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I do know about this one..makes no sense. Though there will always be someone that prefers the rise in treble, sits alone in a one seater at ear level, has a 400 watt amp, & owns 2 subs already. On a side note it seems that if a designer doesn't get that baffle or wave guide exactly right they shouldn't be messing with those AMT or folded ribbon tweeters. They can sound beautiful if you get it right though.
This a case were definteley crossing the beams of the speakers will benefit greatly in sounstage and imaging. Place them fairly far apart and then go with extreme toe in to the point that the left speakerpoints towrds your right ear abd tge same with the right speaker and left ear.
I just ran across this older video and I'm confused as to why Kristi is never seen in current videos. This girl is gorgeous and I would think she would draw even more subscriptions. What a waste of a valuable asset.
I bought the XT1 based on Cheapaudio Man's review. These replaced my 24 year old Klipsch RF3, which still performs great. The soundstage on the XT1 is wider and taller. Our living room is about 15 feet wide, 9 feet high and about 26 feet long. Our seating position is 16 feet away. I have these and my Klipsch R-25C powered from the Emotiva BasX A3 (200w/ch). With 2 channels only for music, every instrument floats in space brilliantly. I do not find the tweeters to be bright or fatiguing at all. In fact, i love them more than the ones on my Klipsch. These are part of a 7.1 surround system. The other 5 are Klipsch. They blend and play great together. I'm guessing that our rooms, being vastly different, is what is causing you and I to have different experiences. I have the XT1's point directly forward. Toe-in caused the right and left to bleed too much together. Straight ahead was best. I am enjoying these a lot. Everyone's experience will be different. The Emotiva rep told me the soundstage increases more as you go up the XT lines. He suggested the XT1 as the better fit for my room. I also have the Pioneer LX505 based on your recommendation. I use Dirac Live for room correction. That may explain my results, too. Thanks for your thoughts on these.
I really appreciate you sharing your personal experience. I think this review and your experience are more inline that you may think. You have pointed your Emotiva's straight ahead which undoubtedly makes the speaker less bright (something I mentioned in my review). You're also experiencing a broader and less focused center image (which I noted in the review) not to mention you are also using a center speaker which helps fill in the middle (also something I recommend). Lastly, you are using an external amp with 200watts just for your stereo pair connected to your AVR. So, from my perspective this review hits the nail right on the head. The big difference is that I didn't enjoy the experience and felt that all the fine print that needs to be adhered to wasn't worth the end result. Regardless, I'm very happy that it was for you!
I don't think so. Andrew states that, as opposed to your speaker, the XT2 uses in-house drivers. It's not an update, rather a brand new replacement. So if that's true then comparing the XT2 to XT1 is almost like comparing apples to oranges. It could just be that Emotiva didn't get it right this time round. And at this price range demanding hefty amplification puts it at odds at its price range.
While I'm sure my Emotiva TA-2 will have the oomph to drive these (200W at 4 ohms), that overall behavior is a bit off-putting. How about a comparison to the Q Acoustics products, especially the 5040's which are about the same price point?
I noticed the other emotiva speaker you pictured is not the one I gave. I have T2+ but they don’t have the extra little cut outs on the baffle. On mine I “do not” find them bright. Of course I’m 54 and from what I can tell I’ve lost anything over 15or 16. My question is have you done a review on emo’s over the course of all products. Could my T2 + be different then what you threw up in a picture?
Great video! I doubt that the speakers have 90dB. Otherwise, so much amplifier power wouldn't be necessary. Furthermore, the impedance is likely well below 4 Ohms. AMT's have the highest dispersion widthwise, not vertically. This, combined with cheap crossover components at this price, makes the whole thing so challenging, I guess.
On another note, the Emotiva TA2 is a heck of a deal for a powerful integrated amplifier, and it probably has the guts needed to run these new Emotiva speakers to their ‘best’ performance.
