This review made very clear why I love your style. You love the music you play so much and that comes across in the reviews. It's not the technical stuff about the products, but the way the product makes you feel when playing your favourite music. And that's so cool man!
Hi Steve--- just wanted to thank you for this great review. It was my introduction to a new brand, Emotiva ! After your review, I ordered the speakers to replace a very old pair of Bose 201's that have been workhorses for many, many, years. I was just speechless at the difference in sound quality in all respects! Thanks for all you do for all of us! All the best!
I inexplicably just love watching your reviews, Steve. I absolutely dig it! Your excitement, and genuine enthusiasm is so freaking refreshing! What I would love is seeing you relish the speaker you are reviewing as you listen to whatever gives you goosebumps. Next level right there.
Man, I am glad I found your channel. You have opened up my eyes, and have removed many of my biases as I am an older equipment fan (those from the 1970s and early 80s), such as my Marantz 2270, love that Marantz Blue, Pioneer CT-F11250, ESS Heil speakers, Dual 708q - love them all. Thank you for your daily b'casts.
@@lukecharles7376 I don't have those but I have a pair of Alex Jones BS-22's and those still amaze me for the cost. I wish the Elac Adante's were good a bang for the buck
Just set these up earlier this week, upgraded from the Sony SSCS5. Amazing little speaker. Sound is a lot cleaner, more transparent and holographic, better imaging and separation, bigger soundstage... really great overall. I wanted to hear what these folded ribbons sounded like, and I get what other reviewers have said about them being faster, more detailed yet not fatiguing. Super impressed.
I listen to rock and metal. I ordered these and am waiting to test out. I like Grado headphones (forward mids & highs, clarity). Hoping the Emotiva comes close to this signature
Excellénce is a daily experience and expectations are always high and Steve’s Reviews are “spot on”, concise and with his unique perspectives that capture our attention and draw us further into a celebration of sounds. I would also love to hear Steve give us a tour of his art collection we see in the background. Another great presentation wrapped in another cool shirt. 👍🏻
Fantastic channel. I love your comparisons and descriptions. I think I may get myself the Emotiva B1+ and the Klipsch RP-600m in a year or two and I'll A/B them in two different rooms with my 4 channel amp.
I really like how you test a $200 speaker with a $300 amplifier and not a flagship McIntosh which could give an unrealistic presentation of what the speaker would do in most situations
Thanks for giving some much deserved credit to Emotiva. I have the Emotiva ERC 3 CD player and Emotiva amp and they are well built sound great and function flawlessly. The build quality of Emotiva is much better then some of the more expensive audio equipment out there.
Thank you Steve for the great review. I just purchased these and am eager to see how they compare to the Elac b6.2's that I really love. Will be driving them with another of your recommendations that I use everyday, the little Dayton Audio DTA-2.1BT.
@@sinswithin I ended up using a Denon DRA-800H and have both the emotivas and Elac b6.2's connected as A and B. Switching back and forth, the Elacs sound warmer and meatier for lack of a better description. But the Emotiva's seem to have better vocals and details. Since the Emotiva's have better near field, i will repurpose them as computer speakers and stick to the Elacs as my primary speakers.
Because of cost in the UK I purchased the elecs b5.2 2.0 I hope I'm not gonna be disappointed because I really like the look of these speakers also. Great reviews keep up the good work 👍
In case you haven't notice, the stereo speaker is a mature technology that has been perfected to a point where a manufacturer would have to purposely try to make a speaker that does not sound good.
Getting back into stereo music. Ended up getting an Emotiva 2.1 system: B1+ bookshelf speakers, SE8 sub, and BASX TA1 integrated amp. Originally was going to get the Denon PE600 but Emotiva gives 20% back in Emotiva $ so the BASX TA1 ended up being less expensive than the Denon! Free shipping from Franklin TN was about 2-3 days from day of order since I live about 100 miles away. So far love the great accuracy and imaging - being able to pick out every instrument and location.
How's the bass? I have the Airmotiv 4s, which tho flawed, have monster (tho a tad muddy) bass, when set to the "0" setting. Meanwhile, a bit too bright when set to the "-2" setting, and there is no "-1" setting, hence my dilemma. I know the B1+ will be a better product overall but I don't wanna lose not needing a subwoofer and just ripping drum n bass tracks in the "0" setting lol. But am also tired of adjusting the bass switch all the time for different music.
