers and staff:
| "Aerial LR5 ($7000 pr) and Aerial CC5 Center ($3500 each). Very comparable sound quality, like comparing two very fine wines. Essence of course is far more affordable. |
| "B&W Signature 805 ($3500 pr) and HTM Signature Center ($3000). Sound quality is in a similar league, with Essence being less fatiguing. Essence has significantly higher output capabilites. The 805s do go lower, are often compared with the Sapphires. |
| "The Vienna Acoustics Oratorio ($3000) is a gorgeous center in looks and sound. Couldn't afford it though. The Essence does a simply amazing job and at 1/3 the cost is truly an exceptional value |