What I liked specifically about the EMPs is that they sounded great being run by a off the shelf Yamaha Aventage receiver.
The designer of the EMP speakers spoke (sorry didn't his name although his cards were there) regarding the setup and said the goal was accurate sound reproduction so that an Oboe should sound like an Oboe. Pretty much what I imagine most engineer's goals would be.
However with that general statement you could hear, during the demo of a music DVD, great detail in the way a flute was played. The musician was expressive and the EMP setup carried that emotion and detail. The amount of effort and air used could be heard and it added to the effect of watching it. It engaged your emotions as you see and hear the music.
You could hear great clarity in voice of the female singer when she (sang all notes) but as she hit high notes. It sounded natural and in place with the rest of the music.
The speakers sounded very composed and created a great sound stage. The bass was augmented by a Sub and it was well integrated. I noted that in between pieces the room acoustics were terrible - my questions echoed and the engineer's responses did as well. However the music was spot on.
I am not saying they are perfect but the show cost was under $1500 for the whole set up. I was shocked by that and would be very happy to have these in my home.
Regarding the Salks, I thought the Salks sounded really good in the demo. It's just a different deal - I am not comparing Salks to EMPs. The Salk SS8s are a different price point, even the Supercharged Songs are too. I just felt there was more similar than different.
As for my Salks - I have the HT1 -Tls and song surrounds and center and really love them. I am very much a proud Salk owner - in fact I told Jim Salk at the demo I felt it was a gift to have the level of sound in my home.
If I was trying to get great sound with a 5.1 system and had a $1500 budget I think this is a great option. It checks a whole bunch of boxes and does so affordably.