Set up a desk top system based on your recommendations: Dayton Audio DTA-2 amp and B652-Air speakers (with Dayton Audio MKSX4 passive sub). Today I received a pair of the Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ (very fast shipping from Emotiva!) While the B652's were great for listening to Pandora and my Apple playlists, these Emotiva's are awesome! Love how even at low volumes I can pick out every instrument and vocal - great imaging and clarity. Thought about going ahead and getting Emotiva towers to eventually move into the living room, but I am very happy Airmotiv B1+ speakers for my study/office - perfect for near field stereo.
Just off first glance our personalities are different but man I'd love to hang out for a day and listen to music and hear you talk about music and equipment. I know it was be amazing and fun. Thanks for the review
Looking at buying both the Airmotiv T2+ and the Reisong a10 pretty crazy that you’ve come across them as well. Looking forward to your reviews 🤟🏽🤟🏽🤟🏽👌🏽
Glad to have your reviews of affordable stuff, Steve. You enticed me to get a pair of 600M's and that Denon PMA600 amp... and I think I'm done. I'm a jazz, classical, acoustic folk kinda guy, but I had a visitor over the other day and played some streamed Led Zeppelin, Rush, and Carlos Santana stuff -- and *I* was blown away. (To be fair, there's a JBL sub in the speaker mix.) This week I was in Key West, and I heard Larry Baeder / Larry Bowen and the band at the Green Parrot. As an EE, I'd guess it would take 5000 watts to try to recreate that live sound. Likely more.
Thanks a lot Steve. Emotiva doesn't usually supply products to reviewers. Glad you are able to review some. Perhaps you can pair the towers with their A-100 stereo flex amp. In case you're interested. The T-Zero is the two-way floor standing version of this loudspeaker. The T-1+ and T-2+ are three-way floor standers. Suggest trying risers with the two smaller floor standing speakers if you audition them.
Huh? 😲 I just Googled "Emotiva Reviews", and there's basically an endless string of Emotiva reviews on the web, and in magazines. I seriously doubt all those reviewers bought all that gear themselves.
@@amb3cog My error. I was addressing the T-1+, T-2+ and the T-Zero. I have seen very few reviews from sites that I frequent. And yes I have gotten the impression that some reviewers have been asked for front money. Possibly because Emotiva wants to ensure return of their equipment in a timely manner. In addition, many of the reviews do not appear to be professional which I pretty much discount and consider the products probably not manufacturer sourced. Finally many reviews are prefaced with a disclaimer stating that the equipment supplied is not manufacturer sourced.
I'd love to hear from anyone who has compared these the the GoldenEar Aon 2. They both have ribbon tweeters, but the Aon 2 has a 6" driver coupled to two 6.5" bass radiators. At $879.98 per pair, the Aon 2 is in a completely different price range. I'd be very impressed if someone who's heard both said that the B1+ compares favorably.
Thank you for your experienced commentary. I used to read Stereo Review as a nine year old and gaze at the equipment ads, wishing...I mightlook at getting your Denon amp, or look for a receiver sometime.
I have the 4s as well. Very awesome, my only issue is, the bass setting is only -2, 0, or -4. I switch to 0 when I want giant bass, and -2 when I want less, but neither is perfect for all music! I'm always switching it back and forth. My hope is the B1+'s just sound right without adjustment for everything.
A great and very passionate review of the Emotiva B1+ speakers. You might just have me sold, especially if they would compliment my little Totem Mites in a surround sound system. Personally, I was looking for a pair of speakers that would deliver the old school rich yet detailed Tannoy sound of the 80's for under $600 if possible. I welcome any other suggestions that you may have. I know that you know and value quality audio. I recognize your name from yesteryear. Thanks for all you do, Steve. Zee Ottawa, Ontario Canada
Steve, you should have a contest where the winner can stop by your place for like 2hrs with their favorite music. If I where the winner, I would bring your favorite dish.
You should review the JBL Studio 530 horn loaded speaker when you get the chance! JBL had these on sale for $299 a pair recently, but I think they're back up to $599 now. They sound amazing!
JBL are the best sounding speakers I have ever heard definitely better then klipsch I got rid of my klipsch when I heard a pair of jbl jrx225 in 2 channel stereo hooked up to a home stereo talk about midrange 15inch and dynamic detail just incredible.
