Small, Cheap, & Loud! The Emotiva XS8 Subwoofer Review! $329 as of June 2023!!

/ discord
Emotiva XS8 Subwoofer: emotiva.com/pr...
Other Emotiva Reviews:
RS11 Subwoofer: • Emotiva RS11 Subwoofer...
B2+ Speakers: • Emotiva B2+ Bookshelf ...
TA1 Amp: • High Value meets High ...
Test Equipment:
Preamp & Power Amplifiers:
Kinki Studio EX-P7: www.kinki-stud...
Kinki Studio EX-B7 mono blocks: www.kinki-stud...
Hegel H190: www.hegel.com/...
Emotiva TA2: emotiva.com/co...
Galion TS120 SE: www.galion-aud...
Source: Bluesound Node 2i
www.crutchfiel...
(all music is hi-res streamed from Tidal)
DAC: Denafrips Ares II or Venus2
www.vinshineau...
Speaker & Power Cables: Maze Audio Ref4
www.mazeaudio.c...
(rest in peace Kent)
Interconnect Cables:
Analysis Plus Oval One RCA
Oyaide Tunami Terzo XX V2 XLR
analysis.plus/...
Your results may vary based on your ears, room, and associated equipment.

[@edmundgil6008]

The discord “please don’t(s)” always crack me up! 😅 Those MK IIs still looking good back there. I spent a bit of time staring at this small sub. Still trying to decide if I like the classic Emotiva speaker style in their subs. Performance wise, it seems great. You and Emotiva go way back; cool to see u give love to their subs! As always, thanks bro! 🙏🏽🎶💪🏽🎵🖤‼️

[@JohnScheppler]

Great review! I had to laugh about all the questions comparing this compact sub to larger subs. How does it compare to the Earthwake EL36DP

[@IrenESorius]

Hmmm,, Emotiva XS8 vs, REL HT 1003? My guess is REL. Cheers, thanks, and have the best of weekends Nemo,, 🍻💖😎👍‍‍🤘‍‍

[@JMang101]

​@@GreenTipplesame just picked it up. Trying to get it dialed in. The signal is coming from the sub out on my yahama avr. When I put the volume knob on the REL 1003 at 12 o'clock it sounds a bit underwhelming. What's your experience?

[@JMang101]

@@GreenTipple are you using a single cable from the Avr to the ht1003…?

[@charleyweinhardt]

4:50 XS8 vs RSL Speedwoofer

[@NemoPropaganda]

???

[@puddleduckist]

I've been looking for a smaller sub like this for games n movies. Just may pick one up! Very info packed review as usual Nemo, thanks my dude!!!! 💯!!!

[@NemoPropaganda]

it's on sale right now for $399, jump on it!!!!!!!!

[@puddleduckist]

@@NemoPropaganda Yes, I saw that it's normally 579.00 so great deal!!! Thanks 💯!!!!

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@puddleduckist yeah, I wish it was $399 when I reviewed it, I would have been a lot more positive!! At $399 its hard to beat!

[@puddleduckist]

Hey Nemo, will the svs soundpath isolation feet work with the xs8? Thank's!!

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@puddleduckist I'm sure they do, they come with a bunch of different schrews but I havn't tested it personally.

[@joshdeakins1775]

Emotiva had another price drop! The SE8 is under $200 now. The xs8 is $329 😮

[@NemoPropaganda]

I can't keep up with their price changes lol

[@tycheesey]

Nice review! I wonder why Emotiva is diving at lower tiers for their target audience, now? The RS line must have not sold well or there are some known issues? This XS line would have been great when I was getting into audio. People have some great options nowadays!

[@NemoPropaganda]

there was nothing wrong with the RS range, in fact it was rather outstanding.

[@tycheesey]

@@NemoPropaganda I love my dual RS 11s!!!

[@Audfile]

RSL scooping up customers like an anteater. I also have a pair of S8s which were the same price and are blown away in every way possible. (Other than finish. Emo veneer is top tier)

[@jerryjohnson4625]

I have the RS 11. My 9th sub thru the years. I contacted emotiva, ask them why it was discontinued after 2 yrs ? They told me it was too expensive to build. It is pretty amazing.

[@tycheesey]

@jerryjohnson4625 oh man, I still love mine. They have clean and powerful bass. Movie nights shake the whole house, yet they have tight bass with music. Doesn't get much better, except when speaking of my Rythmik E15HP2.

[@tech4life884]

Would 2 of these be better than 2 klipsch R-12SW subwoofers?

[@NemoPropaganda]

Probably similar. Neither one has much extension below 30hz. The $300 champion is the RSL 10E.

[@GrayWolfe-34]

RSL 10S MKII $449.00 Wireless too.

