Review: Emotiva B1+, it's (almost) too good to be true

Steve is bowled over by the Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ speakers. The new + version is barely changed from the original, just minor tweaks to the crossover network.
Specs
Efficiency: 86 dB (2.83V/1m).
Power handling: 70W continuous / 150W peak.
Recommended amplifier power: 50W - 250W / channel.
Nominal impedance: 8 ohms.
Frequency response: 48 Hz - 28 kHz (+3/-3 dB).
Crossover: 2 kHz, 12 dB / octave. Film caps, air core inductors
Mechanical
Dimensions: 10-3/4” high x 7-1/8” wide x 8-1/4” deep. 17” long x 21” wide x 14” high; pair (boxed).
Weight: 8.8 pounds (unboxed). 24 pounds; pair (boxed).
Mounting: Shelf or stand mount; includes shock absorbing rubber bottom pad.
Grille: Black cloth over a rigid frame; attaches securely with powerful magnets for easy removal.
More info here, emotiva.com/products/airmotiv...
#speakerreviews #audiophilespeakers #budgetspeakers

[@nancyfrantz-geddes8036]

I inexplicably just love watching your reviews, Steve. I absolutely dig it! Your excitement, and genuine enthusiasm is so freaking refreshing! What I would love is seeing you relish the speaker you are reviewing as you listen to whatever gives you goosebumps. Next level right there.

[@djclass005]

This review made very clear why I love your style. You love the music you play so much and that comes across in the reviews. It's not the technical stuff about the products, but the way the product makes you feel when playing your favourite music. And that's so cool man!

[@kevinfestner6126]

Man, I am glad I found your channel. You have opened up my eyes, and have removed many of my biases as I am an older equipment fan (those from the 1970s and early 80s), such as my Marantz 2270, love that Marantz Blue, Pioneer CT-F11250, ESS Heil speakers, Dual 708q - love them all. Thank you for your daily b'casts.

[@nicklang9210]

Hi Steve--- just wanted to thank you for this great review. It was my introduction to a new brand, Emotiva ! After your review, I ordered the speakers to replace a very old pair of Bose 201's that have been workhorses for many, many, years. I was just speechless at the difference in sound quality in all respects! Thanks for all you do for all of us! All the best!

[@alext2933]

The T1+ you mention at the end is interesting. Looking forward to the review coming soon Steve.

[@paulryan7289]

Your enthusiasm shines through you have had a great start to your day you are a lucky guy today

[@Aswaguespack]

Excellénce is a daily experience and expectations are always high and Steve’s Reviews are “spot on”, concise and with his unique perspectives that capture our attention and draw us further into a celebration of sounds. I would also love to hear Steve give us a tour of his art collection we see in the background. Another great presentation wrapped in another cool shirt. 👍🏻

[@zakofrx]

Opppoppoppppppppppppopopppppppppppppp

[@dsonyay]

Your shirts are fantastic 👌. Really good review. Thanks for featuring audiophile equipment for beginners and budget minded.

[@Muzik4life1234]

You’re content is always great! Thank you 🙏🏾

[@redstarwraith]

Man. This reminded me of why I got into your channel in the first instance.

[@NeoRimeOnline]

Fantastic channel. I love your comparisons and descriptions. I think I may get myself the Emotiva B1+ and the Klipsch RP-600m in a year or two and I'll A/B them in two different rooms with my 4 channel amp.

[@TheMrKrause]

Love your work. Keep doing what you do.

[@juliangst]

Lol I actually wanted to get this reisong amp. Good to know that you have it in for review.

[@millerforester6237]

WHAT WOULD YOU SUGGEST?

[@WiliiamNoTell]

Nice review, nice to see audio equipment that doesn't cost several mortgage payments!

[@ianbrennan5055]

Wow your 70 unreal your show is great love the advice and thanks from all in Ireland keep up the good work love the shirts

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thanks Ian!

[@larryboles629]

Thanks Steve for yet another EPIC review.

