EMP ECA-4 & ECA-44 Compact Satellite Speaker System Review

[admin]

The EMP ECA-4 / ECA -44 speaker system is a must have solution for any application requiring a compact clutter free and inconspicuously mounted installation. For a limited time, EMP is extending 50% off their MSRP which makes this system even more attractive and a very uncommon value at this price point. So basically $500 gets you 2 pairs of ECA-4s, and 1 ECA-44. I recommend pairing this system with two small but potent subs such as the Yamaha YST-FSW150 (or equivalent from other manufacturers) and you’ve got a “cubed speaker system” killer for under $1k. Highly recommended!


http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/satellite/emp-eca-4/image_thumb

Discuss " EMP ECA-4 & ECA-44 Compact Satellite Speaker System Review" here. Read the article (http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/satellite/emp-eca-4).

[Sheep]

Cool RBH speakers.

SheepStar

[Seth=L]

Hmmmm... *ponders the recommendation of using two Yamaha slim-fit subwoofers*... could it be that AH sells this little subwoofer?:D

Just curious, will RBH allow AH to sell their products here?

[AH Store Admin1]

The recommended subwoofers are actually not the slim-fit YST-FSW100 model (http://store.audioholics.com/product/1178/20/yamaha-yst-fsw100-slim-130w-powered-subwoofer--black-), but the down-firing YST-FSW150's (http://store.audioholics.com/product/1176/20/yamaha-yst-fsw150-down-firing-subwoofer-with-advanced-yst-ii)

We have a ton of exciting new products coming out very soon from EMP. Check out the new EMP Rock Speakers (http://store.audioholics.com/section/27/1) just added today!

[corey]

Excellent review. It clearly shows your commitment to keeping the web site content separate from your retail store.

[Seth=L]

The recommended subwoofers are actually not the slim-fit YST-FSW100 model (http://store.audioholics.com/product/1178/20/yamaha-yst-fsw100-slim-130w-powered-subwoofer--black-), but the down-firing YST-FSW150's (http://store.audioholics.com/product/1176/20/yamaha-yst-fsw150-down-firing-subwoofer-with-advanced-yst-ii)

We have a ton of exciting new products coming out very soon from EMP. Check out the new EMP Rock Speakers (http://store.audioholics.com/section/27/1) just added today!
:confused: The one you linked as the down firing is the slimfit and the other marked as the slim fit is the down firing. I think maybe the descriptions are a tad confused, another small quirk with the store.:)

[Sheep]

:confused: The one you linked as the down firing is the slimfit and the other marked as the slim fit is the down firing. I think maybe the descriptions are a tad confused, another small quirk with the store.:)

No they're not.

SheepStar

[Seth=L]

No they're not.

SheepStar
Ok, nevermind I see that. I was just looking at the downfiring subwoofer thinking to myself, it looks like a slim fit, because of it's odd shape. Sorry for the misunderstanding.

[cmaehler]

How would this system be with a 3.1 setup, I don't wan the rears.

[gene]

How would this system be with a 3.1 setup, I don't wan the rears.

Are you saying you want to run only LCR's but no surrounds at all or you already have surrounds that you wish to use with these?

It depends on what speakers you already have but as long as you add at least 1 sub, you will achieve satisfactory sound. Two subs, properly placed will of course yield better results but you can add the additional sub over time.

[Davemcc]

Excellent review. It clearly shows your commitment to keeping the web site content separate from your retail store.

Yeah, we have a post by Admin linking to a review by Gene, a reply by AH Store Admin1 and a reply by Gene. It begs the question who is generating the posts by Admin and AH Store Admin1.

I have two options here. 1. Stop reading the reviews, or 2. Stop drinking before noon so I keep my mouth shut about such issues so I don't wear out my welcome on the forum.

[gene]

I have two options here. 1. Stop reading the reviews, or 2. Stop drinking before noon so I keep my mouth shut about such issues so I don't wear out my welcome on the forum.

The review threads are auto generated by our site. The Store posts are done by our store admins and partners. I recommend option #1 since you made up your mind about a conspiracy.

[Davemcc]

The review threads are auto generated by our site. The Store posts are done by our store admins and partners. I recommend option #1 since you made up your mind about a conspiracy.