[@NemoPropaganda]

yup, I've reveiwed every RSL sub.

[@prabhurc3]

How does it compare with b&w ASW608? I am getting XS8 for 500$(CAD) vs ASW6O8 for 799$(CAD) here in Canada. Do you think spending additional 300$ for b&w is worth it?

[@NemoPropaganda]

absolutely not, the ASW608 is grossly overpriced in north america. The ASW608 cannot do theater or loud volumes at all but it does sound very nice. Only buy the ASW608 if you're okay with VERY limited output.

[@prabhurc3]

​@@NemoPropaganda I live in a high raise condo and was looking for a decent sub that addresses both movies and music without disturbing the neighbors. Your reiew helpmed me to narrow down the options, ordered the sub xs8 and waiting for the delivery nw! thanks for the help.

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@prabhurc3 The XS8 is small but it can still get you some noise complaints if you're not careful. Try to keep the volume down once the sun goes down on weekdays and pray your neighbors are not too fussy.

[@deerpathacres4426]

I have an older Emotiva * inch sub with a round port in the back don't remember the model but it sounds good for music, not so for movies as there is excessive port noise and it is very distracting. Does this model have the same issues with port noise?

[@NemoPropaganda]

I didn't experience any port noise but you may want to consider stepping up to a larger model. Port noise happens when the sub is approaching its limit so a bigger sub will have a higher limit.

[@davebennett9638]

based on your comments with the speedwoofer 10s just being larger would the XS10 be a pretty good comparison with the speedwoofer, recognizing you haven't actually listened to the XS10? Looking for a subwoofer around the 15" wide range and the speederwoofer and the XS10 are both right there and are within $50 of each other, but you can actually get the XS10 without hitting the pre-order just right like the speedwoofer.

[@NemoPropaganda]

Because vented subs are little more complicated the experience with one size does not translate into any usable data for an alternate size in the same lineup. If you can tell me your max budget and goals I'm happy to make a recommendation that's under 15" wide.

[@davebennett9638]

@@NemoPropaganda realistically I can fudge the budget if I need to but I'd like to stick under $1200 for dual subs, but if I need to I can do up to $1200 for a single sub and add a second sub when budget permits.

[@NemoPropaganda]

​@@davebennett9638 I think a pair of Rythmik L12 would be perfect for you and when you add 2 to the cart it brings the price down to $599 each so you'll stay within your budget and they are in stock. Conversly if you want an even smaller option the REL HT1003 MK2 is fantastic of course being smaller it will not have the output of a 12" but it's one of my favorite small subs.

[@davebennett9638]

@@NemoPropagandathanks for the recommendation! I really appreciate it!

[@josephdettmer6575]

Have you ever considered the new def tech subs? I’d be I retested to hear what you thought about them. I’m still looking for a sub or 2. I have a Martin Logan cadence sound bar. It’s incredible but I need some bass. I have a larger room about 4000 cubic feet but need small subs was thinking 10” subs.

[@NemoPropaganda]

they don't return my emails lol, you need a small sub that can play loud and clean? Go for JL Audio D110, E110, or E112 brother, you will not be dissapointed.

[@josephdettmer6575]

@@NemoPropaganda thanks bro! It’s a shame they don’t reach out to you. This new line they have gets high praise. Your reviews are great and I get a lot out of them. I was thinking the tel subs. The ht subs in fact. The first gens are on sale right now and I can get a pair for the cost of one. I did see your reviews on the jl audio subs and those are very intriguing. They are also very very expensive. Well Atleast the e series anyways. Thanks for reaching out.

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@josephdettmer6575 yeah, JL is expensive for sure, if you can fit a pair of the V1 REL 1205 that might be a great option too. They're not the loudest 12" subs but they sound fantastic for th emoney. If you're in the US Rythmik is also an excellent choice.

[@josephdettmer6575]

@@NemoPropaganda so were you thinking one d110 would be louder than 2 ht1205? Or one e110 would be? I would have to think that one e112 would definitely be. I’m also looking to get a pair of the new mines by klipsch. Have you ever thought about doing a review on some of the klipsch stuff?

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@josephdettmer6575 I honestly don't know which one would be louder. What I can say is I generally prefer to have 1 higher end item vs multiple lower range items. But that's just me. Yeah I have the R50M in for review currently.

[@Owen_Charles.11]

RSL speedwoofer 10s mkII for $449 or airmotiv xs12 for $549? Thank you for your time!

[@NemoPropaganda]

I have not heard the xs12.