Have gone from audio hiend jewelery to EMOTIVA's TOTL. Remarkable product, sound and customer service. Mention of the agreed remarkable at that price! B1+ relative to the Klipsch 600s was an extrememly helpful reference/reality check. Thanks Steve.
I just ordered a pair. I hope you are right. I will use them for my computer speakers and hope they do not burn my ears, which will be 36 inches away from the speakers.
Kudos Steve, Now you're talking in a reasonable language, in the price range, where most people can afford. Now people, if you're happy with a system like this stay loyal, cherish it, and keep it for a life-time.
Thank you Steve, I’m not sure if the B1+ is available in the UK, but retail on the B1 was 379 Sterling. I know that there is shipping cost involved to the UK and taxes to pay, but I find Emotiva pricing outside of the USA to be significantly higher, to the point that the brand isn’t competitive in the global market. I expect UK customers may get better value from the Elac offerings
Steve, like many speaker reviews I hear and see, there seem that a"break in" period is required . I'm 69 YO, and until this past year that I embarked on buying new stereo equipment for my Finished Basement COVID Studio.... A New Denon DRA-800H Receiver which I will use for Video , but only for 2.1 channel stereo now, New Elac Debut 6.2s , new Fluance Signature Series Bookshelfs, new pair of Elac Debut Reference 6.2s , Trying a new pair of Sony CSS5s, and finally just received new Emotiva B1+s..... I know , Overkill , but what the Hell , I'm retired and NOW have the time to deal with my life's pleasure (Oh yeah I started playing Drums again in the Studio after a 51 year Hiatus), and also went crazy and got a IOTA SA3 and Emotiva A-300 Amp. Right now I have the References hooked up in parallel with the Sonys on the B connection of the Denon in the rear of the room. Then I have the Elac Debuts hooked up to the Emotiva Amp, which is connected to the IOTA SA3 to which I have the Fluances connected. So the 2 pairs of speakers FILL the Room , like a concert hall IMO. So now, I am "testing" the B1S with the References (paralleled) against the Sonys paired with the References.... I will tell you, off the bat, the B1s have more punch than the Sonys , but perhaps a little less high end clarity than the Sonys. Back to the original question: Do you really need to Break in Speakers ??? Many out there say yes... PS: I know this is a Audiophile Faux Paux.... But again WTF !!!
Hi Steve i really enjoyed watching your videos. Not only they are informative you also make the videos fun to watch. I myself is a purist when it comes to listening to music but also i am new to buying or building my new set up. What are your thoughts about airmotive b1 and ta 100 combo. Any suggestions.
Great review!!! I have the same set for my desktop and LOVE THEM!!!! I also run the AirMotiv T-2 towers in my dedicated 2 channel system!! Absurd quality for the money
Do you find any of them a little too bright or sharp with the highs at all? And what amp around 300 or sub 300 would you recommend for the bookshelve speakers?
I watched this review when you uploaded it and then forgot about it. I am doing some upgrades to my home recording studio and was in the market for a second pair of monitors. I have migrated away from studio monitors and into the HiFi space over the past few years with Klipsch R-15m bookshelf I use for nearfield and JBL 900 floor standing I use for mid-field. I have owned and used "pro" studio monitors from M-Audio, Yamaha, KRK, you name it. All my peers use the same boring variety of studio monitors and there's that little audiophile bug in me that needs a unique set-up. There is just as much variety in sound and functionality in the studio monitor market as there is in the HiFi market - but the HiFi market and community is more fun! And I love my Yamaha Natural Sound amp when compared to powered monitors. Anyway, I remember thinking I saw a video a few months ago on an affordable speaker that looks like Adam Audio monitors and sound great but for a fraction of the cost. I searched youtube for "Audiophile review guy" and you popped right up! Placed an order for these today, thankfully they were in stock on Emotiva's website.
@@joeslacker1020been using them for 4yrs now and I can confidently say they are not too harsh at all, and I do not deal with ear fatigue anymore. The ribbon tweeters is so smooth. Accurate, but not fatiguing. The only downside is you can't push them very loud without going into distortion. But for studio use in an apartment I don't listen loud to begin with.
Steve - I think more people. including myself, would be interested in how the Emotiva B1+ compares with any of the speakers from Elac's Debut line, including their new reference bookshelf in that line. The Klipsch, I think, is at another level but the Debut line from Elac, to me, seems right in the same category as the B1+'s from Emotiva. Hope to see a response.
