I agree with your recommendation on speaker sensitivity. I experienced the same thing. Klipsch is measuring their speakers differently and need 6 db adjustment.
It was easier to hear speakers in a store and compare them to some others before deciding on which to take home. Once you got it home, most people become accustomed to the sound and can learn to prefer that signature. With most speakers being bought unheard, it becomes more difficult and we may end up spending time and money returning more than we'd like until finding something that satisfies, regardless if how a review on them come out. But, we all love reviews.
I picked up the B2+ around five months ago for the inventory close-out price of $359/pair. They're being driven by an Emotiva BasX A3 amp through my old Marantz SR5002 AVR and I've been very impressed with them as mains in my HT rig. I also have Emo's C1+ center channel which I also caught at their inventory close-out price of $279(?). For the money I feel I'd be hard-pressed to beat it. I'm now looking forward to hearing reviews and sound demo's of their new XT2 towers which are three-ways and have three 6.5" woofers and a 4" or 5" midrange drive to go along with their AMT tweeter.
Hey Aaron - Great review. I have the RP600M II's running on a TA1 as well. To my ears (not an audiophile) the sound is awesome. I guess my wife approves as well. I notice she has upped her song request too.
I went over to the local World Wide Stereo and "ABed" then to some Dynaudio emit10, Focal Chorals, etc. For UNDER $500 I am okay with my purchase. I am moving up from Emotiva 4S Airmotive self powed speakers. While not perfect they sound fine for my use. I was on the fence till I went out and heard them.
@@ForeverAnalog I have owned a lot of gear over the years and I even going against another reviewers thoughts for using these as desktop speakers, I guess I am just nuts... I still miss my IMF speakers, some of the most amazing sound ever, true old school and I still use my ADS M12/90s for over 30 years...
I know the video has been out a while but Emotiva b2 can be purchased for $359 and $279 for the B1’s direct on their own website. Sometimes you can find renewed speakers cheaper on the website too.
Yeah, I got my B2+ around two months ago for the close-out price of $359. I think they're a steal at that price. It looks like they're finally gone however.
Which would you recommend for Rock / Metal? ELAC Debut 3.0 (5.5” or 6.5”) vs RP600M / 500M (versions 1 or 2). Looking for excitement. I have Emotiva B1+ and think they’re too tame / linear
You made a comment that you thought higher the sensitivity rating would make it sound better. I feel it has nothing to do with the sound quality of the speaker, it’s just how loud they play at 1 watt, 1 meter away..
Yeah that’s I’m learning as well. Some folks say it helps with “dynamics” so maybe that’s what I was listening for? It might have been more noticeable had I had used a 2 watt tube amp between the two speakers but unfortunately I don’t have one. Would love to pick one up soon though!
Not just sensitivity but also efficiency needs to be considered, among many other things. A speaker that dips to 3 ohms can burn out many an amp sooner rather than later, or nor give enough output that also can damage a tweeter.
My Off axis or standing up question was referring to will you get the similar sound standing up or if you have 5 seats will you get similar sound at the far left or right seat.
As opções de caixas até Mil Euros é bastante grande. Que eu lembre de cabeça tem as Polk R200, Dynaudio Emit 10, KEF Q350, Dali Oberon 3, QAcoustic 5020, Wharfedale Evo 4.2, Sonus Faber Lumina 2, B&W 707S2, Triangle Borea BR03, Elac DBR62, MA Bronze 100 e etc...
I thought u were Lars from Metallica. Anyway. I had the klipsch speakers. I’ve had the rp-600ms and some reference towers also. The towers were bad. The bookshelves were awesome! Anyway I digress. I’ve recently built a pair of swan hivi 2.2 speakers. That smash rp-600ms. These diy speakers are magnificent!! I’ve never heard emotiva speakers. But I do happen to use a xpa dr2 reference units. Emotiva makes some nice stuff. I’m gonna have to buy some more speakers to compare.
Klipsch made in China meet ISO9000 specs, as if they were made in the USA. The RP series II are world class now. I know, I have new Heritage klipsch and new RP8000FII. Both are phenomenal.. The same can't be said for B&W or sonus faber made in China, those are garbage.