[@SeventhSky1]

Emotiva xs 12 or rsl 10s mk2? And why

[@NemoPropaganda]

I have not heard the XS12

[@markwaycaster8273]

Hello Nemo. Hope you can help. I was all over an SE8 to go with my Emotiva TA1 and B1+’s, but I just found out it has been discontinued. Can you recommend another budget-minded sealed sub? I use my rig for music only (not loud thumping and trash talking) in a floor space-challenged 10ft x 12ft room. I would appreciate any direction you could offer Sir.

[@NemoPropaganda]

have you tried looking for a second hand SE8? I see them popup on US Audiomart often.

[@markwaycaster8273]

@@NemoPropaganda Thank you for the prompt response, Nemo. I found 1 in Canada for $350 (ain’t happnin). Any ideas about some similar alternatives?

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@markwaycaster8273 whats your max budget and country?

[@markwaycaster8273]

@@NemoPropaganda I live in Greenville South Carolina, and I don’t would like to stay in the $200 - $600 range if possible.

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@markwaycaster8273 I'd hunt the used market for a REL 1003, 1205, or t5x. Or just bite the bullet and spend $629 on a new Rythmik L12.

[@m4nc1n1]

Are the outputs crossed over (HPF)?

[@NemoPropaganda]

I don't remember, that's not really a common feature of subwoofers though. I know their SE8 had it but I don't think the XS8 does, you should email emotiva if you want to be 100% sure

[@shamrock4840]

Still recommend?

[@NemoPropaganda]

at the current price of $329 it's a great little sub, the only better option I can think of is the new RSL 10E which is a pretty good step up and slightly cheaper.

[@greyshadow7786]

This or RSL Speedwoofer

[@NemoPropaganda]

it was covered in the video.

[@myplacerighthear3691]

I tell you at the moment you said the damn thing makes me question how good it really is only because if you really like a suburb you wouldn't be calling it the damn thing

[@NemoPropaganda]

you're not wrong, the sub was $579 when I reviewed it and I didn't love it at that price but felt my personal opinion was not the purpose of the review since value is very personal. Emotiva has since dropped it down to $329 which is a shame because if the sub was $329 when I reviewed it I would have had a much more positive tone. It was just alright at $579 but an absolute steal at $329, hope that helps shed more light on the vibe you were picking up on.

[@myplacerighthear3691]

@@NemoPropaganda hey thanks very much for the reply I got to tell you something and everyone needs to listen to what I have to say I've been looking at subwoofers now for more than a year and I've been using and buying audio equipment for a very long time.. and what I Miss so very much are floor standing speakers that used to have 10 12 and 15 inch and reach down to a level of about 30 HZ without a problem there were about a dozen companies who did this up until around 1998 and everything changed and all of a sudden we don't have anything larger than all of a sudden they're on 2002 we can't find speakers that never reach below that anymore nor any woofers that are any larger than 10 in and they still don't drop below 35., I am of the opinion that they're not producing speakers towers that is with anything larger than a 10 inch driver that doesn't much only because. It's a gotcha sales gimmick they sell you a set of towers that for a thousand $2,000 and then expect you to buy a pair of subs for anywhere from a 1000 to 2000 it's nothing more than a sales gimmick they could put those drivers of 12 and 15 into a tower but they won't because there's more profit and making you buy a separate so called subwoofers that they used to build into speakers prior to 2002 take my word for it I know a lot about this kind of thing when I look back and it seems like not that long ago 25 years or so . Please yeah I love deep bass and I can tell you wow you listen to James gang led by Joe Walsh back in 1969 in an album called Rides again you'll know why bass it's so incrediblyimportant I can give you dozens of albums that have incredible bass in them but you can't hear it because you got to spend thousands on subwoofers in order to do that so my quest for subwoofers is become a real conundrum because I am not willing to spend more than 400 bucks on a subwoofer at any time I mean sure I got the money to buy what they're selling but my spend $1,500 bucks and something that recreates the base levels. Over and above the cost of the towers only because that's what they did back in the eighties and nineties would give you speakers with it already built in for like a grand or two another fleecing you from another grande or two for something separate that if you didn't have the towers these things would be absolute nonsense you don't listen to a subwoofer you supposed to feel it not listen to to the stupid thing so I am of the mind that if you buy decent towers to begin with you won't need subwoofers but the industry has got you convinced that you must spend an extra two to three to four to five thousand dollars and boxes that are worthless if you don't have compare Tower speakers on their own so I'mstill searching and I've got about two or three maybe four brands and model numbers that I'm serious about.. but the cost is just ridiculous you know it's real easy to figure out what it cost these companies to produce a decent subwoofer because they all use the same parts from three companies either in China or Taiwan or Vietnam and then I discovered that a number of these companies all use the exact same magnets drivers an amplifier components as everyone else the thing is is that all they do is give it a different model number in a different name to separate it from one subwoofer company to another meaningless so the same exact amplifier is produced.. and then model A has an amplifier that's called let's say amplifier able and then the company produces the exact same amplifier for another company and calls it befriend and then the third company uses the exact same amplifier and calls it canal,. But in reality it's all the same amplifier just with a bit of different coloring so that it can be distinguished between all the others out there the thing is there are only three companies as well that produce subwoofers that are actually differentfrom each other the thing is one sales pitch says ooh the main drivers encased in a aluminum we're solid steel basket will I get news for you they're all that way. And the only difference is cosmetic as well as the cone itself I don't care what they tell you it's made of. . Weather at Kevlar plastic or or some other spun material the thing is they only have the same rigidity whether they're 8 10/12 or 15 or 16 drivers it's quite a enumerated puzzle when you really start looking at these things I've looked it over 45 different subwoofers in the last year and actually listen to about 25 of them and you know. It's always about the money here listen for a moment when you buy a subwoofer that guarantees you to hit below 25 HZ or so it doesn't mean that it cost the company a small fortune to make it go that low it's all about the electrical connection in the spun transformers used in a particular subwoofers an good example it doesn't cost a subwoofer anywhere near what you think to justify the price that they're asking.. is there a plain and simple subwoofers have a very large markup in an incredibly high profit margin. This is why I haven't bought any of them yet because I know the story.. and they've got the public so confused over which subwoofer is which subwoofer and which one is better than another at a fair and getable price rather than.. that gotcha sales pitch as well as that got a huge prophet they're making I can give you more information but I can't because I can't tell you in a public comment here's the thing I know how to find out exactly where they're cost is on producing these things both Tower speakers floor standing speakers bookshelf speakers and so on and it has everything to do with the price fluctuations that you've seen over the last 12 months if you follow this kind of thing you'll understand.. so it may be a while before I buy subwoofers only because either that the price is way too high or the quality is Kmart and some other poor quality and the thing is you don't know until after you get home you've already bought it you put your money out and all they're going to do for you is exchange it they're not going to take it backafter 60 days and give you your money back so that you can go somewhere else and find something better for about the same price the seniors is it 60 days is still not long enough to discern the quality of a particular subwoofer because if they're going to break or if they're going to fail they're going to have this happen to The Master about 90 days of constant use for myself my system is on most all the time let's say 16 hours out of the day and everything is being used simultaneously and I need something that's going to last for 10 years without going bad and that's a whole nother subject they could be making subwoofers that would last you 40 years but they're not going to do that they're never going to build audio equipment that's going to last more than 10 years because they need the repeat business so therefore built-in failures exist all over.. I know what I've said gets a bit complicated... All anybody wants is something that a fair price that's going to do what it's supposed to.. so we can all be satisfied and smile over the choices we make without going broke or having to spend money for 5 years to pay for the damn thing without spending 30% Pinterest or more you know that only about 30% of the American public can afford any of this stuff in the first place please realize that about 65% of the American public makes less than $30,000 a year and after they spend all the money they have just to cover their rent their food costs and utilities they got nothing left so they need something when they do buy it that's going to Lancaster do what it's supposed to do without having to look at 40 different model spread over 12 speaker companies yeah it's gets a bit time consuming and most people don't have the patience to look listen in audition.. only because they want it now so they settle for something all too quickly and they find out that they're sorry about what they settled for because it's not what it should have been in the first.. a grand example that they would be Sony they would sell the SCS threes or the SCS 5 bookshelf speakers for the towers the SCS threes at one price and then drop it by 70% two or three times a year that'll tell you where their cost is on this stuff and it's not much to produce.. Is an example Sony's cost to produce one pair of SCS 5 bookshelf speakers is around 4 5. 0 0 dollars us that's why they can swing the prices as much as they do and it's the same for all speaker companies. I'm just looking for honesty in review and quality and price before I actually buy something that's going to last me 10 220 years because I'm willing to spend a lot if it's going to last me an extraordinarily Long Island that's what it's all about you buy your first system and you live with it for 10 to 15 years.. in the consumer needs to be happy with that purchase.. all people want a decent setup of subwoofers where they can feel it in your chest and through their feet at a reasonable price all the way.., sorry for the long rant but this is really important for people to know so that they can make a really educated decision

[@myplacerighthear3691]

Absolutely it's one of the longest replies anyone who ever read. But it had to be said and that takes words to do that and the only way to say those words is to put them imprint yeah which takes up a lot space thanks very much for reading reply if you like I look forward to it..

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@myplacerighthear3691 those products still exist brother, check out the Tekton Double Impact!!!!!!