I went to look for a pair.. They are sold out.. AHHHHH.. LOL :) BTW.. Love your Channel Steve.. A good way to keep up with the latest trends and your reviewing knowledge. Also, I think there is a lot of guys that like buying ( collecting) and trying all the new components. Like having a car collection and driving which ever car you what, that you feel like driving that day.. Thanks Steve..
@Steve, thanks a lot for the wonderful review. I was wondering how would compare this to Martin Logan Motion 15i speakers or other foundation motion bookshelf speakers in terms of its clarity, openness and dispersion? Was thinking of deciding which one to choose out of the two. Thanks a lot 😊
Obviously, some of comparisons at higher price point are less relevant than comparing at similar price point especially with frequent sales. i bought both the Elac 6.2 and Polk S20 for less money and Elac UB5 for close. I have not heard the Emotiva so it is hard to understand how it stacks up versus those speakers. What matters more in this case sound character in more important. Anyway, I love the channel it is just sometimes hard to understand the apple to apple and oranges to oranges and what sound characteristics are in each speaker. Of course then it depends on so many other actors including inputs, preamps, and amplifiers involved. I will review the other 3 speakers I mentioned soon maybe I can add the emotiva at some point. What is true is the sound at $200-300 price point in unbelievable nowadays. It is truly incredible what sound and presence can be had for that money today. I think back to mid 1990s and what it would have cost and really it is easy to be blown away by the quality for money ratio. I really appreciate your hard work Steve.
I like that you "dare" to include these types of gear, some do feel that they are not "real audiophiles" if it does not comes at least with a 5 figure prize tag. I feel it a bit like "real men do not were red" syndrome :-)
. . . It's the attention to details, like the crossover components. I have a small inexspensive pair of speakers for a small room, I changed out or bypassed the old components . . . like Steve says . . . 'Just Wow' . . . most inexpensive speakers are just that. These Emotiva B 1+ are my next venture down the never-ending yellow audio road . . . 😜
Steve, I still have your recommended PSB alpha from many many years ago.... It sounds great with this Peter Gabriel song.(elac b6 too, but PSB sounds better)... Thanks for the song I have never heard of this version.... So so good... Like flower blossoming with the violin unfolding. Thank you sir!
I have a hell of a review of the 160m on me channel 😆 same crossover and woofer as the 600m only difference is the 160m has a bottom angled plate and 600m has a cooled tweeter thats it ! I would by the 600m and compare the 2 if i got enough subscribers asking for comparrsion i will buy the 600m since no1 has compared the 2 side by side !
@@_yourfavmexican The a7x's are monitors so they sound very flat (still not as flat as some other monitors though which is a good thing in my opinion). I'm not a big fan of a totally flat sound so if these have a little dip around 1khz i would be very happy! I love the bbc dip dip sound🙌
The Adam's are powered studio monitors with room eq adjustment, they are really heavy and have front bass ports. These things are not going to sound the same, although they're clearly a blatant copy visually.
@Larry Niles "be very careful"? "more audio experience". Lol. Maybe you should direct your comment towards Steve because you won't find a bad review from him on any of their products he has featured.
Hi Steve, I'd be interested to here your comparison of these to Elac debut B6.2s. Here in New Zealand these are both around the price point I am looking at for my next refit.
@@MrPablo616 I'm not him, but I have had the Elac B6.2 for over a year and a half now and they are truly outstanding. I haven't heard the Emotiva, but they are much smaller than the B6.2 so I'm sure they will sound smaller too. The B6.2 is a large standmount speaker so make sure you have sturdy stands. If you have to pick between the two, go with the Elac - you won't be disappointed.
Also i think the best affordable speakers are : Wharfedale Diamond 11 series , EVO series and Elysian series designed by Peter Comeau. They sound and look like speakers that cost 3 or 4 times more , they are unique and very good built. I HAVE SPOKEN :D
I have that tweeter in my mains, and also the C1 center I just bought. Emotiva is a great speaker company if you're on a budget, even if you're not. All of my Ht speakers are Emo, audio Klipsch. But that tweeter is really nice.
A great audiophile equipment company full stop. My introduction to Emotiva was purchasing some of their amazing amplifiers to run with my Klipsch F1's. 2 x Reference Quality Class A Mono Blocks and a Preamp for less than $3000 - the closest equivalent I could find were from Pass Labs and came in at around $17,000. The upgraded sound (from an already excellent Denon) was so beyond my expectations that I immediately also upgraded my speakers to the Reference Klipsch RF7’s. Sensational sound!