[@lokerola]

Just got my pair of B1+'s last week. Loving them so far!

[@4DTravelr]

How's the bass? I have the Airmotiv 4s, which tho flawed, have monster (tho a tad muddy) bass, when set to the "0" setting. Meanwhile, a bit too bright when set to the "-2" setting, and there is no "-1" setting, hence my dilemma. I know the B1+ will be a better product overall but I don't wanna lose not needing a subwoofer and just ripping drum n bass tracks in the "0" setting lol. But am also tired of adjusting the bass switch all the time for different music.

[@jackc.g.8628]

Thanks for giving some much deserved credit to Emotiva. I have the Emotiva ERC 3 CD player and Emotiva amp and they are well built sound great and function flawlessly. The build quality of Emotiva is much better then some of the more expensive audio equipment out there.

[@jlmain5777]

Love me a budget system Steve. Thanks for this review.

[@checkureyesumerica]

Looking at buying both the Airmotiv T2+ and the Reisong a10 pretty crazy that you’ve come across them as well. Looking forward to your reviews 🤟🏽🤟🏽🤟🏽👌🏽

[@skiddlybop8]

Thank you for your experienced commentary. I used to read Stereo Review as a nine year old and gaze at the equipment ads, wishing...I mightlook at getting your Denon amp, or look for a receiver sometime.

[@christopherwilliams8104]

Because of cost in the UK I purchased the elecs b5.2 2.0 I hope I'm not gonna be disappointed because I really like the look of these speakers also. Great reviews keep up the good work 👍

[@gen-X-trader]

I really like how you test a $200 speaker with a $300 amplifier and not a flagship McIntosh which could give an unrealistic presentation of what the speaker would do in most situations

[@jimshaw899]

Glad to have your reviews of affordable stuff, Steve. You enticed me to get a pair of 600M's and that Denon PMA600 amp... and I think I'm done. I'm a jazz, classical, acoustic folk kinda guy, but I had a visitor over the other day and played some streamed Led Zeppelin, Rush, and Carlos Santana stuff -- and *I* was blown away. (To be fair, there's a JBL sub in the speaker mix.) This week I was in Key West, and I heard Larry Baeder / Larry Bowen and the band at the Green Parrot. As an EE, I'd guess it would take 5000 watts to try to recreate that live sound. Likely more.

[@phillipboswell1277]

Getting back into stereo music. Ended up getting an Emotiva 2.1 system: B1+ bookshelf speakers, SE8 sub, and BASX TA1 integrated amp. Originally was going to get the Denon PE600 but Emotiva gives 20% back in Emotiva $ so the BASX TA1 ended up being less expensive than the Denon! Free shipping from Franklin TN was about 2-3 days from day of order since I live about 100 miles away. So far love the great accuracy and imaging - being able to pick out every instrument and location.

[@dmcc8620]

Good to see you excited about some good speakers

[@dell177]

The number of great speakers selling for just a few hundred dollars is amazing. You can build a great system without going broke.

[@Jeton6]

I hope he does a head to head someday, comparing these to R51m's and 1st gen ELAC Debut's, along with any other worthy rivals.

[@lukecharles7376]

dell177 HAVE you tried a set? I wonder what the bass is like.

[@scottyo64]

@@lukecharles7376 its a bookshelf speaker, nuff said

[@dell177]

@@lukecharles7376 I don't have those but I have a pair of Alex Jones BS-22's and those still amaze me for the cost. I wish the Elac Adante's were good a bang for the buck

[@willyvlyminck201]

dell177 Thx to slavery labour in some countries

[@garyporter8454]

Have gone from audio hiend jewelery to EMOTIVA's TOTL. Remarkable product, sound and customer service. Mention of the agreed remarkable at that price! B1+ relative to the Klipsch 600s was an extrememly helpful reference/reality check. Thanks Steve.