Their excuse for developing these on XPA line of amps is quite lame imo. I also think these look quite ordinary for $1,200 a pair, and should have put 2 mid ranges and one 10" woofer (side firing) for the bass
@robinsonbrand Nicely written and spoken. I always appreciate your honesty. I also like that even when faced with something that you don’t like you seem to try and make it work. Appreciate your candor.
I think companies often create new product, only because they need a new product that grabs the media’s attention. The audience may get suckered into buying the new ‘shiny’ thing (and it makes company profits), but it doesn’t really substantially improve anything (iPhone 13-14-15, Technics SU-G700-SU-G700MK2, etc.). Maybe this Emotiva is different enough to necessitate its existence, but it sure seems like a lot of Hifi is just a lot of the same technologies repackaged in a different box… and we’re spending our money buying the new ‘shiny’ thing.
Unfortunately you've just described the totality of the retail economy. Having something new to sell is important because you're right, it stimulates interest and it enables companies to keep the lights on and their staff paid. Look at brands like Outlaw, they're all but "dead" due to a lack of ongoing interest. As a result they're a shell of what they once were. Their products didn't all of a sudden stop being good (they're great actually), but poor business moves plus a lack of new products to talk about has rendered them all but irrelevant. I applaud Emotiva for stepping up to the plate and taking their shot at bat. In all honesty, a lot of people lack the courage to even try. But if you step up to the plate there's a change you'll strike out. But I agree, some brands are half-assing it, but I'm not wholly convinced Emotiva, at least their in-house designed new Airmotiv line, falls into that camp. Maybe other things they've made, but this was an honest attempt at something new for them. Whether or not it worked or works out, that's yet to be seen. Obviously it wasn't ideal for us, but performance in hifi and home theater is mostly subjective, so some may feel differently.
I want Hifi companies to pay their employees and keep the lights on. And maybe a new chassis allows that to happen (shoot, I love the new Arcam A25), but its a tough business model when the reality is a good pair of speakers and amplifier might only need replacing every 25 years or so. Hifi companies need audiophiles that are never satisfied while looking for perfection.
I'm surprised that they made a speaker that mostly for home theater at 4 ohms . I like the old style because I think the angles would help with disfraction , i wonder what the crossover points are? They make heavy duty cabinets but use kinda cheap crossover components. Dome tweeters are better for dispersion, i wonder why they would use a amt on a center speaker.
Andrew, as usual your honesty and sincerity come across in your delivery with heartfelt warmth that you really wanted the speakers to work and you tried everything possible. That speaks volumes about your moral compass and integrity and is the reason why I appreciate you and Kristy‘s reviews. I was almost going to purchase the XB2 bookshelf but now I’m going to purchase the new SVS ultra evolution bookshelves. I look forward to your review of either the SVS ultra evolution bookshelf or the ultra evolution nano bookshelf. Keep on doing what you do, as I appreciate you all! Cheers!
In all honesty, the in room measurements dont look all that great. Even a straight line at the top end heavily suggests a boosted treble, a rising in ro response should be painful. Couple that the directional tweeter.....
How can wharfdale nail the amt tweeter but emotiva cant. Amt just seems like such a hit or miss. With how finicky the speaker buying experience is and going blind on some purchases, trying to buy an amt tweeter speaker is even more of a gamble...
whardale is a top notch speaker company with a tons of talent and experience....emotiva is a electronics company, they are new to speaker design and this is there first speaker done 100% in house without and help.......and well........
You may notice that a lot of manufacturers that like or use AMT-style tweeters have started using larger, more elongated ones. This is an added cost, but these larger options may help solve some of the design's inherent issues. I am not a speaker designer, but I'm noticing more and more brands moving to larger AMT tweeters rather than the one-ish inch version seen here.
The AXR100 has really impressed me. I've had it for over a year and no problems at all. No fan noise after the break in period, plenty of power and incredible smooth warm sound.
