EMP Tek Impression Series E5TiR Floorstanding Loudspeaker Review

[Tungsten06GT]

That's interesting. Jeeze, they sure make these things pretty difficult to understand the differences between models. I guess the companies are trying to account for everyone out there...

 

[fightinkraut]

The suggestion to go with the vsx-21 is a good one. the watts difference isn't that big a deal, but the poster before me is basically correct, the 21 has a bit more real world power. The preouts are a definite plus, having the ability to upgrade with a separate amp without having to upgrade your receiving in the future is nice.

 

[Tungsten06GT]

Is the 12V trigger on the vsx-21 what I will use to hook up a sub to? I'm guessing that goes directly to the amp for a sub? Or what connection on the back transmits signal to it?

 

[Matt34]

Is the 12V trigger on the vsx-21 what I will use to hook up a sub to? I'm guessing that goes directly to the amp for a sub? Or what connection on the back transmits signal to it?

The rca cable that runs from your receiver to the back of your sub is what will trigger it to come one when it senses a signal, no need for the 3.5mm 12v output.

 

[Tungsten06GT]

Oh, looking at the back of the vsx-21, I couldn't find an RCA hookup for the sub...

 

[Matt34]

Oh, looking at the back of the vsx-21, I couldn't find an RCA hookup for the sub...

In the pre-out box there is a lone Red RCA output that is inside a white box labeled "subwoofer".

 

[Tungsten06GT]

Ahhh thanks! I couldn't see it in the smaller picture I was looking at. That helps a ton though.

 

[esox72]

One quick question. I have an RX-V465 and would like to buy these speakers. I am currently using 8 ohm speakers from an old HTIB. Can I run both 8 ohm and 6 ohm speakers at the same time? I will be changing the rest of the speakers out over time.

 

[Imitation]

One quick question. I have an RX-V465 and would like to buy these speakers. I am currently using 8 ohm speakers from an old HTIB. Can I run both 8 ohm and 6 ohm speakers at the same time? I will be changing the rest of the speakers out over time.

I wouldn't see why not. The EMP 5.1 package has 6ohm fronts and the bookshelves are rated at 8ohms. Doubt they'd sell em like that if you couldn't run them all together off a receiver.

 

[esox72]

Thanks. Thats kind of what I thought.

 

[WSJR1]

Would this receiver work well with the impresison set up?

Onkyo Tx-sr806 Thx Ultra2 130w X 7ch Hdmi 806

Thanks

 

[majorloser]

Would this receiver work well with the impresison set up?

Onkyo Tx-sr806 Thx Ultra2 130w X 7ch Hdmi 806

Thanks

The Onkyo SR-806 is not really know as a powerhouse receiver. The stated 130w is for two channels driven, not all seven channels. The Impression speakers are rated at 6 ohms for the towers/center channel and 8 ohms for the surrounds. You may want to read this review on the receiver, mainly the section on the testing:
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/receivers/469-a-secrets-receiver-review.html

I had a couple of opportunies to test the Impression towers. But unfortunately both time I used fairly powerful external amplifiers (B&K and ModWright). They did quite well and didn't seem to be very power hungry speakers. I am quite sure these speakers were designed to be used with entry level receivers that are power limited, so I'd be willing to bet they do well with the Onkyo. Just as long as you don't plan on driving these speakers to extremely loud levels in a large room.

Just make sure you leave plenty of ventilation around the receiver. AH staff reviewed the 805 awhile back and found it to run quite hot.
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/receivers/onkyo-tx-sr805

 

[WSJR1]

Thanks for the response. I just came across these emp tek, they seem to get good reviews. I am thinking of buying the impression set though I have always wanted Axiom, but $$. So...

I have always thought I would get a Onkyo or Yamaha reciever and I think I may include Pioneer in my search.

My room is about 10' x 16', but it used to be 10' x 26', it was a kitchen next to a living room, then with the walk knowcked down it is one big open floor.

The tv is a 50" Plasma and has theater seating for two 10' back, then a couch to the right of that or to the right if you are watching tv from the center seat, make sense?

I really just want a good system that I can feel... I know I can't tell the difference between the small mistakes.

I know when a speaker is being over worked by under power, I know when the sub can hit a clean low, I can tell if the mids will be muddy or atleast non realistic.

I also dont want to be able to know where the sound is coming from and not a in unison sound.