Hi ! You put up a nice video with a comparison between two speakers that are quite different, specially the tweeters, but you don't talk about it. Also, I know your wife like the Klipsch, but what do you think about their sound and value for money? Personally, most of the products I heard from Klipsch sounded a bit like a teenager on Red Bull, lively but fatiguing after a while. On the other hand, I have no experience with any Emotiva products, and that is why I would have liked a more in depth comparison. Bye!
See I don’t get the hate on Emotiva looks I think they look really sexy with the braided woofer and ribbon tweeter overall it looks better than 90% of other options out there
One thing about Klipsch. You can save a bundle buying their outdated models. RP-160m has been on sale at 195 at new egg. It's higher now but they do show a 180 open box. This market... I cannot believe the SVS sattelite is about the same price as a JBL stage 170.
Its interesting that Klipsch has larger soundstage since Erin compared their polar patterns and emotiva is much wider. Could the larger presentation be a feeling you get due to more bass on klipsch? Have you maybe compared them with a sub? I recently got emotiva and im a bit disappointed by their centerimage lock, although my room is untreated maybe its due to that
I've been burnt by critics who claim speaker Xis fantastic in almost aspects and even after burn in they didn't deliver the sound they claimed. I have to search out a brick and mortar store or friend to satisfy my ears. 2 different highly praised Elacs sound just DULL. I listened to the Klipsch RP 600's and the difference was astounding. Guess what I bought...Great Soundstage, very happy with sound quality. They get get praise from others who listen to mine. Sold a couple of pairs to friends...As they say your mileage my vary..
There's a reason why someone may or may not like a speaker in spite of reviews and/or measurements. For one, speakers can measure similar but still sound very different due to the cone materials used, crossover, the room acoustics, and the amp and source player. Also, no one ever measures how frequencies are interpreted via one's ear to brain...consider that. We hear things a bit differently and like different aspects of the sound differently. I've learned that I prefer a more/less v shape frequency curve over a flat curve but it isn't across the board and I have liked some flatter measuring speakers but tend to like the other more. Then there's the matter of cone material. I tend to prefer a paper cone of some type over kevlar, carbon fiber, metal or some poly material but not 100%. I've heard some speakers that got it right for me with some material but I typically seem to prefer paper. As for tweeters, I like a more wispy, airy and detailed tweeter, typically metal but some soft domes can be made to do similar. So I wouldn't feel duped, rather in reviewing speakers, there are alot of caveats to consider. Only by watching enough reviews by a particular reviewer you can better understand what their preferences are and try to interpret how their review falls in line with what you like. Also, depending on how you like to listen to music and the type of music matters in what a speaker can do as well as how loud you like to play. I've learned I need a lot of detail, good separation and depth in the stage for a satisfying listen with good dispersion so tonality doesn't change too much as you shift position. I can give up some resolution and bass performance for good mids and extended highs. I've sent alot of speakers packing, good speakers btw but ones that didn't satisfy me, regardless of price. And I am happier now with the least expensive ones over the more expensive ones not becasue they are better in build, or in certain areas but what they can do overall. Sometimes the more expensive ones do a couple of things really well, and are better constructed and prettier but have glaring omissions in some aspect of their sound that I need. Example, Quad s2 were great in resolution and detail but had a flat 2D stage. They were fun for movie soundtracks but for music, they left me bored. MA Silver 100s, are a great speaker, loads of detail just thrown at you all at once, so much for nuance and left me ear fatigued. Boston M25 sucked at low and even moderate volumes, but at high volume levels they could sing like no other speaker near its' price and even many times higher, especially on hard rock and metal. I could go on and on but most of the speakers received good reviews. It's the differences you have to prioritize as well as system matching. A bright amp on a bright speaker isn't a bright idea and vice-versa. It takes time, patience and some money to discover what you like. And tastes can change over time as well.
