EMP Tek Impression Series E5TiR Floorstanding Loudspeaker Review

[fightinkraut]

Hallelujah!

I sent an email to the support at the Audioholics store and they wrote back very quickly (thanks!) saying the Red Burl is indeed backordered until Nov. 30, but the black is in stock and should ship within a day. I'm crossing my fingers, hoping they come before end of this week.

 

[JerryLove]

I'm confused with what I thought was basic. A speaker performed what it could do at +/- 3db. Even ignoring the >20db drop a bit below 200, there seems to be a >10db range on this speaker throughout the prime listening area (92db at around 1KHz, 82db at around 400Hz)

 

[gene]

I'm confused with what I thought was basic. A speaker performed what it could do at +/- 3db. Even ignoring the >20db drop a bit below 200, there seems to be a >10db range on this speaker throughout the prime listening area (92db at around 1KHz, 82db at around 400Hz)

In-room measurements look like that and usually worse.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

TST2 vs E5ti

Both towers obviously in same price range and I'd love independent (aka Gene/Toms opinion) on which one they like more.
I just got last week TST2/TSB/TC2 combo at home - so far so good, but I'm really curious how they compare to EMPtek's speakers so If definite option is formed I still got time on trial to switch.

p.s: Bringing EMPtek over to do side-by-side testing unfortunately is not an option since my small new york apartment is already full and I'm still shocked my WAF didn't objected TST2's

 

[iblong]

Here we go again

Here we go again...............search website .................second time they have promoted these speakers!
I bought them and after shipping charges to send them back for a refund they are now in my teenagers rec room ................don't waste your money or time!
Cheap cheap and oh did I mention Cheap!

 

[Tungsten06GT]

Hi, I'm a newbie to the site and was looking to create my first home theater system. I haven't listened to many systems, but I was hoping to get something a step up from HTIBs, but without breaking the bank. I wanted a good overall loudspeaker which performs well with movies and music, and based upon the review, it seemed like the EMP E5ti's would be perfect for me. However, after seeing posts like this, I'm a little skeptical.

Can anyone yield some advice? Like I said, I'm looking for good all around quality. I'm probably not going to notice small imperfections in sound, I just want to make a solid purchase... Thanks in advance!

 

[JerryLove]

I bought them and after shipping charges to send them back for a refund they are now in my teenagers rec room

So you sent them back and they are in your kid's rec-room.

Wait: you have enough money to have a rec-room just for your kid and you are interested in audio enough to be on an audiophile site, and your speaker budget was $400?!?

 

[fightinkraut]

Hi, I'm a newbie to the site and was looking to create my first home theater system. I haven't listened to many systems, but I was hoping to get something a step up from HTIBs, but without breaking the bank. I wanted a good overall loudspeaker which performs well with movies and music, and based upon the review, it seemed like the EMP E5ti's would be perfect for me. However, after seeing posts like this, I'm a little skeptical.

Can anyone yield some advice? Like I said, I'm looking for good all around quality. I'm probably not going to notice small imperfections in sound, I just want to make a solid purchase... Thanks in advance!

Welcome to the forums! I wouldn't worry about the naysayers too much...for every speaker you're practically guaranteed to have someone commenting about how much they hated it, it's a piece of junk, etc. I suggest filtering through the completely negative and the completely positive reviews on speakers, focus on the reviews which show a true understanding of the pros and cons without bias. Case in point, the Audioholics review of the E5ti's. You'll notice there are some definite pros and definite cons, it's not a fanboy review trying to push a speaker for profit. That whole concept has been covered before and is quite ridiculous.

So! For an overall loudspeaker which would perform well for music and movies, the EMP speakers would be great, certainly much, much better than a HTIB. You may have noticed talk of another speaker, the TST2 tower, made by a company called The Speaker Company. That is another very strong choice in the budget tower range.

I'm sure you'll love your purchase, if you're just starting out in home audio I would suggest reading some of the excellent guides available here on Audioholics, and search through the forums for some great mini reviews and thoughts on different speakers...just remember to focus on those provided with a level head.

 

[Matt34]

Here we go again...............search website .................second time they have promoted these speakers!
I bought them and after shipping charges to send them back for a refund they are now in my teenagers rec room ................don't waste your money or time!
Cheap cheap and oh did I mention Cheap!

Any sub-$1500 tower speaker is going to have compromises but as long as the designers don't try to make the speaker do something it's incapable of doing it should still be a decent performer if you understand it's limitations.

The return policy is there for anyone to see, if you didn't take the time to estimate costs of a possible return when you bought the speakers, who is really at fault?
http://store.audioholics.com/page/returns

Hi, I'm a newbie to the site and was looking to create my first home theater system. I haven't listened to many systems, but I was hoping to get something a step up from HTIBs, but without breaking the bank. I wanted a good overall loudspeaker which performs well with movies and music, and based upon the review, it seemed like the EMP E5ti's would be perfect for me. However, after seeing posts like this, I'm a little skeptical.

Can anyone yield some advice? Like I said, I'm looking for good all around quality. I'm probably not going to notice small imperfections in sound, I just want to make a solid purchase... Thanks in advance!

Take a look at the Oregon GTG thread, it had a rather large group of enthusiast and the EMP got many positive reviews from the attendees.

...and Tom doesn't throw any punches in his reviews, if he thought the speakers sucked he would have said so.

 

[Tungsten06GT]

I just read over the Oregon GTG thread and wow they do seem to praise the EMP's pretty highly. I'm definitely feeling better about the positive reviews out there...

I do have a follow up question then: would I be better off sticking with all EMP and getting the bookshelf speakers for surround and the E5Ci for my center? I don't know when it's ok to mix and match. EMP's sub in the 5.1 series seems like it may not have as much punch as I'm looking for, so maybe consider a different brand there?

 

[Matt34]

I just read over the Oregon GTG thread and wow they do seem to praise the EMP's pretty highly. I'm definitely feeling better about the positive reviews out there...

I do have a follow up question then: would I be better off sticking with all EMP and getting the bookshelf speakers for surround and the E5Ci for my center? I don't know when it's ok to mix and match. EMP's sub in the 5.1 series seems like it may not have as much punch as I'm looking for, so maybe consider a different brand there?

I'm in the camp that believes as long as your front three speakers are the same brand/series you should be good. The surrounds and sub can be different unless you do a lot of multi-channel music then you might want to match the surrounds as well.

 

[jamie2112]

I would match the fronts and center for sure Tungsten.I also trust Tom Andrey and Gene's opinion here.People like someone who commented on this thread in a very negative way a few posts ago have NO buisness spewing madness like that.Tom as said before calls it like he see's it in every speaker review I have read by him.The return policy is a great one so I would check it out and at the worst,you don't like them return them and look some more.Everyone has an opinion here as it's a public forum but don't let some toolbag influence a decision after reading so much positive reviews by people who IMO can be trusted.Why would Tom or Gene risk their reputations and play "fanboy" I think not iblong.Sorry but I am calling BULL*^#@ here dude. 2nd time they promoted a good deal on these speakers and they are informing people who are acutally interesed.You sir, have had a string of bad comments here hence your red status.If you don't have anything POSITIVE to add shut it.........

 

[krzywica]

I am wondering if its a placement issue or if your center channel is defective. Attached is a measurement on the Impression center channel which doesn't jive with what you are hearing.

I suggest calling EMP at (800) 543-2205 and ask to speak to their designer Shane Rich.

As a follow up I placed some large high density foam that came with my Aperion bookshelves under the center and it is now performing perfectly. Seems that it was an issue with cabinet resonance transmitting into my TV stand.

 

[fightinkraut]

As a follow up I placed some large high density foam that came with my Aperion bookshelves under the center and it is now performing perfectly. Seems that it was an issue with cabinet resonance transmitting into my TV stand.

And that, good sir, is excellent to hear. My E5ti towers will be here on Friday, and my next purchase will be the center channel, glad to hear it's sounding better!

 

[gene]

As a follow up I placed some large high density foam that came with my Aperion bookshelves under the center and it is now performing perfectly. Seems that it was an issue with cabinet resonance transmitting into my TV stand.

Good deal. You should post some before and after pics.

My family room speakers are installed on a cabinet and I used Auralex Mopads to decouple them which worked out great.

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/acoustics/auralex-mopads-monitor-isolation

 

[krzywica]

I'm in the camp that believes as long as your front three speakers are the same brand/series you should be good. The surrounds and sub can be different unless you do a lot of multi-channel music then you might want to match the surrounds as well.

I would agree completely with Matt here. Even with music such as Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds: Live at Radio City Music Hall and it sounds very very good even with different surrounds.

 

[Tungsten06GT]

So when the recommended power of the speakers is listed as a range from 50 - 150 watts, what is the manufacturer implying? I'm looking at receivers at the same time and am considering the Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K, it's a 7-channel receiver (in case I want to expand someday) and is rated at 120 watts/channel. I would imagine that's a good spot to be in for those power recommendations, but I wasn't sure if the manufacturers tend to underrate their speakers or what...

Also, does anyone know if the introductory prices for all Impression series components ends on Nov. 30th?

 

[fightinkraut]

The 1019 is a great budget amp, you've made a solid choice there. I would also throw in a budget Onkyo for you to suggest, check out accessories4less for some great pricing on the refurb models. 120 watts/channel is quite sufficient, there's really not that much of a difference between watt ratings, providing they're accurate, which the Pioneer's are. Preouts are always nice in case you're interested in using a separate amp someday, but that depends on how far you want to go with your set up.

Not sure about the sale, I suspect it will end for the entire impression series. I would suggest you call them at 801.991.1308 and see what they have to say.

 

[Tungsten06GT]

I'm sorry if I've hijacked this thread, I sort of drove it on a tangent. But, someone in the AVR section suggested rather than the 1019, I may want the VSX-21TXH because it has the audio pre-outs. Would that be more along the lines of what I should check out? It's actually cheaper than the 1019, but it only has 110watts/channel vs the 120watts for the 1019. I guess the pre-outs would be for further down the road (maybe), so would the 21TXH still be a better bet for me? I'm just concerned about having enough power for the EMP's today as they stand...

 

[bandphan]

I'm sorry if I've hijacked this thread, I sort of drove it on a tangent. But, someone in the AVR section suggested rather than the 1019, I may want the VSX-21TXH because it has the audio pre-outs. Would that be more along the lines of what I should check out? It's actually cheaper than the 1019, but it only has 110watts/channel vs the 120watts for the 1019. I guess the pre-outs would be for further down the road (maybe), so would the 21TXH still be a better bet for me? I'm just concerned about having enough power for the EMP's today as they stand...

The 21 will give you more power even though the spec w/per channel says different. The 21 is almost double the weight than the 19 and has a different amp type of section