Good afternoon from Ottawa 🇨🇦 thanks for reviewing these speakers. I heard them at Montreal Audiofest and they knocked my socks off, so I’m glad to hear your take. Kinda surprised by the review, but I greatly appreciate the consideration you put into your reviews. The power-hunger and setup issues are a concern for me: I’m looking for small towers in my office stereo, which is jammed right into the corner. I would imagine these would not be ideal, or would they? 1 metre apart, 1 metre away seated position. But I’m not Carl, I don’t listen to anything over 65db max. Let me know what you recommend. I’m definitely tuning in to Unplugged on Friday to hear Kristi’s thoughts on these speakers. Thanks, and have a great Sunday.
Too bad they don’t sound better. I’ve got the previous generation and like them a lot. Makes me think I need to bring something else home to compare them to. I might be able to get much better sound for the same price.
Great Review Andrew, big respect for telling the truth(and posting data to back it up) about these speakers. I respect your honesty. Emotiva seems to have missed the mark here.
I've heard that Emotiva speakers review well. But looks count and despite this redesign, Emotiva speakers are still really plain and ugly. It's not too much to expect speakers that not only yield great sound but look great in the room as well. There are plenty of speakers that sound just as good if not better than the Emotiva plus also offer some visual pizzaz. Also it's not shocking that Emotiva made these speakers power hungry. What a coincidence that a company known primarily for their power amps make speakers that require external amplification to drive properly.
Super happy with the preamp and BasX amp that I own from Emotiva. Disappointed to hear that the speakers are not up to snuff with the electronics. Thanks for reviewing, Andrew.
The Cheap Audioman is always waxing poetic about Emotiva being a family-run business, but whenever he does that I'm reminded of what George Costanza said on Seinfeld: "everybody makes a big deal about mom n pop stores, I tell ya what: if my mom n pop had a store, I woudn't shop there!"
It's not abt 4 Ohm impedance but how low the impedance can drop down to and how stable is the amp below 4 Ohm. My Electrostatic quasi dipole LS7 ( old model) is rated at 4 Ohm but it can drop down below 2 Ohm, hence I have to pair them with the Krell FBP to make the most out of the SQ of the ML LS7.
Emo's. Decent treble but can never quite get there on midrange and lows, in terms of quality, compared to other speakers. Ive got a pair of T-zeros sitting around.
Why Ive never been a fan of Emotiva speakers? Always 4 ohms - meaning these speakers have dipped into 1.9 ohm territory / this demands a powerful 4 ohm supply, and the crappy Chinese amps will clip, burn up and die. Maybe a class G or class H / Harmon has class G amplifiers.
I bought the T2+ (TMWW) and they too had issues depending on music played & PLACEMENT. Sometimes they sound good (@ price point) while other times UNBEARABLE from the ATM tweeter screaming at me. When placement was as correct as I could get them, the Tweeter to 5.5" Mid were well integrated & smooth transitioned. Having two 8" woofers, the bass wasn't weak but was underwhelming compared to MA Silver 500 speakers with two 8" woofers that leave the T2+ in their dust (in every way). Used them with Denon 75w/ch, Cambridge 80w/ch, BasX 145w/ch, XPA gen2 200w/ch, Sony ES 125w/ch, Integra 135w/ch, all @ 8 ohms, with zero problems having "enough power". But placement & room accoustics a BIG problem. (compared to my Monitor Audio Silver line). Before selling them, tried them on the open-air patio & they were better than inside. After having an ATM tweeter once, for me, never again. As far as appearence, like or hate, ok for a design made more for theater than 2-ch setups. Love Emotiva amps & really like their pre/pros (when they work properly) but speakers, not so much.
Hey Andrew, really appreciate the phenomenal work you do. I recently rebuilt my home theater around a Sony receiver. You mentioned not having trouble driving KEFs with Sony receivers, but I am finding my 5000ES does struggle with the KEFs when trying to power all 11 channels. Not always a problem, but some movies sound a little thin a higher volumes. Would it help to use a separate amp for the front channels and if so could you make some recommendations on what to pair with the Sony?
