I bought these speakers as part of my first foray into hifi audio equipment. I really was excited to get these after reading and watching countless reviews that talked about how awesome they were for the price. When I finally did get them set up, I couldn't shake the tiny voice inside telling me that they didn't sound good. They sounded very harsh and shouty to me. Almost caused discomfort in my ears even at low volumes. The flute sounding thing in Peter Gabriel's "Sledgehammer" sounded like the volume was louder for that specific sound. It was so weird and hard to describe. However, a couple of weeks later, miraculously they started to sound great. It's the strangest thing ever. Now I find that I think they sound awesome, and I get all the hype. How could they go from sounding harsh and grating, to sounding great? What a 180. Anyway, thanks for the review.
@@chrisy4011 yeah, this seems to be a controversial topic. I’ve also heard it’s your brain adjusting to the sound signature. Whichever it is, there is something real happening.
You’re the only review I’ve found online that describes B1+ as warm/smooth/not engaging. Everyone says they’re on the cooler side, clear, tight bass and top sizzle
I have a full emotiva airmotiv set up t2 towers c2 center b1 bookshelves and e1 side surrounds it sounds fantastic so I wasn't surprised these sounded great great review
Just for comparison sake, if these weren't quite as engaging as they could of been, what small speaker have you listened to that did engage you? Just trying to get a handle on the presentation. I know how the AMT tweeter sounds. Perhaps the warmer signature of the mids? Maybe it lacks the slam of other speakers although slam for small speakers is relative. Thx.
@@HomeTheaterHobbyist I can understand that. I just picked up Cambridge Minx XLs, engaging but sound small, because they are and lack enough bottom for front end mains, but will be fine desktop. Airmotiv B1+ would have more bass but are probably more laid back in the mids perhaps?
Man those are awesome! I see a pair of those coming to my house real soon. Price tag is awesome, and so are the looks. Looks like great great build quality. love the magnetic acoustically transparent grills. Thanks for another awesome review man!
@@joeslacker1020 Not at all. In my room I find them very easy on the ears. I find the speakers to be very neutral, what you put in is what they put out. I find the highs very detailed. My wife and I after having the T1+ speakers for a year and a half now, we both love the sound of the AMT’s and that we will not be returning to metal dome tweeters.
Thank you! Sorry I missed this earlier, this is a very good question. I reviewed the 2.0 here: th-cam.com/video/eMPMC3E43bs/w-d-xo.html. It's taken me a few minutes to think about which way I lean because I like both 😀. But I think I'm going to choose the B1+ because the Debut 2.0 sound was a little to 'warm' for my taste but both are great speakers. Hope this helps!
@@HomeTheaterHobbyist Thanks, really enjoyed the review. Was set to buy these but couldn't find any retailers unfortunately. Stuck with either going for an Active Speaker like the EdifierS2000MkIII's or going for a passive speaker + (amp Loxjie A30 fits my needs). Ideally a 4/5inch speaker due to limited desk space, the search continues!
I haven’t listened to those polks but the B1+ have a pretty smooth sound. If you like floor standing speakers check out the T1+. I reviewed the T2+ here: th-cam.com/video/cfDPmCfRRFw/w-d-xo.html so that will give you an idea of how the T1+ will sound.
Baha, I have those energy take 5 classic setup from years ago. Not gonna lie, those Lil woofers put out some sound. I'm impressed by the down firing 8" sub. Packs a decent punch for the price of the entire system
I own the t1 and c2 center but I still dont know why emotiva used iron core inductors on the crossover also I bvb think they should off crossover upgrade to the owners on the first wave of speakers
I bought these speakers as part of my first foray into hifi audio equipment. I really was excited to get these after reading and watching countless reviews that talked about how awesome they were for the price. When I finally did get them set up, I couldn't shake the tiny voice inside telling me that they didn't sound good. They sounded very harsh and shouty to me. Almost caused discomfort in my ears even at low volumes. The flute sounding thing in Peter Gabriel's "Sledgehammer" sounded like the volume was louder for that specific sound. It was so weird and hard to describe. However, a couple of weeks later, miraculously they started to sound great. It's the strangest thing ever. Now I find that I think they sound awesome, and I get all the hype. How could they go from sounding harsh and grating, to sounding great? What a 180. Anyway, thanks for the review.
There's always a break in point. Elac take a month 😂
@@chrisy4011 yeah, this seems to be a controversial topic. I’ve also heard it’s your brain adjusting to the sound signature. Whichever it is, there is something real happening.
speakers usually need a couple of hundred hours of played music to get to their full potential
You’re the only review I’ve found online that describes B1+ as warm/smooth/not engaging. Everyone says they’re on the cooler side, clear, tight bass and top sizzle
I have a full emotiva airmotiv set up t2 towers c2 center b1 bookshelves and e1 side surrounds it sounds fantastic so I wasn't surprised these sounded great great review
Awesome! I was really impressed with the T2+
Those are some seriously smooth sounding speakers. Dam.
They are very nice!
Just for comparison sake, if these weren't quite as engaging as they could of been, what small speaker have you listened to that did engage you? Just trying to get a handle on the presentation. I know how the AMT tweeter sounds. Perhaps the warmer signature of the mids? Maybe it lacks the slam of other speakers although slam for small speakers is relative. Thx.
I really like the Q Acoustics 3020i. It’s quite engaging and balanced but doesn’t play as deep as I want.
@@HomeTheaterHobbyist I can understand that. I just picked up Cambridge Minx XLs, engaging but sound small, because they are and lack enough bottom for front end mains, but will be fine desktop.