Hi there. I posted this review last year and have since fallen in love with my (new to me) vintage Klipsch heresy speakers and no longer use either of these models. So answering this would be from memory alone and I’d prefer not to rely on that brain of mine on an important question like this lol. Sorry for not being more helpful!
9db is way to much its typically 5db to 6db of sensitivity it's rated on their website that it's in-room sensitivity typically still in the 90db alot more easier to drive then emotiva speakers but that being said they should rate it like majority does but atleast they are transparent on how they rate their speakers when I measured my 600m ii they were 91 but then center channel 404c was 97 with the towers they don't gain as much so tower sensitivity rating will be closer to in room typically a 2-3 db difference
We have entered an age (unfortunately) where every 6 months you can add $50 to the MSRP. Amongst all of the commodity fluctuation, diesel fuel is just too high.
@@steadisteve Still at $359 and I'm seriously thinking about buying a pair this morning. I already have an Emotiva BasX A3 amp and C1+ center channel and although they won't be my end-game speakers as mains in my HT(considering the Martin Logan XT B100's, the new KLH Kendall Mk II bookshelves and even their massive Mk II tower speakers, among others) at $359 they seem like a hard deal to pass up at their close-out price.
I did not notice a loudness difference switching between the two. Not sure of the intent on the second question - if you're asking if I tried listening to the speakers while on their side, I did not.
I think for the second question he meant if you’re not in direct line of fire if the speaker drivers how well does the horizontal/ vertical dispersion of the sound field sound…. I’ll just use TVs as an example. With most VA panels types if you’re sitting directly in front of the TV the picture is colorful and contrast good….. but as you start veer of from sitting directly in front and watch from varying angles to the side then the TV picture starts to look washed off and dull Speakers have this as well depending on certain characteristics on how they are built, some speakers are good while some bad at that characteristic
I like klipsch but find them a bit much for music. Everthing is exaggerated. Great for movies tho. I use monitor audio for music . Much nicer and more natural sounding..
Klipsch is all marketing, even in their sound signature. Highs are always overly bright, kinda like showroom TV displays. Brightness and contrast is cranked way up.
Use a NAD amp, mine hooked up to a NAD C275bee and a NAD C165bee and a NAD C565bee CD player with a Monitor audio rsw-12 sub....fantastic for rock music
Manufacturers getting together and trying to figure out how they can rate their speaker so that they wouldn’t dupe their customers? Ever heard of capitalism?
I agree with your recommendation on speaker sensitivity. I experienced the same thing. Klipsch is measuring their speakers differently and need 6 db adjustment.
Thanks for watching!
It was easier to hear speakers in a store and compare them to some others before deciding on which to take home. Once you got it home, most people become accustomed to the sound and can learn to prefer that signature. With most speakers being bought unheard, it becomes more difficult and we may end up spending time and money returning more than we'd like until finding something that satisfies, regardless if how a review on them come out.
But, we all love reviews.
Very True. Thank you for the comment!
I picked up the B2+ around five months ago for the inventory close-out price of $359/pair. They're being driven by an Emotiva BasX A3 amp through my old Marantz SR5002 AVR and I've been very impressed with them as mains in my HT rig. I also have Emo's C1+ center channel which I also caught at their inventory close-out price of $279(?). For the money I feel I'd be hard-pressed to beat it. I'm now looking forward to hearing reviews and sound demo's of their new XT2 towers which are three-ways and have three 6.5" woofers and a 4" or 5" midrange drive to go along with their AMT tweeter.
Hey Aaron - Great review. I have the RP600M II's running on a TA1 as well. To my ears (not an audiophile) the sound is awesome. I guess my wife approves as well. I notice she has upped her song request too.
Awesome. I love it when the family approves of an audio purchase! The Klipsch have been family approved here too.
I just purchased the Klipsch for $450 for the pair. The sensitivity on the Klipsch is 88 DB measured sensitivity.
Thank you for that confirmation!
Yay! A fellow DEVO fan. Nice review, especially since I'm seriously considering the Emotivas.
Thank you. I found the Devo print in Savannah this summer and had to have it. It’s so cool. I think you’ll enjoy the Emotivas. Thanks for watching!