So not including cables I am looking to spend about $1500 on a set of speakers 5.1, with hopefully a 7 channel receiver. I want the 7 ch so I can run 2 outdoor speakers.

Thanks,

I have looked at Axiom and I think in my price range it aint happening. Ive looked at htib's & systems like, Keff, hsu, klipsch, athena tech, paradigm.

Just so many, these emp tek's look like they are doing well plus I thought it woul dbe good to slip in some floorstanders in that price to...

thoughts?

 

[majorloser]

The Impression speakers are a great deal.

If your open area is still 10' x 26' that's a pretty large area. So I'd recommend skipping the Impression subwoofer for something larger.

Towers = $400/pair
Surrounds = $200/pair
Center = $175/each

Total = $775 (free shipping)
http://store.audioholics.com/section/66381/1/

Now it would be REALLY nice if you could swing the extra coin for the Yamaha RX-V1065 receiver at $899.95 (free shipping)
http://store.audioholics.com/product/2679/69/yamaha-rx-v1065-surround-receiver

It has a lot of nice features including the assignable rear channels that can be used with your outdoor speakers.

Now for a subwoofer...
You could buy the Impression sub at $300 and upgrade later
http://store.audioholics.com/product/2721/66381/emp-impression-es10i-subwoofer--red-burl-

But I know you won't be happy, so I wouldn't get anything smaller than a 12" driver. There's some good choices for around $500-$600.

SVS PN-12NSD
http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-pb12nsd.cfm

HSU VTF-2 Mk3
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-2-mk3.html

Velodyne DLS-4000R
http://store.audioholics.com/product/2339/66323/velodyne-dls-4000r-subwoofer

Elemental Design A3-300
http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_41&products_id=102

 

[WSJR1]

Man I think it would sound so nice? With the receiver being a 7.2 does that mean I can have 2 subs?

Also, should I be looking at anything else that sounds as well in that price range concerning the other speakers?

Thanks

 

[Matt34]

Man I think it would sound so nice? With the receiver being a 7.2 does that mean I can have 2 subs?

Also, should I be looking at anything else that sounds as well in that price range concerning the other speakers?

Thanks

You can have as many subs as you have y-splitters. ...but yes you can hook up two subs directly to that receiver.

 

[Slater]

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


Matt34, Have you heard these speakers perform? What are your personal thoughts? For an average system would you put your $$$$ on the EMP's?

 

[BirdHowdy]

I have the emp 5.0 setup with an outlaw ex sub with an onkyo 876 in a L shaped room I sit about 18 feet from the fronts and center and about 9 feet from each surround my sub sits behind my couch in the center and i can say I am amazed at how it sounds I came from Bic Acoustech 5.0 system and I know one has horn speakers so its going to sound different.In my humble opinion with the money you want to spend and with there return policy they are worth trying, I feel like I stole them at 775.00 truly happy.

 

[krzywica]

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


Matt34, Have you heard these speakers perform? What are your personal thoughts? For an average system would you put your $$$$ on the EMP's?

I did and I love them.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

The Onkyo SR-806 is not really know as a powerhouse receiver. The stated 130w is for two channels driven, not all seven channels. The Impression speakers are rated at 6 ohms for the towers/center channel and 8 ohms for the surrounds. You may want to read this review on the receiver, mainly the section on the testing:
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/receivers/469-a-secrets-receiver-review.html

Sorry for Offtopic, I'm as Onkyo TX-SR805 owner got a bit concerned about it's power handling, since I (incorrectly?) assumed 130Wx5 channels is standard mode of operation and is within the specs of receiver, but now I do notice the 130w assertion per fronts/center/surrounds is spec'd per 2ch driven...

Well, I still can get very loud output of my system (see sig) at -18Db [with 6ohm speaker setting), so in reality I guess I get no real reason to worry/complain.

Hmm, thou the review of 806 you pointed to (in comments) mentions 805 as somewhat more capable amp ... I guess I'm glad I got it - After all: "Heavy is good, heavy is reliable. If it doesn't work you can always hit them with it."

Just make sure you leave plenty of ventilation around the receiver. AH staff reviewed the 805 awhile back and found it to run quite hot.
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/receivers/onkyo-tx-sr805

805 is surely one heck of hot plate, but hometheaterhifi says 806 isn't as hot (consumes less power, than 805)