Legendary Canadian Energy Bookshelf Speakers 22 Reference

$495.00

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Description

Canadian-Made Energy 22 Reference Speakers – Iconic Front-Ported Audiophile Classic

The Canadian-made Energy 22 Reference speakers are a legendary model from the golden era of Canadian audio engineering, representing the second generation of the acclaimed Energy 22 series. These front-ported speakers feature the renowned “Hyperdome” tweeter technology and were developed using the advanced facilities of Canada’s National Research Council, setting a new standard for accuracy and musicality in home audio.

The Energy 22 Reference delivers an impressively open and detailed soundstage with pinpoint imaging and a natural tonal balance. The proprietary 1.5″ dual hyperdome tweeter provides sparkling, smooth highs, while the 7″ polypropylene woofer delivers tight, controlled bass that belies the speaker’s size. The robust, well-braced cabinet construction minimizes unwanted resonances, ensuring clarity and precision across all genres of music. The front-ported design allows for flexible placement, even near walls, while maintaining excellent bass extension and articulation.

Favored by both audiophiles and professionals—including the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation—these speakers are celebrated for their neutrality, transparency, and ability to reveal the subtlest musical details. Their balanced, uncolored sound makes them ideal for both critical listening and pure enjoyment.

Specifications:

Type: 2-way, 2-driver loudspeaker system

Frequency Response: 28Hz to 45kHz

Recommended Amplifier Power: 20 to 200W

Impedance: 8Ω

Sensitivity: 86dB

Woofer: 1 x 7″ polypropylene cone

Tweeter: 1 x 1.5″ dual hyperdome

Enclosure: Front bass reflex port

Grille: Black fabric

Finish: Walnut grain vinyl veneer, painted black.

Dimensions: 625 x 267 x 305 mm (24.6 x 10.5 x 12 inches)

Weight: 15.4 kg (34 lbs)

Experience the legendary performance of the Energy 22 Reference—an audiophile classic that continues to impress with its clarity, imaging, and musicality. These Canadian-made, front-ported icons are a perfect choice for discerning listeners seeking a piece of audio history and exceptional sound. Don’t miss your chance to own a revered classic from one of Canada’s most respected loudspeaker brands.

Asking $495 for these great sounding vintage Canadian speakers; buy with confidence and benefit from Radique’s “Bumper to Bumper” warranty and Perpetual trade back policy.

Additional information
Weight75 lbs
Dimensions16 × 27 × 28.6 in
About brand
Energy at Radique
We service Energy, too. Bring us your own Energy speakers and subwoofers for repair, servicing or restoration (speakers up to 80 lbs each), with a 90-day warranty on the work. See our Audio Service page

Energy is a Canadian speaker brand from Audio Products International (API) of Scarborough, Ontario, the same company and factory behind Mirage. API was founded in 1973, and the Energy brand dates from the late 1970s or early 1980s. We carry Energy bookshelf speakers, towers, centre channels and subwoofers. We've had more than 170 Energy listings so far, covering more than 75 different models. Every used Energy here is inspected, tested and serviced as required, then photographed in-house and covered by our Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty and Perpetual Trade-Back Program. Don't see the model you want? Tell us on First Dibs and we'll email you when one arrives.

Our five best-selling Energy models so far: the RC-mini bookshelf speakers, the e:XL-S8 and ESW-8 subwoofers, the e:XL-C centre and the C-300 towers.

The Energy story

Howard Heiber founded Audio Products International in 1973 in Scarborough, Ontario, as a builder of private-label speakers. Energy says its brand dates from 1973; other sources point to the late 1970s or early 1980s, when API took on the Energy and Sound Dynamics names.

Research in Canada. Energy took part in the National Research Council of Canada's listening-test research from 1977 to 1986, and its speakers were built at API's Scarborough factory, which it shared with Mirage.

Veritas and Connoisseur. The Veritas v2.8 flagship was shown at the 1993 Winter CES, and the Connoisseur series followed in the mid-1990s. The Take 5 satellite system arrived in 1997.

New owners. Klipsch Group of Indianapolis bought API, with Energy, Mirage and Athena, in August 2006, and production moved to China around 2006 to 2007. VOXX bought Klipsch in 2011, and Gentex bought VOXX in 2025.

Which Energy is which?

Veritas (1993 onward): the flagship line, such as the three-way v2.8.

Connoisseur (mid-1990s to mid-2000s): models such as the C-2, C-3, C-6 and C-8.

Reference Connoisseur (RC): including the RC-70 towers and the RC-mini, one of our best sellers.

Take 5 and Take Classic (1997 onward): small satellite-and-subwoofer systems.

XL and e:XL (2000s): the entry line. Our best-selling e:XL-S8 subwoofer and e:XL-C centre come from here.

C-series (late 2000s): the vinyl-finished budget line, from the C-50 to the C-500, including the C-300 towers.

Subwoofers: the ESW and S-series, such as the ESW-8 we sell often.

Buying used Energy: what to check

Aluminum-dome tweeters. Owners report broken tweeters on some Connoisseur models. Look closely for dented or cracked domes.

Powered subwoofers. Owners report failed plate amplifiers on some S-series subs. Any sub should play cleanly at volume.

Surrounds. Most Energy woofers of the 1990s and 2000s use rubber surrounds, but some models, such as the RVSS dipole, used foam. Press gently on each woofer surround.

Where it was made. Energy speakers were made in Scarborough into the mid-2000s and in China from about 2006 to 2007. Check the rear label if Canadian manufacture matters to you.

Everything we list is inspected, tested and serviced as required here, and comes with our warranty.