[@phillipboswell1277]

Set up a desk top system based on your recommendations: Dayton Audio DTA-2 amp and B652-Air speakers (with Dayton Audio MKSX4 passive sub). Today I received a pair of the Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ (very fast shipping from Emotiva!) While the B652's were great for listening to Pandora and my Apple playlists, these Emotiva's are awesome! Love how even at low volumes I can pick out every instrument and vocal - great imaging and clarity. Thought about going ahead and getting Emotiva towers to eventually move into the living room, but I am very happy Airmotiv B1+ speakers for my study/office - perfect for near field stereo.

[@FreedomAlchemy]

Amazing review as always! Thanks

[@KrishSingh]

Thank you Steve for the great review. I just purchased these and am eager to see how they compare to the Elac b6.2's that I really love. Will be driving them with another of your recommendations that I use everyday, the little Dayton Audio DTA-2.1BT.

[@jonpeirce4748]

Let us know which you liked the best

[@KrishSingh]

@@jonpeirce4748 still patiently waiting for emotiva to ship them. Taking for ever even though they are in stock right now

[@sinswithin]

@@KrishSingh How about now?

[@KrishSingh]

@@sinswithin I ended up using a Denon DRA-800H and have both the emotivas and Elac b6.2's connected as A and B. Switching back and forth, the Elacs sound warmer and meatier for lack of a better description. But the Emotiva's seem to have better vocals and details. Since the Emotiva's have better near field, i will repurpose them as computer speakers and stick to the Elacs as my primary speakers.

[@TyrantTitan.]

Just set these up earlier this week, upgraded from the Sony SSCS5. Amazing little speaker. Sound is a lot cleaner, more transparent and holographic, better imaging and separation, bigger soundstage... really great overall. I wanted to hear what these folded ribbons sounded like, and I get what other reviewers have said about them being faster, more detailed yet not fatiguing. Super impressed.

[@joshblank1]

I listen to rock and metal. I ordered these and am waiting to test out. I like Grado headphones (forward mids & highs, clarity). Hoping the Emotiva comes close to this signature

[@robertbrown1876]

Love your content it's always such a lesson...

[@cliffordcostley9798]

Thanks a lot Steve. Emotiva doesn't usually supply products to reviewers. Glad you are able to review some. Perhaps you can pair the towers with their A-100 stereo flex amp. In case you're interested. The T-Zero is the two-way floor standing version of this loudspeaker. The T-1+ and T-2+ are three-way floor standers. Suggest trying risers with the two smaller floor standing speakers if you audition them.

[@amb3cog]

Huh? 😲 I just Googled "Emotiva Reviews", and there's basically an endless string of Emotiva reviews on the web, and in magazines. I seriously doubt all those reviewers bought all that gear themselves.

[@cliffordcostley9798]

@@amb3cog My error. I was addressing the T-1+, T-2+ and the T-Zero. I have seen very few reviews from sites that I frequent. And yes I have gotten the impression that some reviewers have been asked for front money. Possibly because Emotiva wants to ensure return of their equipment in a timely manner. In addition, many of the reviews do not appear to be professional which I pretty much discount and consider the products probably not manufacturer sourced. Finally many reviews are prefaced with a disclaimer stating that the equipment supplied is not manufacturer sourced.

[@zachreyf6435]

Just off first glance our personalities are different but man I'd love to hang out for a day and listen to music and hear you talk about music and equipment. I know it was be amazing and fun. Thanks for the review

[@lwwells]

I’ve had the emotiva 4s for a couple years. They are SO GREAT.

[@4DTravelr]

I have the 4s as well. Very awesome, my only issue is, the bass setting is only -2, 0, or -4. I switch to 0 when I want giant bass, and -2 when I want less, but neither is perfect for all music! I'm always switching it back and forth. My hope is the B1+'s just sound right without adjustment for everything.

[@lwwells]

@@4DTravelr So the B1+ is nice? I'm afraid to change them. I don't think I'll touch this setup until I can afford some real 'statement' speakers.

