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Zorba1446 5.4K Views
Jun 6, 2026 1:59 AM

Emotiva XC1, 3-way center & LCR-speaker with RIBBON tweeter, $229 (reg. $399)

$229

$399

42% off
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Spectacular deal for an incredibly versatile speaker: the rotatable tweeter allows it to be used as a horizontal center AND as vertical L/R mains or surrounds! The AMT folded ribbon tweeter provides extended and crystal clear highs with zero harshness unlike many metal domes. Rear porting allows for a respectable 50Hz F3 and 88db sensitivity.

At this jaw-dropping $229, nothing on the market comes close to it in price-to-performance. As long as the simple black cabinets don't cause a WAF eruption 🤣, you could easily build a long-term "keeper" system dirt cheap (5 for $1150)!

https://emotiva.com/products/airm...oudspeaker
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Deal Details
Community Notes
About the Poster
Spectacular deal for an incredibly versatile speaker: the rotatable tweeter allows it to be used as a horizontal center AND as vertical L/R mains or surrounds! The AMT folded ribbon tweeter provides extended and crystal clear highs with zero harshness unlike many metal domes. Rear porting allows for a respectable 50Hz F3 and 88db sensitivity.

At this jaw-dropping $229, nothing on the market comes close to it in price-to-performance. As long as the simple black cabinets don't cause a WAF eruption 🤣, you could easily build a long-term "keeper" system dirt cheap (5 for $1150)!

https://emotiva.com/products/airm...oudspeaker

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Community Reviews

The XC1 is a 3 way center and LCR speaker that stands out for its ribbon tweeter, natural tone, and strong off axis clarity. It fits shorter TV setups well, and the 88 dB sensitivity plus smooth highs make it appealing for home theater, especially when crossed to a sub. The main tradeoffs are its size, rear porting, and power needs, since it wants space and clean amplification to avoid sounding muddy. A solid fit when the room and amp can support it.

  • Listeners who want a neutral center speaker for movies, because the ribbon tweeter gives smooth highs without harshness and the speaker stays dynamic with clean power.

  • Rooms with a proper amp and subwoofer, because the speaker is power-hungry and can deliver strong dynamics when crossed over instead of run full range.

  • Home theater setups needing a shorter 3-way center, because it fits under a low TV and keeps dialogue natural with airy highs and solid room-wide sound.

  • Desk or near-field setups, because the cabinet is too large and the sound needs more listening distance to image properly.

  • Receivers with limited power, because the speaker can sound muddy when underpowered and may not reach its best dynamics.

  • Movie fans chasing maximum slam and impact, because ribbon tweeters favor smoother, more neutral presentation than the extra dynamics of compression-driver designs.

Common Questions (5)

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41 Comments

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Jun 6, 2026 2:26 AM
917 Comments
Joined Feb 2023
PoltaGeistJun 6, 2026 2:26 AM
917 Comments
Is this good for a pc speaker? I have a home audio set but want to start building a system for my pc and huge gaming monitor
Pro
Jun 6, 2026 2:29 AM
1.5K Comments
Joined Oct 2009
ducksoup18
Pro
Jun 6, 2026 2:29 AM
1.5K Comments
I really want this but cant determine if it'd be an upgrade from my Infinity RC263. Have the reference towers as well. It all sounds great but i had originally wanted to try out emotiva first. Mostly movies and tv with a bit of music here and there.
Original Poster
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Jun 6, 2026 3:33 AM
1.6K Comments
Joined Sep 2018
Zorba1446Jun 6, 2026 3:33 AM
Original Poster
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Quote from IndigoManatee4695 View quoted comment :
Is this good for a pc speaker? I have a home audio set but want to start building a system for my pc and huge gaming monitor
It would likely be overkill, but when does that ever stop anyone? 🤣
1
Jun 6, 2026 3:34 AM
917 Comments
Joined Feb 2023
PoltaGeistJun 6, 2026 3:34 AM
917 Comments
Quote from Zorba1446 View quoted comment :
It would likely be overkill, but when does that ever stop anyone? 🤣
Yea I'm all about over kill lol
1
Jun 6, 2026 3:35 AM
271 Comments
Joined May 2019
musicmanleyJun 6, 2026 3:35 AM
271 Comments
Quote from IndigoManatee4695 View quoted comment :
Is this good for a pc speaker? I have a home audio set but want to start building a system for my pc and huge gaming monitor
These are way too big for a desk, especially having two for a stereo setup. I would say they should be at least 6 feet from your ear (for better imaging and soundstage) so if you had space behind your desk to set a pair of these up and a fairly nice amp (Emotiva's are typically more power hungry than comparable speakers in this price range) it could work. You will want to add a sub if you want full range. However, if you don't have the space I would not recommend these for a near field setup. To get the best sound out of these you will want some volume and if they are too close you'll damage your hearing over longer listening sessions.
Original Poster
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Jun 6, 2026 3:35 AM
1.6K Comments
Joined Sep 2018
Zorba1446Jun 6, 2026 3:35 AM
Original Poster
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Quote from ducksoup18 View quoted comment :
I really want this but cant determine if it'd be an upgrade from my Infinity RC263. Have the reference towers as well. It all sounds great but i had originally wanted to try out emotiva first. Mostly movies and tv with a bit of music here and there.
Only if you want a more neutral tonality. Otherwise the Infinity will have more output due to the bigger woofers.
Jun 6, 2026 3:37 AM
917 Comments
Joined Feb 2023
PoltaGeistJun 6, 2026 3:37 AM
917 Comments
Quote from musicmanley View quoted comment :
These are way too big for a desk, especially having two for a stereo setup. I would say they should be at least 6 feet from your ear (for better imaging and soundstage) so if you had space behind your desk to set a pair of these up and a fairly nice amp (Emotiva's are typically more power hungry than comparable speakers in this price range) it could work. You will want to add a sub if you want full range. However, if you don't have the space I would not recommend these for a near field setup. To get the best sound out of these you will want some volume and if they are too close you'll damage your hearing over longer listening sessions.
Thanks I have my home audio which is focal aria evo x no 2 towers and a music fidelity m6si amp with a rsl speedwoofer so I'm good on that side lol looking for a excuse to get these

