Emotiva X-Ref Speakers

[dkane360]

New Emotiva speakers were just announced, and they start at $183 a pair (for a limited time)!

Emotiva Audio | X-Ref Speaker Family

 

[j_garcia]

The 4" is $183 but only has a -3dB of 88Hz. The 6" version looks more interesting, though they are $399.

 

[GranteedEV]

The 4" is $183 but only has a -3dB of 88Hz.

Even if it had a -3db of 60hz, i'd feel best crossing it at 100hz or 120hz for best power handling given the tiny midwoofer.

 

[its phillip]

Too bad they don't have a 5-5.5" version. The 4" version doesn't go deep enough and the 6.5" version seems kind of big (for desktop use)

 

[eddie]

Too bad they don't have a 5-5.5" version. The 4" version doesn't go deep enough and the 6.5" version seems kind of big (for desktop use)

I suppose you could use this Emotiva Audio | X-Ref XRC-5.2 Center/LCR Monitor as a monitor.

 

[j_garcia]

Yes, but the XRCs are even larger.

 

[dkane360]

I like the look of the original reference speakers better than these. These just seem... ordinary. But for the price, they look like they could be fantastic.

 

[Pyrrho]

Yes, but the XRCs are even larger.

It is also inferior in its frequency response. It is curious how so many center channel speakers are that way; both bigger and not going as deep as the bookshelf speakers in the same line of speakers.

 

[Pyrrho]

Too bad they don't have a 5-5.5" version. The 4" version doesn't go deep enough and the 6.5" version seems kind of big (for desktop use)

I agree that a 5-5.5" version is typically a good idea. Usually, such speakers are as small as are compatible with going deep enough to integrate well with using a subwoofer. With smaller speakers, typically localizable bass will have to come from the subwoofer (not good), or omitted (worse).

 

[zieglj01]

It would be interesting to hear, if they will throw a good central image - since
they have chosen a different tweeter alignment, for the models above the little
bookshelf speaker. I would be interested in the measurements of these speakers.

"while the offset tweeter allows you to choose to place the XRM-6.1 for a more intimate soundstage (tweeters "in") or a wider presentation (tweeters "out")."

 

[j_garcia]

The Polk LSis are offset like that, and it does make a small diffference when you swap them inside vs outside.

 

[GranteedEV]

"while the offset tweeter allows you to choose to place the XRM-6.1 for a more intimate soundstage (tweeters "in") or a wider presentation (tweeters "out")."

I'm not so sure I buy this. TO my knowledge, the only advantage of an offset tweeter is that it flattens out on-axis frequency response; not much effect on sound stage presentation/width.

 

[j_garcia]

Yes, the offset is to adjust the speaker's response. I used to own LSi7s and their documentation mentioned this as well, so I tried them in both conditions. The difference is small, but it is there.

 

[zieglj01]

I'm not so sure I buy this. TO my knowledge, the only advantage of an offset tweeter is that it flattens out on-axis frequency response; not much effect on sound stage presentation/width.

The only thing I would expect - would be a less focused central image,
with the tweeters out. And only the center, or L/C/R monitors can be
positioned out - since the speakers are sold in mirror imaged pairs.
At this time, they do not draw my interest - they should be pleasant
sounding, budget friendly speakers - I wish them success.

 

[j_garcia]

In Polk's case, they say it improves imaging. I don't recall what their documentation said because I sold them years ago, but I had them setup with a wide spacing but not too far from the listener, with the tweeters on the outside. This gave a nice, wide stage. With them on the inside, I had to toe them less and the mids suffered a bit as a result (these speakers were very picky about placement). With a larger room inside may have worked differently.

 

[Matt34]

I heard the 6.2 at RMAF last month briefly. They looked decent in person, not offensive by any means. Thought they sounded ok for the short time I heard them, though they were paired with the new x-ref 12" subs.

If you're looking for a bookshelf from Emotiva I would look at powered studio monitors from the Airmotiv lineup, I thought they sounded much better.

Emotiva Professional, LLC

 

[dkane360]

If you're looking for a bookshelf from Emotiva I would look at powered studio monitors from the Airmotiv lineup, I thought they sounded much better.

Emotiva Professional, LLC

Which one(s) have you heard? They look pretty interesting, and I know a few people who are looking for computer speakers.

 

[its phillip]

Yeah, I remember reading about the airmotivs. Active monitors are definitely a possibility but I wouldn't mind sticking with passives and keeping my old receiver in action

 

[Matt34]

Which one(s) have you heard? They look pretty interesting, and I know a few people who are looking for computer speakers.

The airmotiv 5 and 6.