Are the speakers too sensitive to placement? Can they be placed close to walls in a small apartment? Would you say the speakers are more on analytical side or musical side? Amazing find, thanks for the detailed review! Reminds me of Cambridge Audio S30!
I have the previous version (B1) and they are rear ported so you don't want them too close to the wall. Mine are about 3' from the wall and I'm still looking into treatment to minimize reflection. But it's no worse than any other rear-ported speakers; if you want front-ported speakers with ribbon tweeters you could look into Adam monitors though you will pay for it. As for your other question I would definitely say more musical than analytical; the ribbon tweeters really provide a luscious high end that is difficult to describe. My only complaint about these is that if you turn them down too low the sound loses its luster, which isn't always ideal for desktop use.
Thanks for sharing your view on an affordable speaker set! I’m building a second listening station and trying to do it getting the best bang for the buck. I even shared this with my daughter who could afford this set- even on a part-time budget.
Haha...I was just cranking Rollins Plays For Bird last night and was marveling at the quality of that recording. Wow. (Playing through Axiom Audio M80s.)
Also, I have the powered (earlier) version of the Emotiva speaker, the Airmotiva 4s, that I've had for five years and use as my computer speakers. They are outstanding and I was sad to see that Emotiva is no longer making powered monitors.
Are you unhappy with your elac speakers? If not, no use to change'm IMHO. The ub5 are 3 way as well. Sound great too. Get these as surround and compare.
@@kohnfutner9637 I am in the market for a budget system. I am getting the denon amp and had decided on the ELACs. But this looks like a good alternative. So would be good to have an expert opinion
@@jaytorr6701 check out audiophiliacs video on emotiva b1+. You might find yourself interested in that pair. Ohhh, this is commented in that video hahaha! Duhh I honestly thought the Yamaha rxa880 worked better with the elac ub5. If you get lucky like I did, you might find the 880 on Amazon for $600 after taxes. The Denon crosses over at a weird spot at like 110hz so you'll have to add a sub if you run into that problem and it says the elac are out of phase a lot. Aside from that, the Denon gives speakers much more upper frequency. It's good in a way but I preferred the laid back sound of the Yamaha. If you need more treble move closer to the walls. If you need more bass move further away. I don't recommend taking measurements far away from the starting point. It seems to smear the sound by fouling up the timing. But the Denon x3500h always gives speakers more of a treble sound. I thought the Yamaha was easier to customize as well. The crossover the Yamaha has compared to the Denon is well worth the price difference (up to $150-200)IMHO. The Yamaha basically has a stripped down version of the minidsp built in.
I’m feeling a little “amazing” fatigue! I’m not sure what to do about this. Of course I’m intrigued every time I hear a review like this but after so many I’m beginning to lose my footing on which to stand.
@@jaytorr6701 I have the Emotiva T1 and Inhad UB5 and checked the Debut in store. I can tell you, Emotiva has a better finish than ELAC. I felt they had priced the original B1 higher than it should have been but I guess they managed to bring the price down somehow with the refresh. You're getting a ribbon tweeter in this money. The only other speaker which has a good ribbon tweeter for $120 more is the Chane 1.4. Honestly, at this price, these B1+ are a steal.
Would you consider this speaker even with the current price of 313 dollars after tax? I'm considering in buying them but would also consider other options in that range.
Makes me wonder if the price is cheaper is the quality cheaper??? They stole my design. I had the same exact idea for a baffle 15 years ago (sharp edges sliced off). I didn't have tools to do it so I couldn't make it. Steve, you're wonderful and your videos would be more wonderful if you would let us hear the speakers. What you like maybe isn't what I like. 😁😁😁😁
@@davidfromamerica1871 my 2006 mercedes/dodge sprinter van has a cassette deck that bit the dust. At least I still have FM. Can you imagine cassette in 2006? Quality German engineering and thinking.
Hello Steve, By having my Polk Audio RTIA7, that is a clear audiophile speakers, I was expecting something different. Unfortunately there was no difference plus that I had the bottom lows on direct mode. But that was not the case. We wanted to send them back for a refund. Just so you know they made us pay to send them back & didn’t send us a shipping refund slip that other companies had sent us. We’re very disappointed. We thought you should know this.