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Original Poster
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Jun 6, 2026 3:37 AM
1.6K Comments
Joined Sep 2018
Zorba1446Jun 6, 2026 3:37 AM
Original Poster
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1.6K Comments
Quote from ducksoup18 View quoted comment :
I really want this but cant determine if it'd be an upgrade from my Infinity RC263. Have the reference towers as well. It all sounds great but i had originally wanted to try out emotiva first. Mostly movies and tv with a bit of music here and there.
If sitting nearfield and not a volume freak or bass addict, the XB1 might be a better bet and those are also on sale.
1
Original Poster
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Jun 6, 2026 3:38 AM
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Joined Sep 2018
Zorba1446Jun 6, 2026 3:38 AM
Original Poster
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Quote from IndigoManatee4695 View quoted comment :
Yea I'm all about over kill lol
Then I would grab them without a second thought.
Jun 6, 2026 5:39 AM
13.4K Comments
Joined Jul 2010
supermanrobJun 6, 2026 5:39 AM
13.4K Comments
Quote from ducksoup18 View quoted comment :
I really want this but cant determine if it'd be an upgrade from my Infinity RC263. Have the reference towers as well. It all sounds great but i had originally wanted to try out emotiva first. Mostly movies and tv with a bit of music here and there.
In my experience, no it would be a side move at best.

These are very inefficient & tend to sound muddy when under powered ime.
Emo even listed/states: "Recommended amplifier power: 60W or more" with 88 db/4ohm.

For multichannel at average listening levels, some entry level $500 AVR likely won't cut it ime.
Last edited by supermanrob June 5, 2026 at 10:42 PM.
3
Jun 9, 2026 8:35 PM
412 Comments
Joined Aug 2016
trrboJun 9, 2026 8:35 PM
412 Comments
Are these good? Hard to find info on them. I want to use them for a center in my bedroom home theater, but also thinking of buying 3 total for a 2.1 music setup and use them L&R as well in a 5.1 setup for movies. Thoughts?!

Price seems amazing for a 3way lol
Original Poster
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Jun 9, 2026 9:47 PM
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Zorba1446Jun 9, 2026 9:47 PM
Original Poster
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Quote from trrbo View quoted comment :
Are these good? Hard to find info on them. I want to use them for a center in my bedroom home theater, but also thinking of buying 3 total for a 2.1 music setup and use them L&R as well in a 5.1 setup for movies. Thoughts?!

Price seems amazing for a 3way lol
If you aren't sure, buy one to test out as a center, and if you like them order 2 more. Return shipping on just a single would likely be not more than $20-30 depending on how far you are from TN where they are based.

Google reviews of the previous generation Emotivas: C1+, B1+, T1+, T2+ etc
1
Jun 9, 2026 9:55 PM
412 Comments
Joined Aug 2016
trrboJun 9, 2026 9:55 PM
412 Comments
Quote from Zorba1446 View quoted comment :
If you aren't sure, buy one to test out as a center, and if you like them order 2 more. Return shipping on just a single would likely be not more than $20-30 depending on how far you are from TN where they are based.Google reviews of the previous generation Emotivas: C1+, B1+, T1+, T2+ etc
Okay, I'm going to buy one for a center for sure. At this price it seems great for a 3way. I just wasn't sure how long the sale would last, but now that I think about it I eventually may as well go with other LR speakers (upgrading from some cheap Polk towers) if I'm going to nearly spend $500.
Last edited by trrbo June 9, 2026 at 03:45 PM.
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Jun 9, 2026 10:05 PM
13.9K Comments
Joined Apr 2005
TidalWaveOne
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Jun 9, 2026 10:05 PM
13.9K Comments
Probably not an upgrade over Energy RC-LCR speakers?

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Original Poster
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Jun 10, 2026 12:15 AM
1.6K Comments
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Zorba1446Jun 10, 2026 12:15 AM
Original Poster
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Quote from trrbo View quoted comment :
Okay, I'm going to buy one for a center for sure. At this price it seems great for a 3way. I just wasn't sure how long the sale would last, but now that I think about it I eventually may as well go with other LR speakers (upgrading from some cheap Polk towers) if I'm going to nearly spend $500.
If those are Polk's R, T, or Monitor series then yeah these would certainly be a big improvement over them.

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