[@ricardoveromariguez7318]

Looking forward to the tube amp review...the $350 price point might entice folks to give tubes a try...once you do, like me...never go back to SS.

[@HoomanR17]

I'm curious how these sound compared to your current reference, the Elac reference?

[@randybehenna3763]

Steve my friend I just received a pair this afternoon and I can say they sound awesome

[@altontakata4402]

I went to look for a pair.. They are sold out.. AHHHHH.. LOL :) BTW.. Love your Channel Steve.. A good way to keep up with the latest trends and your reviewing knowledge. Also, I think there is a lot of guys that like buying ( collecting) and trying all the new components. Like having a car collection and driving which ever car you what, that you feel like driving that day.. Thanks Steve..

[@thedraftdoctor1]

Finally ordered a pair tonight

[@carlosluis5183]

Hi Steve i really enjoyed watching your videos. Not only they are informative you also make the videos fun to watch. I myself is a purist when it comes to listening to music but also i am new to buying or building my new set up. What are your thoughts about airmotive b1 and ta 100 combo. Any suggestions.

[@MrAMF50]

How do they compare to the Elac's of the same price range? thanks

[@spunkthecombo]

Great review!

[@anthonyfigueroa9289]

Hi Steve! Thanks for the video, I was really into these speakers but not a big fan of what they look like. Do you have any suggestions on something comparable that looks a little more traditional?

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

Love to see a review of the Musical Paradise MP 301 mk3 tube amp

[@knobbshots]

Excited for your take on the Reisong. These would maybe be good for 2.1 tv setup too?

[@paulo1901]

Hi Steve! Thanks for the great information on audio products. Have you ever done a video on how to pair different components? I'm inclined to buying online because it's cheaper, but on the other hand, you cannot audition the components. How do you know what goes well with what? Like for example amps and speakers,...

[@Goryglory0209]

Ordered it for my small computer room. Thank you.

[@dwmfty3111]

Never been disappointed with a ribbon speaker. They just sounds so natural.

[@bryede]

Not a ribbon tweeter though. AMT tweeters work on a different principle.

[@Packer1290]

I looked on Emotivas website and I really liked the look and price of their C1+ center channel to go along with these B1+’s. Strange though. These B1+’s are 8 ohm speakers, but the C1+ is 4 ohm. Can a typical receiver handle that? Would you just set the receiver to 4 ohm?

[@Dankzzz]

Kudos for reviewing an Emotiva.

[@seanb3303]

The + version according to Emotiva has an updated crossover.

[@davidlambert3892]

Hi Steve! Do you have any plans to review any Odyssey equipment such as the Candela or the Khartago?

[@ACESPacific]

Thanks for the review, Steve. Can you compare it to the Airmotiv 5S (or 4S) that you reviewed (and loved) a while back?

[@rpg896]

Great video for the rest of us. 👍👍👍

[@dl1279]

Steve I have a 160 ft2 room. Would these work well. Any tips for making the room as resonant as possible given its small size? The walls are lined with casement bookshelf's which almost reach the ceiling of one of the walls. Thanks

[@hobartpowell4340]

Hi Steve I just started watching your videos and have learned a lot. I recently picked up a set of Martin Logan motion 40 towers used along with a ML 600w Sub and paired with a Yamaha rxa770 receiver. Sounds good together but seams like it’s not alive if you know what I mean. I mostly listen to classic rock and some country so just not quite sure if I should keep what I have or start over so curious to get your input on Martin Logan. Any recommendations would be great. Thanks Bart

[@truthseeker6642]

Thank You Steve. Will get these.

[@shahidyt]

Thank you Steve, I’m not sure if the B1+ is available in the UK, but retail on the B1 was 379 Sterling. I know that there is shipping cost involved to the UK and taxes to pay, but I find Emotiva pricing outside of the USA to be significantly higher, to the point that the brand isn’t competitive in the global market. I expect UK customers may get better value from the Elac offerings

[@subtractivemusic]

I watched this review when you uploaded it and then forgot about it. I am doing some upgrades to my home recording studio and was in the market for a second pair of monitors. I have migrated away from studio monitors and into the HiFi space over the past few years with Klipsch R-15m bookshelf I use for nearfield and JBL 900 floor standing I use for mid-field. I have owned and used "pro" studio monitors from M-Audio, Yamaha, KRK, you name it. All my peers use the same boring variety of studio monitors and there's that little audiophile bug in me that needs a unique set-up. There is just as much variety in sound and functionality in the studio monitor market as there is in the HiFi market - but the HiFi market and community is more fun! And I love my Yamaha Natural Sound amp when compared to powered monitors. Anyway, I remember thinking I saw a video a few months ago on an affordable speaker that looks like Adam Audio monitors and sound great but for a fraction of the cost. I searched youtube for "Audiophile review guy" and you popped right up! Placed an order for these today, thankfully they were in stock on Emotiva's website.

[@joeslacker1020]

Do you find the emotiva airmotiv b1+ bright or too harsh at all on the treble (highs)?

[@subtractivemusic]

@@joeslacker1020been using them for 4yrs now and I can confidently say they are not too harsh at all, and I do not deal with ear fatigue anymore. The ribbon tweeters is so smooth. Accurate, but not fatiguing. The only downside is you can't push them very loud without going into distortion. But for studio use in an apartment I don't listen loud to begin with.

[@carlosbauza1139]

Brings back memories of the Dynaco A-10 loudspeaker!

[@edud8452]

Steve I found a Denon DP-29F turntable on craigslist for $100 still sealed in the box is this a decent turntable?

[@HamiltonProvonsha]

How does it compare with the Elac Debut 2.0 B5 or B6?

[@CanadaSmilesAtYou2]

A great and very passionate review of the Emotiva B1+ speakers. You might just have me sold, especially if they would compliment my little Totem Mites in a surround sound system. Personally, I was looking for a pair of speakers that would deliver the old school rich yet detailed Tannoy sound of the 80's for under $600 if possible. I welcome any other suggestions that you may have. I know that you know and value quality audio. I recognize your name from yesteryear. Thanks for all you do, Steve. Zee Ottawa, Ontario Canada

[@saquibhussain6000]

Are the speakers too sensitive to placement? Can they be placed close to walls in a small apartment? Would you say the speakers are more on analytical side or musical side? Amazing find, thanks for the detailed review! Reminds me of Cambridge Audio S30!

[@iTubeYou]

I have the previous version (B1) and they are rear ported so you don't want them too close to the wall. Mine are about 3' from the wall and I'm still looking into treatment to minimize reflection. But it's no worse than any other rear-ported speakers; if you want front-ported speakers with ribbon tweeters you could look into Adam monitors though you will pay for it. As for your other question I would definitely say more musical than analytical; the ribbon tweeters really provide a luscious high end that is difficult to describe. My only complaint about these is that if you turn them down too low the sound loses its luster, which isn't always ideal for desktop use.

[@littlegandhi1199]

Hey Steve Are these less directional then most of klipsch's 90x90 horns or worse?

[@CheekyFest]

Peter gabriel's version of Heroes is lush - listening to it for the first time now

[@pagaopaganus1498]

Steve, I know they are different things, but you have any idea how these compares to Andrew Jones Pioneer SP-FS52 Tower Speakers?

[@Chiroman527]

Steve, my immediate impressions of these are: excellent Clarity, and Definition / Separation of the Music ... however, it is a bit on the bright side.... playing it with IOTA SA3 Preamp with a Emotiva A-300 Amp. How do you compare them to Emotiva T0+ or even their T1+ ?

[@abxaudiophiles]

Great review!!! I have the same set for my desktop and LOVE THEM!!!! I also run the AirMotiv T-2 towers in my dedicated 2 channel system!! Absurd quality for the money

[@checkureyesumerica]

Upload a video plz !!!

