In this review, we will be comparing Airmotiv C1+ and Alpha C10, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Emotiva and PSB. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Emotiva Airmotiv C1+ and PSB Alpha C10 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Emotiva Airmotiv C1+ and PSB Alpha C10 speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Emotiva Airmotiv C1+ and PSB Alpha C10 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Airmotiv C1+ is a 3-way design whereas the Alpha C10 is a 2-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
| Driver |
Emotiva Airmotiv C1+ |
PSB Alpha C10 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
25×32 mm-inch
|
3/4-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 3-inch |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
Airmotiv C1+ features a 25×32 mm" folded ribbon Tweeter , a 3" Midrange and 2 x 5.25" woven fiber cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 550 Hz and 2600Hz. On the other hand, the Alpha C10 features a 3/4" anodized aluminum dome with front waveguide Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" textured polypropylene Woofer .
Frequency Response
Airmotiv C1+ has a frequency range of 50 Hz – 28 kHz whereas Alpha C10 has a frequency range of 55-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the Airmotiv C1+ can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Alpha C10's min frequency of 55Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Airmotiv C1+ is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the Alpha C10 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Airmotiv C1+ can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Airmotiv C1+ sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the Alpha C10's is rated at 90 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the PSB Alpha C10 a more sensitive speaker compared to Emotiva Airmotiv C1+, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Airmotiv C1+ features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Alpha C10 has a 5-Way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Emotiva Airmotiv C1+'s Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
PSB Alpha C10's 5-Way post terminals
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Emotiva Airmotiv C1+'s and PSB Alpha C10's external dimensions. Emotiva Airmotiv C1+ has external dimensions of 197.0 x 521.0 x 210.0mm ( 7-3/4 x 20-1/2 x 8-1/4inch) whereas PSB Alpha C10 has external dimensions of 172.0 x 451.0 x 254.0mm ( 6-3/4 x 17-3/4 x 10inch) .
PSB Alpha C10 is 70mm narrower and 25mm shorter than Emotiva Airmotiv C1+ but it is also 44mm deeper.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the Emotiva Airmotiv C1+ is approximately 1094.1cm2 / 169.6inch2 and base area of the PSB Alpha C10 is approximately 1145.5cm2 / 177.6inch2. The Airmotiv C1+ requires 4% less surface area than the Alpha C10 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The Emotiva Airmotiv C1+ weighs 8.45kg / 18.6lbs and the PSB Alpha C10 weighs 7.73kg / 17lbs. This makes the Airmotiv C1+ 9% heavier than the Alpha C10.
Here is a comparison of how Airmotiv C1+ and Alpha C10's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
What's in the Box of PSB Alpha C10?
Here are the items that come with the Alpha C10:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille4 Self-adhesive rubber feetQuick Start GuideWarranty Card
 Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
 Low Frequency Response |
50 Hz
vs
55 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
1094cm2 (521x210mm)
vs
1145cm2 (451x254mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
299USD
vs
449USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Height |
172mm
vs
197mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
| General |
Emotiva Airmotiv C1+ |
PSB Alpha C10 |
| Brand |
Emotiva |
PSB |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
Up to 120 watts |
15-120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
89 dB |
90 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
50 Hz – 28 kHz |
55-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
woven fiber cone |
textured polypropylene |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
25×32 mm" |
3/4" |
| Tweeter Type |
folded ribbon |
dome with front waveguide |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
3" |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
550 Hz and 2600Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
197.0mm (7.8") |
172.0mm (6.8") |
| Width |
521.0mm (20.5") |
451.0mm (17.8") |
| Depth |
210.0mm (8.3") |
254.0mm (10") |
| Weight |
8.45kg (18.6lbs) |
7.73kg (17lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
HDF |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Walnut |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |