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
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.
Common Questions (5)
Yes. It is described as inefficient and can sound muddy when underpowered, with Emotiva listing 60W or more and 88 dB/4 ohm sensitivity. Entry-level AVRs may struggle to drive it cleanly at normal listening levels.
It can play well on its own, but a subwoofer is recommended for full-range output. The speaker is also described as needing a sub for content in some setups, especially if you want deeper bass and more impact.
The XC1 has a rear port and 88 dB sensitivity, while the ELAC UC52 has front porting and 85 dB sensitivity. Both are expected to perform well, with the XC1 offering a slightly different ribbon-tweeter tonality and the ELAC leaning more laid-back and neutral.
Yes, the ribbon tweeter is described as airy, smooth, and detailed, with good sound across the room. It is also noted for adding a bit more sparkle and high-frequency detail than a very laid-back center.
No. It is too large for a desk and is best kept at least about 6 feet from your ears for imaging and soundstage. It also benefits from space, a decent amp, and a subwoofer if you want full-range sound.
AI-generated summary based on comments from the community. Updated ago
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41 Comments
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With a center, the dialogue just doesn't sound like it's coming from the mouths on screen, but from the speakers on the bottom center. Doesn't sound like an environment. Maybe some better placement, EQing and matching timbre speakers can make it sound seamless but as of now it doesn't sound seamless, sonically.
That said, the XT1 towers at $700/pr are quite a bargain and I doubt you'd find any fault with them on their own.
Just saying if I'm giving another the center another shot I might as well try a matching center that was made for them if it reputable if I'm prioritizing towers first. While the elac 2.0 is extremely solid, nothing is really outstanding or dynamic about how it sounds. I know it's not necessary to match in order for it to sound good, but I want my sound to be seamless with a reputable set and sound signature I'm looking for instead of experimenting by mix and matching till I find what I like
Xt1 towers look like a superb deal especially with the 10% coupon going around, and I would want my center to have a ribbon tweeter to match and see if it's good enough for me if I were to use one. Probably my next move
Just saying if I'm giving another the center another shot I might as well try a matching center that was made for them if it reputable if I'm prioritizing towers first. While the elac 2.0 is extremely solid, nothing is really outstanding or dynamic about how it sounds. I know it's not necessary to match in order for it to sound good, but I want my sound to be seamless with a reputable set and sound signature I'm looking for instead of experimenting by mix and matching till I find what I like
Xt1 towers look like a superb deal especially with the 10% coupon going around, and I would want my center to have a ribbon tweeter to match and see if it's good enough for me if I were to use one. Probably my next move
I love ribbon tweeters for mid-range dominant music, but for movies I have yet to hear anything that can hang with CDs. You get maximum dynamics for a sparkly vivid and effortless sound without the harshness of metal domes that you get from SVS or Klipsch.
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Am also glad to see that a mainstream AVR like that Denon has no trouble with the Emotiva, despite the usual scaremongering from the usual competitors' shills claiming that Emotiva speakers are unusually power-hungry. 🤣
Am also glad to see that a mainstream AVR like that Denon has no trouble with the Emotiva, despite the usual scaremongering from the usual competitors' shills claiming that Emotiva speakers are unusually power-hungry. 🤣
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