[@abxaudiophiles]

DXRTY BXRD A video of what exactly? Thx.

[@checkureyesumerica]

The “ABX Audiophile” your AirMotiv t2

[@joeslacker1020]

Do you find any of them a little too bright or sharp with the highs at all? And what amp around 300 or sub 300 would you recommend for the bookshelve speakers?

[@carlosbauza1139]

Pow! Got to listen to a pair of Emotiva B-1+.

[@arpeemac]

Steve, can you compare this to the more popular ones like the Elac B6.2 or the Klipsch RP600M

[@NeilBlanchard]

Steve, what more information do you have on the tweeter? Is it wide dispersion horizontally/vertically?

[@brown126639]

Thanks Steve !

[@KartikeyaBhadada]

@Steve, thanks a lot for the wonderful review. I was wondering how would compare this to Martin Logan Motion 15i speakers or other foundation motion bookshelf speakers in terms of its clarity, openness and dispersion? Was thinking of deciding which one to choose out of the two. Thanks a lot 😊

[@xaviercarou9892]

Hi Steve, are these speakers a good match for a SX550 Receiver?

[@MiHiHemi]

I have an Emotiva power amp and it’s a (heavy) performance beast. These guys don’t get the cred. they deserve.

[@joeslacker1020]

Do you know if there's anywhere to find the Airmotiva a-100 amp?

[@LilWillyA2Z]

Thanks for sharing your view on an affordable speaker set! I’m building a second listening station and trying to do it getting the best bang for the buck. I even shared this with my daughter who could afford this set- even on a part-time budget.

[@numbskull20]

It's a shame that these are double the price where I live. What would you recommend as a good pair of active bookshelf speakers in the $250-350 price range used primarily for listening to music through my PC or phone? I currently own cheap M-Audio AV42s and I'm not very happy with how they sound. Would the AudioEngine A2+ be a big step up from what I have or should I go for the A5+? Thanks.

[@mattrandall1808]

How are these compared to MartinLogan bookshelves such as LX16 or ML 15? I have all ML in my house but may consider these for my basement system if they sound similar

[@jorgeberwein9956]

Got some nice artwork on the wall there by the way.

[@corystansbury]

I have the regular B1s and think they're awesome.

[@redrooster1908]

The Elac B6 or Airmotiv B1 ? If you had to choose. (I have the Elacs.)

[@jbbevan]

I'm a classical listener (along with some jazz, broadway shows, and folk...but mostly classical). I have ordered these speakers. Do you recommend the The Emotiva Airmotiv S8 subwoofer to extend the bottom for music (this is not a home theater application). I played the double-bass (violin) myself in symphony work for 6 years (as a mechanical engineering student). The E string (lowest on a 4 string bass) is about 30 Hz. Is the subwoofer "necessary" (to round out the sound) or are the B1+'s good enough on their own?

[@kenjohnson7682]

I'd love to hear from anyone who has compared these the the GoldenEar Aon 2. They both have ribbon tweeters, but the Aon 2 has a 6" driver coupled to two 6.5" bass radiators. At $879.98 per pair, the Aon 2 is in a completely different price range. I'd be very impressed if someone who's heard both said that the B1+ compares favorably.

[@veeclash4157]

Umm those Aon 2's cost 4x as much of course they are gonna sound better. LOL.

[@CeeStyleDj]

Higher price only _sometimes _means higher sound quality once you get to a certain point.

[@evilkabab]

I got Adam A3X, studio monitors. Both drivers on that speaker look almost identical to Adam's. Any chance they use Adam speakers? Or both companies getting them from single source?

[@tragamonedas008]

Is the ported design inappropriate for using this model against the wall for near field listening? I think they're the right size for using on my computer desk for music but I don't know if it'd be wise or the sound quality would be strongly degraded. Help on this please! Any tips? Thanks.