Standardised rating for sensitivity would be great
Agreed! Thanks for watching!
I went over to the local World Wide Stereo and "ABed" then to some Dynaudio emit10, Focal Chorals, etc. For UNDER $500 I am okay with my purchase. I am moving up from Emotiva 4S Airmotive self powed speakers. While not perfect they sound fine for my use. I was on the fence till I went out and heard them.
Awesome. I wish we all had the ability to A/B speakers at stores but they are so hard to find now. That’s a great resource for you!
@@ForeverAnalog I have owned a lot of gear over the years and I even going against another reviewers thoughts for using these as desktop speakers, I guess I am just nuts... I still miss my IMF speakers, some of the most amazing sound ever, true old school and I still use my ADS M12/90s for over 30 years...
I know the video has been out a while but Emotiva b2 can be purchased for $359 and $279 for the B1’s direct on their own website. Sometimes you can find renewed speakers cheaper on the website too.
awesome, thanks for pointing that out!
Yeah, I got my B2+ around two months ago for the close-out price of $359. I think they're a steal at that price. It looks like they're finally gone however.
Which would you recommend for Rock / Metal? ELAC Debut 3.0 (5.5” or 6.5”) vs RP600M / 500M (versions 1 or 2).
Looking for excitement. I have Emotiva B1+ and think they’re too tame / linear
Klipsch for me. Always has been and always will be!
Awesome. Thanks for watching!
You made a comment that you thought higher the sensitivity rating would make it sound better. I feel it has nothing to do with the sound quality of the speaker, it’s just how loud they play at 1 watt, 1 meter away..
Yeah that’s I’m learning as well. Some folks say it helps with “dynamics” so maybe that’s what I was listening for? It might have been more noticeable had I had used a 2 watt tube amp between the two speakers but unfortunately I don’t have one. Would love to pick one up soon though!
Not just sensitivity but also efficiency needs to be considered, among many other things. A speaker that dips to 3 ohms can burn out many an amp sooner rather than later, or nor give enough output that also can damage a tweeter.
Yes you are correct. It is not uncommon though for listeners to subjectively interpret louder as better.
My Off axis or standing up question was referring to will you get the similar sound standing up or if you have 5 seats will you get similar sound at the far left or right seat.
I have been a subscriber to her channel since the beginning!
Such a great channel!
As opções de caixas até Mil Euros é bastante grande. Que eu lembre de cabeça tem as Polk R200, Dynaudio Emit 10, KEF Q350, Dali Oberon 3, QAcoustic 5020, Wharfedale Evo 4.2, Sonus Faber Lumina 2, B&W 707S2, Triangle Borea BR03, Elac DBR62, MA Bronze 100 e etc...
I thought u were Lars from Metallica. Anyway. I had the klipsch speakers. I’ve had the rp-600ms and some reference towers also. The towers were bad. The bookshelves were awesome! Anyway I digress. I’ve recently built a pair of swan hivi 2.2 speakers. That smash rp-600ms. These diy speakers are magnificent!! I’ve never heard emotiva speakers. But I do happen to use a xpa dr2 reference units. Emotiva makes some nice stuff. I’m gonna have to buy some more speakers to compare.
Congrats on your speaker build!
When level matching these two speakers how much of a difference in was there?
Not sure about the cheap Chinese klipsch but the ratings on the classic Klipsch are very precise and they have been doing it since the 40s
Klipsch made in China meet ISO9000 specs, as if they were made in the USA. The RP series II are world class now. I know, I have new Heritage klipsch and new RP8000FII. Both are phenomenal.. The same can't be said for B&W or sonus faber made in China, those are garbage.
Hi ! You put up a nice video with a comparison between two speakers that are quite different, specially the tweeters, but you don't talk about it. Also, I know your wife like the Klipsch, but what do you think about their sound and value for money? Personally, most of the products I heard from Klipsch sounded a bit like a teenager on Red Bull, lively but fatiguing after a while. On the other hand, I have no experience with any Emotiva products, and that is why I would have liked a more in depth comparison. Bye!
