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forum threadZorba1446 posted Jun 6, 2026 1:59 AM

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

$229

$399

42% off
Emotiva
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Deal Details
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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About the Poster
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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41 Comments

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Jun 6, 2026 2:26 AM
813 Comments
Joined Feb 2023
IndigoManatee4695Jun 6, 2026 2:26 AM
813 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
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Jun 6, 2026 2:29 AM
1.5K Comments
Joined Oct 2009
ducksoup18
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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
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Zorba1446Jun 6, 2026 3:33 AM
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Quote from IndigoManatee4695 :
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
813 Comments
Joined Feb 2023
IndigoManatee4695Jun 6, 2026 3:34 AM
813 Comments
Quote from Zorba1446 :
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
255 Comments
Joined May 2019
musicmanleyJun 6, 2026 3:35 AM
255 Comments
Quote from IndigoManatee4695 :
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.
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Jun 6, 2026 3:35 AM
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Zorba1446Jun 6, 2026 3:35 AM
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Quote from ducksoup18 :
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
813 Comments
Joined Feb 2023
IndigoManatee4695Jun 6, 2026 3:37 AM
813 Comments
Quote from musicmanley :
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
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Zorba1446Jun 6, 2026 3:37 AM
Original Poster
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Quote from ducksoup18 :
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
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Jun 6, 2026 3:38 AM
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Zorba1446Jun 6, 2026 3:38 AM
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Quote from IndigoManatee4695 :
Yea I'm all about over kill lol
Then I would grab them without a second thought.
Jun 6, 2026 5:39 AM
13K Comments
Joined Jul 2010
supermanrobJun 6, 2026 5:39 AM
13K Comments
Quote from ducksoup18 :
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
371 Comments
Joined Aug 2016
trrboJun 9, 2026 8:35 PM
371 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
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Jun 9, 2026 9:47 PM
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Zorba1446Jun 9, 2026 9:47 PM
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Quote from trrbo :
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
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Jun 9, 2026 9:55 PM
371 Comments
Joined Aug 2016
trrboJun 9, 2026 9:55 PM
371 Comments
Quote from Zorba1446 :
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
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TidalWaveOne
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Jun 9, 2026 10:05 PM
13.8K Comments
Probably not an upgrade over Energy RC-LCR speakers?

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Jun 10, 2026 12:15 AM
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Zorba1446Jun 10, 2026 12:15 AM
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Quote from trrbo :
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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