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Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ Review
Emotiva Airmotiv C3+

Main Features

  • 25×32 mm" folded ribbon Tweeter
  • 2 x 5.25" woven fiber Midrange
  • 4 x 6.5" woven fiber cone Woofer
  • 40 Hz – 28 kHz Frequency Response
  • 92 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 4ohms
  • Power Range: Up to 200watts
  • Weight:59.00 lbs / 26.80 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 8-5/8"x54-3/4"x12-1/4" / 220.0 x 1391.0 x 312.0mm

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Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ Review
Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ Emotiva Airmotiv C3+
See at AMAZON

Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ is a 3-way Passive Bass reflex Center Channel speaker by Emotiva. Center channel speaker is an important component of a home theater system set-up as it delivers the listener significant part of the on-screen dialogue from your television. It features a 25×32 mm" folded ribbon Tweeter, 2 x 5.25" Midrange and 4 x 6.5" woven fiber cone Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 40 Hz – 28 kHz and a sensitivity of 92 dB. Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ has an MSRP of 899$.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldPoor
Small RoomAverage
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomAverage
Very Large RoomPoor

(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2. Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)

Emotiva later replaced Airmotiv C3+ with Airmotiv XC3. Follow the link to read our in-depth comparison of these speakers:
Compare Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ vs Emotiva Airmotiv XC3
Emotiva Airmotiv C3+  Lifestyle
Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ Lifestyle

Emotiva's Airmotiv Series of Loudspeakers

Airmotiv C3+ is a member of Emotiva's Airmotiv series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

Emotiva Airmotiv Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Emotiva Airmotiv B1+
Compare
48-28k Hz 86 dB8Ω 1 x 5.25"
Emotiva Airmotiv B2+
Compare
40-28k Hz 86 dB4Ω 1 x 6.25"
Emotiva Airmotiv T3+
Compare
29-28k Hz 91 dB4Ω 3 x 8"
Emotiva Airmotiv C3+
40-28k Hz 92 dB4Ω 4 x 6.5"
Emotiva Airmotiv C1+
Compare
50-28k Hz 89 dB4Ω 2 x 5.25"
Emotiva Airmotiv T-Zero+
Compare
48-28k Hz 87 dB4Ω 2 x 5.25"
Emotiva Airmotiv C2+
Compare
45-28k Hz 92 dB4Ω 2 x 6.5"
Emotiva Airmotiv T1+
Compare
37-28k Hz 88 dB4Ω 2 x 6"
Emotiva Airmotiv T2+
Compare
35-28k Hz 91 dB4Ω 2 x 8"


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequency Response of the Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ Speaker

Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ has a Frequency response range of 40 Hz – 28 kHz at ±3dB and Power Range of Up to 200 watts. Here we have a comparison of how Airmotiv C3+'s Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.

Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Emotiva Airmotiv C3+
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Emotiva Airmotiv C3+
Min
Average
Max

Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ Tweeter
Emotiva Airmotiv C3+'s folded ribbon Tweeter

Crossover frequency of the Emotiva Airmotiv C3+?

Airmotiv C3+ is a 3-way speaker and its crossover frequency between the woofer and the midrange set to 350Hz and the Crossover frequency between the midrange and the tweeter is set to 2800Hz.

Impedance and Sensitivity

Emotiva Airmotiv C3+'s nominal impedance level is 4 ohms and has a sensitivity of 92 dB.

Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Emotiva Airmotiv C3+
Min
Average
Max

Nominal Impedance of the 4 Ohms means that the Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ is a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective, make sure that you choose an amplifier than can provide 4 Ohms for this speaker.
Many AVRs (audio/video receiver) in the market may have difficulty when the speakers dip below the 4 Ohms levels (this may cause clipping or even physical damage), so we recommend to not pair the Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ with an AVR but use an Integrated Amplifier instead.

Sensitivity

92dB of the Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ is considered a high sensitivity compared to average stereo speaker which makes Airmotiv C3+ an easy to drive from Sensitivity perspective. If you are planning to power your speaker with a Tube amp which are generally very low power, the Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ will be a good choice.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the Emotiva Airmotiv C3+:

  • Integrated Amps under 750 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 1000 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 1500 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

Airmotiv C3+ has Binding post type connectors and lets bi-amping/bi-wiring. Bi-wiring can enhance the overall transparency of your loudspeakers by using separate speaker wires for the low and high-frequency drivers from a single amplifier. Bi-amping, on the other hand, involves using separate amplifiers for the high and low-frequency drivers, potentially resulting in a greater dynamic range and reduced distortion.

Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ Back View
Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ Back View

Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ Terminals
Emotiva Airmotiv C3+'s Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring

Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ External Dimensions and Weight

Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 8-5/8-inch x 54-3/4-inch x 12-1/4-inch (220.0 x 1391.0 x 312.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ is approximately 4339.9cm2 / 672.7inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of Emotiva Airmotiv C3+, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ Real Life Body Size Comparison
Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Weight

The Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ weighs 26.80kg / 59lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Airmotiv C3+'s weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Emotiva Airmotiv C3+
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Center Channel Speakers under $1000
Emotiva Airmotiv C3+
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ has a Bass reflex type cabinet and a HDF finish.

Speaker Feet

Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ comes with shock absorbing rubber bottom pad which you can use to secure your loudspeaker on the surface that you are putting on.

It is always recommended to use some kind of feet under all types of speakers. Besides limiting the movement of the speakers, it also compensates for non-flat surfaces and limits the contact surface area of the speaker. Rubber based feet also help isolating the vibrations within certain frequency ranges.

Port Position

Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ is a rear-firing port speaker so you have to make sure you leave enough space between the back of the speaker and wall or bookshelf so that it has room to breathe.

Emotiva Airmotiv C3+  Port
Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ double Port

Available colors

Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ is available in Black.

Does the Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ come with a Grille?

Airmotiv C3+ comes with magnetic grilles in black color choices. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible. Since the included grille of the Airmotiv C3+ is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

Emotiva Airmotiv C3+  with Grille
Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ with Grille

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Emotiva Airmotiv C3+.

  • Speaker Cable and Connectors
    • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
    • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
    • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators more affordable options too.
  • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.

User's Manual

For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Emotiva Airmotiv C3+, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for Emotiva Airmotiv C3+

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for Emotiva Airmotiv C3+

Warranty

5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

Related Videos

Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ Alternatives in Passive Center Channel Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Emotiva Airmotiv C2+
Compare
3-way 92 dB 4 ohms 45 Hz – 28 kHz
Klipsch RC-64 III
Compare
2-way 99 dB 8 ohms 57-24k Hz
Emotiva Airmotiv C1+
Compare
3-way 89 dB 4 ohms 50 Hz – 28 kHz
SVS Ultra Center
Compare
3-way 87 dB 8 ohms 45-32k Hz
Emotiva Airmotiv T2+
Compare
3-way 91 dB 4 ohms 35 Hz – 28 kHz
Emotiva Airmotiv T3+
Compare
3-way 91 dB 4 ohms 29 Hz – 28 kHz
Emotiva Airmotiv B2+
Compare
2-way 86 dB 4 ohms 40-28k Hz
Klipsch RP-504C II
Compare
2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 50-25k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Emotiva Airmotiv C3+
What is the External Dimensions of Emotiva Airmotiv C3+
What is the Speaker Sensitivity of Emotiva Airmotiv C3+
is the Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ an easy to drive speaker?

Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ Detailed Specifications

General
BrandEmotiva
Full Model NameEmotiva Airmotiv C3+
Speaker Type3-way Center Channel
Power RangeUp to 200 watts
Sensitivity92 dB
Impedance4 ohms
Frequency Response40 Hz – 28 kHz
DRIVERS
Woofer Size6.5-inch
Woofer Compositionwoven fiber cone
Tweeter Size25×32 mm-inch
Tweeter Typefolded ribbon
Midrange Size5.25-inch
Crossover freq350 Hz and 2800Hz
Port Positionrear

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeBinding post
Biamp InputsYes
Port Positionrear
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height220.0mm ( 8-5/8-inch)
Width1391.0mm ( 54-3/4-inch)
Depth312.0mm ( 12-1/4-inch)
Height220.0mm ( 8-5/8-inch)
Weight26.80kg ( 59.00 lbs)
EnclosureBass reflex
FinishHDF
Available ColorsBlack
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
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