Yes this video was very disappointed on the sound off wast of my time 😢😢😢😢😢😢
@@TheNLHAZE Agreed! Maybe someone else will put a video with more meat on the bone!
See I don’t get the hate on Emotiva looks I think they look really sexy with the braided woofer and ribbon tweeter overall it looks better than 90% of other options out there
I agree lol
One thing about Klipsch. You can save a bundle buying their outdated models. RP-160m has been on sale at 195 at new egg. It's higher now but they do show a 180 open box.
This market... I cannot believe the SVS sattelite is about the same price as a JBL stage 170.
Yeah never buy Klipsch at full price. Great advice.
The big K also constantly say their speakers are 8 ohm when often they dip all the way down to 3 ohms at the crossover points.
Big K lol - love that 😂
Its interesting that Klipsch has larger soundstage since Erin compared their polar patterns and emotiva is much wider. Could the larger presentation be a feeling you get due to more bass on klipsch? Have you maybe compared them with a sub? I recently got emotiva and im a bit disappointed by their centerimage lock, although my room is untreated maybe its due to that
I actually sold off both pairs to buy more gear to review on my channel sorry!
Nice video review, but you should show the speakers while you are talking
I've been burnt by critics who claim speaker Xis fantastic in almost aspects and even after burn in they didn't deliver the sound they claimed. I have to search out a brick and mortar store or friend to satisfy my ears. 2 different highly praised Elacs sound just DULL. I listened to the Klipsch RP 600's and the difference was astounding. Guess what I bought...Great Soundstage, very happy with sound quality. They get get praise from others who listen to mine. Sold a couple of pairs to friends...As they say your mileage my vary..
I have been impressed by the soundstage! Thank you for watching and the nice comment.
There's a reason why someone may or may not like a speaker in spite of reviews and/or measurements. For one, speakers can measure similar but still sound very different due to the cone materials used, crossover, the room acoustics, and the amp and source player. Also, no one ever measures how frequencies are interpreted via one's ear to brain...consider that. We hear things a bit differently and like different aspects of the sound differently.
I've learned that I prefer a more/less v shape frequency curve over a flat curve but it isn't across the board and I have liked some flatter measuring speakers but tend to like the other more. Then there's the matter of cone material. I tend to prefer a paper cone of some type over kevlar, carbon fiber, metal or some poly material but not 100%. I've heard some speakers that got it right for me with some material but I typically seem to prefer paper. As for tweeters, I like a more wispy, airy and detailed tweeter, typically metal but some soft domes can be made to do similar.
So I wouldn't feel duped, rather in reviewing speakers, there are alot of caveats to consider. Only by watching enough reviews by a particular reviewer you can better understand what their preferences are and try to interpret how their review falls in line with what you like.
Also, depending on how you like to listen to music and the type of music matters in what a speaker can do as well as how loud you like to play.
I've learned I need a lot of detail, good separation and depth in the stage for a satisfying listen with good dispersion so tonality doesn't change too much as you shift position. I can give up some resolution and bass performance for good mids and extended highs.
I've sent alot of speakers packing, good speakers btw but ones that didn't satisfy me, regardless of price. And I am happier now with the least expensive ones over the more expensive ones not becasue they are better in build, or in certain areas but what they can do overall. Sometimes the more expensive ones do a couple of things really well, and are better constructed and prettier but have glaring omissions in some aspect of their sound that I need.
Example, Quad s2 were great in resolution and detail but had a flat 2D stage. They were fun for movie soundtracks but for music, they left me bored.
MA Silver 100s, are a great speaker, loads of detail just thrown at you all at once, so much for nuance and left me ear fatigued.
Boston M25 sucked at low and even moderate volumes, but at high volume levels they could sing like no other speaker near its' price and even many times higher, especially on hard rock and metal.
I could go on and on but most of the speakers received good reviews. It's the differences you have to prioritize as well as system matching. A bright amp on a bright speaker isn't a bright idea and vice-versa.
