This review dives into the Emotiva XB2 bookshelf speakers, examining their performance and value proposition. We put these affordable speakers through their paces, listening to a variety of music and assessing their strengths and weaknesses in a typical home listening environment. Particular attention is paid to their frequency response, imaging, and overall sound signature, comparing them to a competitor in a similar price bracket to determine their place in the market. The review explores whether the XB2s deliver on their promise of "affordable audio excellence," considering both their sonic characteristics and practical usability.Our testing involved careful evaluation of the XB2's performance across different genres and listening levels. We addressed potential issues such as a slightly recessed upper mid-range and the impact of speaker placement on the overall sound. We also considered their bass extension and overall neutrality, comparing the results to those obtained with a competing model. The goal is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the Emotiva XB2, helping potential buyers decide if these speakers meet their audio needs and budget expectations.
Pros And Cons
- Great speaker overall
- Top three bookshelf speakers in its price range
- Good neutrality (slightly towed out)
- Pretty decent low-frequency extension for its size
- Good directivity
- Smooth linear response (when aimed 20 degrees behind the listener)
- Upper mid-range sounds recessed
- Snare drum impact can sound subdued
- High frequencies (shaker and high hat) can sound aggressive or bright when aimed directly at the listener
- Multi-tone distortion increases to about -20 dB at higher volumes
- Can sound grainy at high volumes
- Compression and minor deviations in linearity at different volumes
- Requires subwoofer for fuller bass
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Initial Impressions and Setup
Upon receiving the Emotiva XB2 speakers, I immediately set them up in my living room for testing. The initial listening experience, while watching television, revealed a slightly recessed upper mid-range. I initially dismissed this as a potential issue with the television's audio mixing and mastering.
However, switching to music revealed a more significant issue. Listening to Michael Jackson's "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'", a track rich in various instruments and vocal ranges, highlighted the recessed upper mid-range further. The snare drum lacked the expected impact, suggesting a potential issue in the 2kHz range.
Sound Quality Analysis: Tweeter and Mid-Range Interaction
The recessed upper mid-range and the lack of snare impact are common issues in two-way speaker designs, particularly when the tweeter and mid-woofer are physically separated. This separation necessitates a lower crossover point, which can be challenging to implement effectively in budget-friendly speakers.
The Emotiva XB2 employs an AMT tweeter separated from the mid-woofer. This separation contributes to the perceived scoop in the upper mid-range due to a less-than-ideal handoff between the drivers. While noticeable, this wasn't a severely detrimental issue, and is a characteristic often described as a 'warm' sound.
Addressing the Treble and Speaker Placement
The high frequencies, particularly the shaker and high-hat in Michael Jackson's song, sounded a bit aggressive or bright when the speakers were aimed directly at my listening position. To mitigate this, I experimented with different speaker placements.
Rotating the speakers away from my ears towards the room significantly reduced the treble's aggressiveness. The optimal position was found by angling the speakers approximately 10-20 degrees behind my head, resulting in a more balanced and pleasing sound.
Frequency Response, Bass Extension, and Subwoofer Recommendation
The XB2's average sensitivity of 86dB at 20° is typical for bookshelf speakers. The bass extension, with an F3 of 62Hz and F10 of 43Hz, is respectable for its size, but a subwoofer is recommended to enhance the low-end response.
Overall, despite the minor flaws noted earlier, the XB2 is an excellent speaker, particularly considering its price point. Its generally neutral sound and good bass extension make it a strong contender in its class.
Comparison with ELAC DB63 and Concluding Thoughts
A comparison with the ELAC DB63, a competitor in a similar price range, reveals differences in sound characteristics. The Emotiva XB2, when toed out appropriately, displays superior linearity and a smoother response compared to the ELAC, which exhibits a higher Q resonance and a more prominent upper mid-range.
While the Emotiva XB2 shows some minor compression and distortion at higher volumes, particularly in multi-tone scenarios, this is not a significant issue for most listening levels. The speaker's overall neutrality, decent bass extension, and competitive price point make it an excellent value for the money.