I haven't made up my mind at all. I like that you're open to answering questions about who posts what. This is the type of transparency that will alleviate such concerns.

P.S. I also like the way you conduct your reviews so it would be hard not to read them.

[BoredSysAdmin]

Cool RBH speakers.

SheepStar

Was my point exactly the moment I saw them. I even went and checked specs - they are Identical to RBH - CT series.


and btw: jnmfox you are noob for 1) breaking forum rules and 2) to be interested to change your speakers to basically same ones and pay the difference.

[Sheep]

That is the plan but I posted in this thread first considering I have a captive and target audience, business noob.

Whats the work I'm looking for?

PWNED.

SheepStar

[nygren]

How well are the EMP ECA-4 likely to work as "B" speakers mounted up on the walls in a kitchen in an A/B configuration (with Axiom M22s on the A output)?
My concern would be that the lower sensitivity might make it hard to get
the volume levels equalized in an A+B configuration.
(Dealing with cross-over could also be a little tricky here...
Some of the bleed-over of the 60Hz-100Hz range from the adjacent
room might help some, although things obviously won't be perfect...)

I've also considered the Orbs and the Cambridge Soundworks cubes,
but neither of those claim to go quite as low in frequency, making
the cross-over issues harder. I'd rather not cut holes in the walls
until I redo the kitchen in a few years, so in-wall speakers
and the Axiom W2 are probably out...

[jcPanny]

How well are the EMP ECA-4 likely to work as "B" speakers mounted up on the walls in a kitchen in an A/B configuration (with Axiom M22s on the A output)?
My concern would be that the lower sensitivity might make it hard to get
the volume levels equalized in an A+B configuration.
(Dealing with cross-over could also be a little tricky here...
Some of the bleed-over of the 60Hz-100Hz range from the adjacent
room might help some, although things obviously won't be perfect...)

I've also considered the Orbs and the Cambridge Soundworks cubes,
but neither of those claim to go quite as low in frequency, making
the cross-over issues harder. I'd rather not cut holes in the walls
until I redo the kitchen in a few years, so in-wall speakers
and the Axiom W2 are probably out...

Nygren,
The B terminals on most receivers are designed to be used with A OR B and not A AND B. Check if your receiver has a powered zone 2 output to run the kitchen speakers. I would recommend a pair of in-celing speakers for the kitchen with a Volume control located in that room for easy adjustments or to trun the speakers off.

[audiobug]

I would like to buy the EMP 5.1 , but without the sub , I wud like to pair it with a more powerful 10 inch , Do you guyz see it without the sub !!

Thanks

[ozmedia]

I would like to buy the EMP 5.1 , but without the sub , I wud like to pair it with a more powerful 10 inch , Do you guyz see it without the sub !!

Thanks


Under the RBH brand they make a better sub for this system, either the MS8.1 with one forward and one down firing aluminum driver (very tight!) or an MS10.1 with a single forward firing 10" driver http://rbhsound.com/ctseries.shtml. IMHO, the TS series is pretty weak for an RBH product actually, my clients/installers move one of them for every 10 MS series subs, especially with the equivalent CT series satellites.

[ozmedia]

I would like to buy the EMP 5.1 , but without the sub , I wud like to pair it with a more powerful 10 inch , Do you guyz see it without the sub !!

Thanks

See above, the MS10.1 is more than ample for most rooms, they really pack a whollop!

[ozmedia]

Hmmmm... *ponders the recommendation of using two Yamaha slim-fit subwoofers*... could it be that AH sells this little subwoofer?:D

Just curious, will RBH allow AH to sell their products here?

RBH is VERY strict about stopping online sales, they shut down E-Bay's grey market resellers quickly too. No big box outlets either and only a handful of retailers, their business model is designed to sell to and protect margins of custom installers. With the exception of Audioholics, most people are incapable of properly representing the product line, the margins get dragged into the dirt, as so many others have found in their greed to sell volume.

It results in a market where retailers and installers won't touch it anymore because they aren't competitive and yet provide all the service and support.

Why would an installer quote a product that is sold online at 6pts margin, then THEY get called if there are problems?

With RBH architectiural speakers and volume controls, that is a full 25 year warranty!!