It takes time, patience and some money to discover what you like. And tastes can change over time as well.
gr research Klipsch RP 600M MkII upgrade mod easy to do crossover upgrade kit
On sensitivity, when you switched back-and-forth between the two, was the Klipsch noticeably louder than the Emotiva?
Hi there. I posted this review last year and have since fallen in love with my (new to me) vintage Klipsch heresy speakers and no longer use either of these models. So answering this would be from memory alone and I’d prefer not to rely on that brain of mine on an important question like this lol. Sorry for not being more helpful!
Love the art work. Minor Threat.
Nathan McKee is the artist! Does great work
9db is way to much its typically 5db to 6db of sensitivity it's rated on their website that it's in-room sensitivity typically still in the 90db alot more easier to drive then emotiva speakers but that being said they should rate it like majority does but atleast they are transparent on how they rate their speakers when I measured my 600m ii they were 91 but then center channel 404c was 97 with the towers they don't gain as much so tower sensitivity rating will be closer to in room typically a 2-3 db difference
Great info thank you!
I've been looking at the B2+ for a while now and they've always been 592, not 450. and the 600M first gen are 400.
Interesting! I just double checked my receipt for my B2+ and I paid $449 + tax for a total of $493 and they were shipped for free.
@@ForeverAnalog The B2 + used to be 400 but they went up 50 bucks recently. FJB
We have entered an age (unfortunately) where every 6 months you can add $50 to the MSRP. Amongst all of the commodity fluctuation, diesel fuel is just too high.
down to $360 now!
@@steadisteve Still at $359 and I'm seriously thinking about buying a pair this morning. I already have an Emotiva BasX A3 amp and C1+ center channel and although they won't be my end-game speakers as mains in my HT(considering the Martin Logan XT B100's, the new KLH Kendall Mk II bookshelves and even their massive Mk II tower speakers, among others) at $359 they seem like a hard deal to pass up at their close-out price.
When you A B them was their a loudness difference. Off axis was there a difference standing up or side to side.
I did not notice a loudness difference switching between the two. Not sure of the intent on the second question - if you're asking if I tried listening to the speakers while on their side, I did not.
I think for the second question he meant if you’re not in direct line of fire if the speaker drivers how well does the horizontal/ vertical dispersion of the sound field sound….
I’ll just use TVs as an example. With most VA panels types if you’re sitting directly in front of the TV the picture is colorful and contrast good….. but as you start veer of from sitting directly in front and watch from varying angles to the side then the TV picture starts to look washed off and dull
Speakers have this as well depending on certain characteristics on how they are built, some speakers are good while some bad at that characteristic
I like klipsch but find them a bit much for music. Everthing is exaggerated. Great for movies tho. I use monitor audio for music . Much nicer and more natural sounding..
Thanks for sharing!
Klipsch is all marketing, even in their sound signature. Highs are always overly bright, kinda like showroom TV displays. Brightness and contrast is cranked way up.
Thanks for watching!
100% correct!
It’s like you’re stuck in the 80s. Everything you’re saying is true about the Heritage Series. I don’t think you’ve ever heard the 600s in person.
Klipsch woofer 89db and tweeter 91db/watt.So ,no not 94 db ...Emotiva gives an honest spec.
How about buying American made versus china
That's an important consideration for a lot of people, yes!
The device that you used to type this comment is made in the us?
I have had the Klipsch and cannot endorse them. Warm amp, hot amp, they are always harsh. It must take an odd ear to interpret them as accurate
I have found people either love them or hate lol. Very few in between. Thanks for watching!
Use a NAD amp, mine hooked up to a NAD C275bee and a NAD C165bee and a NAD C565bee CD player with a Monitor audio rsw-12 sub....fantastic for rock music
I have just the RP-600m and listening at higher volumes they become fatiguing and harsh. I am going to purchase the Emotiva.
Depends on the amp your using
Airmotiva t1
Those are NICE!
The Emotiva is definitely Darth Vader's speaker.
Lol yes! Thanks for watching
Manufacturers getting together and trying to figure out how they can rate their speaker so that they wouldn’t dupe their customers? Ever heard of capitalism?
I will not buy speakers from pathological liars.
None of them is right