I'm running an Emotiva BasX A3 for my AZ5000ES front 3, it opened up the front sound stage, Monitor Audio Silver line. (5.2.4) Tried with & without a number of times to compare & the A3 does help. (my wife agreed)
Adding a three channel amp for the front three would likely do the trick as that is typically what we do if we feel we need more oomph. Emotiva's XPA amps pair very well with KEF.
Hmm, I do have plenty of power on hand for my front L/R speakers, but what concerns me more is your comment about the "off/on" characteristic of these speakers. I listen to music or movies at low to moderate sound levels, certainly not high SPL. So, maybe these are not for me. Seems like ML's new MotionXT line is a better fit.
I have made up my mind though! After waiting months for the Emotiva SE8 to come back into stock, I gave up. After watching the reviews here, went with a Samsung HW-990C Sound Bar with sub and two wireless satellites for my small family room as an upgrade on my vintage 2013 Denon AVR-791. I love the 990C and more so, my wife loves it. I am so "Happy Life" to move away from AVR's with their 100's-of-buttons remote, weird calibration mics, and giant un-esthetic black obelisks in every corner of the room. For critical listening, I've gone nearfield in my office and headphones. Andrew and I are so tight 🙄, I don't know how he has forgotten this. 😉
I really like Emotiva, but this feels like a way to upsell people on their more expensive amps. “Before you go through the hassle of returning these massive speakers, why not try throwing one of our giant amps in your system and see if that fixes your problem?”
I was interested in buying the eversolo DMP-A8 but when went to listen to it to local store the sound was the flattest sound i have ever experienced. Can someone help me? Is there any setting or settings that need to be different to sound dynamic/fuller i mean the opposite of flat or is this eversolos DMP-A8 trademark sound? Compared it to the master edition DMP-A6 and that sound was much fuller/dynamic yet little bit not as accurate. Any help appreciated.
@@robinsonbrand Thank you very much for answering! Can you give any recommendations for very dynamic sounding streamers or dacs that would still produce wery accurate sound? I mean opposite of this neutral flatness that DMP-A8 is.
Sounds like maybe you'd be a good candidate for Cambridge Audio's new streamer since you don't need extra functionality like a preamp or DSP. The Cambridge gives one the sensation of more weight when directly compared to the Eversolo.
Thank you for the information. I think I would prefer the Q Acoustics 5050s at $2000, instead. They must be popular; they've been out of stock for some time. I find if it's a pair of speaker I'm going to have for years, I won't feel like I had overspent, and see the value of having paid more, over time. I am currently selling my Wharfedale Diamond 12.4s on consignment and currently have the ML XT-F100s. The situation with the Wharfedales was a shame: it had more to do with my room than the product. They had sounded better at the store I had brought them to. The Diamond line I feel is a great value, and I would personally pick it over the Emotivas. But those Diamonds hadn't ended up being a good fit for my space: great timbre, and a vast diffuse soundstage, and a locked in center image, but too laid back for me to be placing them at the other end of my living room, yet too big to have sounded good placed in my dining room, or firing into the dining room.
Thanks for the honest review. I actually like the first gen stealth shape rather than the upright black coffin ⚰️ look. Sounds like Emotiva needs to work on their wave guide design.
I personally would love to see them move away from an AMT-style tweeter as they can be very difficult to work with and get right. I believe they have a bias towards them because they may be thinking consumers prefer or view them (AMT Tweeters) as higher-end and as a result use them exclusively when maybe a soft dome or metal dome would be better?
I ran into the "sounds like butt" issue with my B&W 702s2 towers and HTM71s3 center. Driving them with my Denon AVR X3800H (105wpc) yielded very disappointing results. However, once each got 200 watts, it was game on (Rotel 1582 MkII and Emotiva BasX A1). Still jacking around with the best placement, but I'm in a happy place.