[@pjukas]

I am very new on this with sound systems, i have always loved listening to all kinds of music but never invested in a pure music system or cared about specs and stuff like that. And i does not know a whole lot either yet, but have come to the realization how important music listening is for me so therefore i wanted to start somewhere. And tomorrow i will buy my first turn table and start my first build, the turn table is an AR-XA turn table and i am just wondering if someone with more knowledge and experience have any tips or suggestions about important things to think about that a newbie is maybe not aware of :) I choose the AR-XA because i am very fond of history and to preserve historical things, and for the cheap price (80$) it felt like very much turn table built quality for a low starter price. I buy it from an enthusiast who already had a couple of AR-XAs who needed more space, and he assured me that everything was looked over and continuously maintained.

[@bobgauthier1569]

What do you think about the JBL Studio 530 speakers. I’m thinking about buying them.

[@_yourfavmexican]

How would you say these compare to the Adam Audio T5V(Studio Monitor)

[@mosespray4510]

Anyone know where I can buy a pair of these? When I do a search I find information on the speakers, but not on where they can be found.

[@hoth2112]

These vaguely remind me of my powered Samson RXA5 monitors. They have a similar folded-ribbon tweeter in a small wave guide. I have yet to really push them since they sit on my desk, but they sound great, esp at only $99 each, and sound really crisp, & punchy, esp when fed better quality audio from a decent DAC. (I have the Massdrop O2 DAC+AMP combo)

[@Chiroman527]

Steve, like many speaker reviews I hear and see, there seem that a"break in" period is required . I'm 69 YO, and until this past year that I embarked on buying new stereo equipment for my Finished Basement COVID Studio.... A New Denon DRA-800H Receiver which I will use for Video , but only for 2.1 channel stereo now, New Elac Debut 6.2s , new Fluance Signature Series Bookshelfs, new pair of Elac Debut Reference 6.2s , Trying a new pair of Sony CSS5s, and finally just received new Emotiva B1+s..... I know , Overkill , but what the Hell , I'm retired and NOW have the time to deal with my life's pleasure (Oh yeah I started playing Drums again in the Studio after a 51 year Hiatus), and also went crazy and got a IOTA SA3 and Emotiva A-300 Amp. Right now I have the References hooked up in parallel with the Sonys on the B connection of the Denon in the rear of the room. Then I have the Elac Debuts hooked up to the Emotiva Amp, which is connected to the IOTA SA3 to which I have the Fluances connected. So the 2 pairs of speakers FILL the Room , like a concert hall IMO. So now, I am "testing" the B1S with the References (paralleled) against the Sonys paired with the References.... I will tell you, off the bat, the B1s have more punch than the Sonys , but perhaps a little less high end clarity than the Sonys. Back to the original question: Do you really need to Break in Speakers ??? Many out there say yes... PS: I know this is a Audiophile Faux Paux.... But again WTF !!!

[@isaacsykes3]

Love it Steve! Tell Dan Laufman to bring back the trade-in program for the XMC-1...lol!! But, seriously, tell him.

[@daymondcenteno6066]

Have you ever tested the HSU Research HB-1 mk2? If so....how does it compare to these?

[@niclaslindman]

If use T1+ floor speaker to those in cinema system with my Sony 1080 reciver do that be s great Thing to do ???

[@AudiophileTubes]

You should review the JBL Studio 530 horn loaded speaker when you get the chance! JBL had these on sale for $299 a pair recently, but I think they're back up to $599 now. They sound amazing!

[@danclark8947]

JBL are the best sounding speakers I have ever heard definitely better then klipsch I got rid of my klipsch when I heard a pair of jbl jrx225 in 2 channel stereo hooked up to a home stereo talk about midrange 15inch and dynamic detail just incredible.

[@joeslacker1020]

@@danclark8947 I'm stuck between the Emotiva Airmotiv B1+, and the JBL studio 530's, any thoughts guys?

[@sman222222]

These or the JBL stage a130’s any thoughts??

[@jfaaz]

I would like to see Steve do a review on KEF Q-150 speakers.