AXPONA 2016 Show Report -- Audio Expo North America
Emotiva DC-1 DAC, SP-1 Pre, PA-1 Amp And Airmotiv B1 Speakers

   Emotiva has a huge fan base for good reason. They produce solid high-end electronics for audio and video enthusiasts, yet at reasonable pricing. Emotiva also keeps up-to-date with the latest technologies too! Within Enjoy the Music.com's Press Center we already covered their impressive XMC-1 7.2-Channel A/V Preamp/Processor and XPA Gen 3 amplifier, yet wanted to see these in person. Emotiva's acclaimed XMC-1 7.2-channel A/V preamp/processor ($2499) proves how top-shelf performance and technological innovation can be achieved without reaching up into stratospherically high pricing.

Color me impressed with the build quality and attention to details, especially at this price level! Their XPA Gen 3 amplifier ($899) incorporates Emotiva's lauded XPR topology for superior sonics, and accommodates one to seven channels. Here you can see how the board easily slides into a slot; thus adding channels is extremely easy.

For desktop audio enthusiasts, or for those with tight space constraints, Emotiva's DC-1 DAC, SP-1 preamp, and new PA-1 power amplifier ($499, $299 and somewhere around $399 respectively) fills your desires. Once again am impressed as their Airmotiv B1 speakers ($299 pair) two-way bookshelf loudspeaker employs the excellent Airmotiv folded-ribbon tweeter. Emotiva's B1 has a 5.25" woven Kevlar midrange/woofer to fill out the lower frequencies. While you might not expect this with a $299 per pair speaker, there are terminals for bi-amp'ing or bi-wiring. This little system sounded most impressive, with fast and clean highs, smooth midrange and a good dose of bass foundation. All the technology you'd expect from a modern desktop system with digital audio playback including 24/192 fully differential DAC with professional XLR balanced outputs, analog inputs including a MM/MC phonostage on the preamplifier, plus plenty of amp power to drive speakers.

Emotiva's DC-1 DAC, SP-1 preamplifier, PA-1 power amplifier and Airmotiv B1 speakers earns Enjoy the Music.com's Top 10 award for Best Value at AXPONA 2016. Emotiva once again produces an innovative system that works harmoniously together to deliver delightful music at reasonable prices.

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