RBH Vs. Emotiva

[merwine]

There is a thread over on the emotiva forum like this but it didn't get many responses so I figured I would post one up here. I was wondering how emotiva's line of speakers, specifically the ERT-8.3 would stack up against other high end companies such as RBH. I am currently the owner of a pair of RBH 661-SE/R's and was considering trading them for the 8.3's. Would this be a total downgrade, as I know that there is a definite price difference between the two. I was planning on doing a a/b comparison but figured I would ask on here before I made the purchase.

 

[CraigV]

Seeing as Emotiva has a liberal return policy an audition would be in line so you can decide which speaker you like best.

 

[majorloser]

As an owner of RBH, Status Acoustic and Emotiva speakers I can say they are all great speakers. But in this case you are moving up from and LCR speaker to a full tower. What you will gain is significant bass.

I'm biased to the Reference drivers in your RBH speakers. They are a definite step up from the regular Signature drivers. I believe they are the same drivers used in the Status Acoustic line.

 

[merwine]

How do the drivers of the emotiva compare to that of the reference drivers? While I do love to listen to 2ch music (which my my RBH's do an amazing job for) I also do a lot of movie watching and I thought that the emotiva speakers might be a bit more dynamic, but I don't want to sacrifice much if any 2ch performance.

 

[majorloser]

If you're looking for towers, why don't you look for a pair of RBH 1266-SE/R's or the awesome new 8300-SE/R's. Granted, they are nowhere near the price range of the Emotiva 8.3 towers.

Are you running a subwoofer with your 661-SE/R's?

There's a pair of these out there just waiting for me to scrape up the cash.

http://www.statusacoustics.com/Home.htm

 

[majorloser]

If you don't mind the hassle of shipping, go ahead and try the Emotiva towers. They are some damn fine crafted speakers. The workmanship in the cabinets and just plain fitting is excellent.

Of particular note, they use a sealed cabinet. The top half is basically the new ERM-6.2 monitor mounted over a base section.

If you want to try something smaller you could start with those to see how they compare.

Or maybe the new ERM-6.3 LCR speaker:

They are also running a closeout sale on the smaller ERM-1 monitors for $149.00 each. These are the smaller version of the ERM-6.2's. They'd be worthy trying out and even using for a second zone.

 

[merwine]

Yes I am running dual JL f112's. I considered going with the 1266-SE/R's over my 661-SE/R's but instead to save the money and get a second fathom.

 

[merwine]

majorloser you said you own Emotiva speakers as well as RBH. How do they SQ wise in your opinion? Do you think I would I miss my RBH's if I got rid of them?

 

[majorloser]

Heck, with two f112's you've got tons of bass. Maybe you should look at the the RBH T-1R's. (it's only money)

 

[merwine]

That was my original plan however due to cost and a relatively small room I went with the smaller speaker.

 

[merwine]

Any comment on SQ between RBH and Emotiva?

 

[Boerd]

my 2c

There is a thread over on the emotiva forum like this but it didn't get many responses so I figured I would post one up here. I was wondering how emotiva's line of speakers, specifically the ERT-8.3 would stack up against other high end companies such as RBH. I am currently the owner of a pair of RBH 661-SE/R's and was considering trading them for the 8.3's. Would this be a total downgrade, as I know that there is a definite price difference between the two. I was planning on doing a a/b comparison but figured I would ask on here before I made the purchase.

How about these NHT Four ?

http://store.nhthifi.com/Four_2

Obviously I am biased towards NHT since I own NHT XD 2.2 special dark. I used to own Vienna Acoustics Beethovens + REL R 505.
Anyway - take a look - NHT sells factory direct.
Other than the lower driver you have acoustics suspension - good clarity.

BTW - I think RBH is better than Emotiva. You may get some lower frequency extension with emotiva but you will lose some control/detail and image.