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Emotiva T1 Towers - Audiophile Quality or Just Home Theatre Towers?

I don't have an Emotiva dealer near me but the few reviews out there are pretty positive of these Emotiva T1 towers. Have the AMT ribbon tweeter like Golden Ears but a faction of the cost at $700/pr.  Has anyone demoed these? Heard them side-by-side against more expensive speakers? Are they just punchy rock speakers or for home theatre, or are they transparent enough for classical, jazz?  

Thanks for any comments 
kansas400

Showing 3 responses by craigl59

craigl59
307 posts
 

Have had the T1 speakers since they came out and use them in the T1/C1 5-channel configuration mentioned above. For TV and movies, use the 5-channel config. For music (from JRiver) select the "Direct" option out of an Emotiva XMC-1 using only the T1 pair. They are coupled to a HSU Research subwoofer (a big 15" unit).

The two speakers are acceptable for audiophile-quality listening to demanding orchestral feeds. For popular music they are virtually perfect.

Use this system in the winter, then, in the summer, move to a stereo system using Tekton's Double Impact speakers and the new RME ADI-2 DAC (what a converter!). since I listen to each system daily for a 6-month period, can state with certainty that the T1s are very good and the Double Impacts are excellent (a clear step up).

But, for the price, the T1s are unmatched in my opinion. BTW, have dealt with Emotiva for over 6 years and they are an honest and straightforward company.

craigl59
307 posts
 
mofojo:
Have two home studios and use RME products in both, currently their UCX and UFX converters. The ADI-2 DAC is different in that it has all dsp functions only addressable through the unit controls. The other RME ad/da converters use the TotalMix computer interface -- an industry standard.
SO, there are substantial EQ and other DSP functions in the DAC but the interface keeps me from experimenting with them until May when I get back to my stereo system. All of these options are detailed on the RME website and DSP controls work effortlessly on the older units I employ.
However, have now had 3 days with the unit running very dense orchestral feeds and can tell you it is the REAL THING. Check it out.
For comparisons to standard consumer DACs, see the Gearslutz website and check out the reviews for the RME ADI-Pro 2. There are many comparisons to Schiit, Benchmark, and others. The ADI-2 DAC has the same circuitry for DA conversion as the ADI-Pro 2. The only differences are small improvements made to jitter and analog circuitry in the newer DAC.
craigl59
307 posts
 
mzkmxcv:
Have been using the Emotive Stealth 8 and Stealth 6 monitors for years in studio settings and they are superb. Sadly, the 6 is no longer available. Their Heil-type drivers are different, BTW, from the ones in the T1s and I much prefer the monitor tweeters.
jra_samba:
Compare the T1s ($700) and the Double Impacts ($3350) and, like you, think the Double Impacts are better but not 5 times better. For me, the advantage to the DIs is that they are full range speakers and do not require a subwoofer. This improves low frequency soundstage.
In the high-end audio world, however, you pay a lot more for the last 5 or 10%.
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