Airmotiv B1+ would have more bass but are probably more laid back in the mids perhaps?
Man those are awesome! I see a pair of those coming to my house real soon. Price tag is awesome, and so are the looks. Looks like great great build quality. love the magnetic acoustically transparent grills. Thanks for another awesome review man!
How did they end up sounding to you?
@@joeslacker1020 I ended up with the T1+ towers, love them!
@@hi-fihaven2257 Do you think these are a bit birght or sharp on the treble at all?
@@joeslacker1020 Not at all. In my room I find them very easy on the ears. I find the speakers to be very neutral, what you put in is what they put out. I find the highs very detailed. My wife and I after having the T1+ speakers for a year and a half now, we both love the sound of the AMT’s and that we will not be returning to metal dome tweeters.
@@hi-fihaven2257 And when you say put in you put in what? And why'd that make the difference?
Great review! Any thoughts on these vs. the Elac Debut 2.0?
Thank you! Sorry I missed this earlier, this is a very good question. I reviewed the 2.0 here: th-cam.com/video/eMPMC3E43bs/w-d-xo.html.
It's taken me a few minutes to think about which way I lean because I like both 😀. But I think I'm going to choose the B1+ because the Debut 2.0 sound was a little to 'warm' for my taste but both are great speakers. Hope this helps!
@@HomeTheaterHobbyist These vs the JBL studio 530's how do they differ and in your opinion which ones better overall?
The B1+ even beat the klipsch 600m II. Emotiva makes an amazing product on a budget. Their towers are even budget friendly.
For a small room, is the bass sufficient for movies and bass heavy music?
Yes, it’s pretty good for a small room. Definitely has the bass detail.
@@HomeTheaterHobbyist Thanks, really enjoyed the review. Was set to buy these but couldn't find any retailers unfortunately. Stuck with either going for an Active Speaker like the EdifierS2000MkIII's or going for a passive speaker + (amp Loxjie A30 fits my needs). Ideally a 4/5inch speaker due to limited desk space, the search continues!
Any thoughts emotiva b1+ vs Polk t50?
I think I'd prefer the Polk especially after you count these need a sub and stands.
I haven’t listened to those polks but the B1+ have a pretty smooth sound. If you like floor standing speakers check out the T1+. I reviewed the T2+ here: th-cam.com/video/cfDPmCfRRFw/w-d-xo.html so that will give you an idea of how the T1+ will sound.
I'm new to bookshelf speakers. Looking to use these as rear surrounds. What stands do you all recommend with these?
I'm going to be reviewing a pair of stands soon so check back with the channel in a couple weeks and I may have a recommendation.
Baha, I have those energy take 5 classic setup from years ago. Not gonna lie, those Lil woofers put out some sound. I'm impressed by the down firing 8" sub. Packs a decent punch for the price of the entire system
Very true! Great little system.
Which other "bookshelfs" speaker would you suggest that has the "engaging sound" ? (up to about $400)
I really like the Q acoustics 3030i. They’re probably one of the best deals under $400. Here’s my review: th-cam.com/video/F3H3v4pkJRM/w-d-xo.html
@@HomeTheaterHobbyist I would like to wait for ur q150 review before making a decision.
How does the air motiva b1+ compare against q acoustics 3030i?
If memory serves, the 3030i may be a little closer to neutral sounding compared to the b1+.
I too want to know this.
I own the t1 and c2 center but I still dont know why emotiva used iron core inductors on the crossover also I bvb think they should off crossover upgrade to the owners on the first wave of speakers
If it was you Infinity reference 253 floor speakers or emotive t1+?
I haven't heard the infinity so I have to say T1+
How about this vs T0+ in category of bass? (and eventually vs T1+)
I haven’t heard the T0+ so I can’t say, sorry.
Could you please do a review on the pioneer vsx-lx504? There is not a lot of info about this receiver. I bought it 2wks ago to power my Klipsch 7.2.4
I reviewed the 103 here: Pioneer Elite VSX-LX103 Review th-cam.com/video/dgITvTC7fxc/w-d-xo.html
Have you done a demo on the t2+ towers?
Yes here: th-cam.com/video/cfDPmCfRRFw/w-d-xo.html
Would you do a review on the whole system with the surrounds and Atmos with the c2 center?
please review the C2+ of Emotiva Airmotiv. :)
I'll see if I can get a center channel.
Can my Marantz PM5005 drive this B+? Pm5005 is only 40 watts @ 8 ohms per channel. Will be grateful to hear from. God Bless. Peace
Yes, I think it would do just fine driving them.
@@HomeTheaterHobbyist thank you sir
Will my 80w=40w+40w (8 ohm) amp be safe to use on them?
Yes as long as everything is connected correctly
Have you reviewed any Sonos products?
Just the Sonos Beam here: th-cam.com/video/wvbBO5JbIQI/w-d-xo.html
And the emergency exits are at the rear, middle and front.
I would if going from Klipsch RP280's to the T2+ would be an upgrade.
Klipsch's tweeter is hard, two dimensional. The crossover parts are cheap. I got rid of mine.
Love the industrial look
shame you cant find these anywhere in stock.
Yea a lot of companies have run into issues with manufacturing and shipping, obviously due to the coronavirus. Hopefully they'll be back soon!
Ribbon tweeter is a big deal.
It's very nice
@@HomeTheaterHobbyist,
Yes, for sure. I have Adams A7. Really accurate sound.
Why didn’t you include some music with REAL instruments, or maybe some human beings singing, instead of thar synth crap?
I put in the music I can so the video can stay on TH-cam without a copyright claim.