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Emotiva Airmotiv XC1 Review
Emotiva Airmotiv XC1

Main Features

  • 25×32 mm" folded ribbon Tweeter
  • 4.5" woven cone Midrange
  • 2 x 5.25" woven fiber cone Woofer
  • 50 Hz – 27 kHz Frequency Response
  • 88 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 4ohms
  • Power Range: Up to 120watts
  • Weight:25.00 lbs / 11.30 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 7.5"x26"x9.5" / 190 x 660 x 241 mm

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Emotiva Airmotiv XC1 Review
Emotiva Airmotiv XC1 Emotiva Airmotiv XC1
See at AMAZON

Emotiva Airmotiv XC1 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, 1 x 4.5" Midrange and 2 x 5.25" woven fiber cone Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 50 Hz – 27 kHz and a sensitivity of 88 dB. Emotiva Airmotiv XC1 has an MSRP of 399$.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Emotiva Airmotiv XC1 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 replaced the older Airmotiv C1+ with this model. Follow the link to read our detailed comparison of these models:
Compare Emotiva Airmotiv XC1 vs Emotiva Airmotiv C1+

Emotiva's Airmotiv X Series of Loudspeakers

Airmotiv XC1 is a member of Emotiva's Airmotiv X series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

Emotiva Airmotiv X Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Emotiva Airmotiv XB2
Compare
55-27k Hz 86 dB4Ω 1 x 6"
Emotiva Airmotiv XT3
Compare
30-27k Hz 91 dB4Ω 3 x 8"
Emotiva Airmotiv XT1
Compare
45-27k Hz 89 dB4Ω 3 x 5.25"
Emotiva Airmotiv XT2
Compare
40-27k Hz 90 dB4Ω 3 x 6"
Emotiva Airmotiv XC3
Compare
45-27k Hz 90 dB4Ω 4 x 6"
Emotiva Airmotiv XC2
Compare
40-27k Hz 89 dB4Ω 2 x 6"
Emotiva Airmotiv XC1
50-27k Hz 88 dB4Ω 2 x 5.25"
Emotiva Airmotiv XA2
Compare
79-27k Hz 86 dB4Ω 1 x 5.25"
Emotiva Airmotiv X Series Speakers
Emotiva Airmotiv X Series Speakers


**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 XC1 Speaker

Emotiva Airmotiv XC1 has a Frequency response range of 50 Hz – 27 kHz at ±3dB and Power Range of Up to 120 watts. Here we have a comparison of how Airmotiv XC1'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 XC1
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Emotiva Airmotiv XC1
Min
Average
Max

Among the speakers in our database with a max MSRP price of 500$ (Pair), there is only one Passive Floor-standing speaker that have the deeper bass levels than the Emotiva Airmotiv XC1's 50Hz:

  • Jamo S 805 with Low Frequency of 49 Hz (Compare w/ Airmotiv XC1)

Emotiva Airmotiv XC1 Tweeter
Emotiva Airmotiv XC1's folded ribbon Tweeter

Crossover frequency of the Emotiva Airmotiv XC1?

Airmotiv XC1 is a 3-way speaker and its crossover frequency between the woofer and the midrange set to 620Hz and the Crossover frequency between the midrange and the tweeter is set to 3100Hz.

Impedance and Sensitivity

Emotiva Airmotiv XC1's nominal impedance level is 4 ohms and has a sensitivity of 88 dB.

Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Emotiva Airmotiv XC1
Min
Average
Max

Nominal Impedance of the 4 Ohms means that the Emotiva Airmotiv XC1 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 XC1 with an AVR but use an Integrated Amplifier instead.

Sensitivity

88dB of the Emotiva Airmotiv XC1 is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the Emotiva Airmotiv XC1:

  • Integrated Amps under 300 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 500 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 750 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

Airmotiv XC1 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 XC1 Back View
Emotiva Airmotiv XC1 Back View

Emotiva Airmotiv XC1 External Dimensions and Weight

Emotiva Airmotiv XC1 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 7.5” x 26” x 9.5” (190 x 660 x 241 mm ).

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 XC1 is approximately 1590.6cm2 / 246.5inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of Emotiva Airmotiv XC1, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

Emotiva Airmotiv XC1 Real Life Body Size Comparison
Emotiva Airmotiv XC1 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Weight

The Emotiva Airmotiv XC1 weighs 11.30kg / 24.9lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Airmotiv XC1's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Emotiva Airmotiv XC1
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Center Channel Speakers under $500
Emotiva Airmotiv XC1
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

Emotiva Airmotiv XC1 has a Bass reflex type cabinet.

Port Position

Emotiva Airmotiv XC1 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.

Available colors

Emotiva Airmotiv XC1 is available in Black.

Does the Emotiva Airmotiv XC1 come with a Grille?

Airmotiv XC1 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 XC1 is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

Emotiva Airmotiv XC1  with Grille
Emotiva Airmotiv XC1 with Grille

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Emotiva Airmotiv XC1.

  • 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 XC1, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for Emotiva Airmotiv XC1

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the Emotiva Airmotiv XC1 speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for Emotiva Airmotiv XC1

Warranty

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

Emotiva Airmotiv XC1 Alternatives in Passive Floor-standing Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Emotiva Airmotiv C1+
Compare
3-way 89 dB 4 ohms 50 Hz – 28 kHz
Emotiva Airmotiv XC2
Compare
3-way 89 dB 4 ohms 40 Hz – 27 kHz
Emotiva Airmotiv XC3
Compare
3-way 90 dB 4 ohms 45 Hz – 27 kHz
Emotiva Airmotiv XT2
Compare
3-way 90 dB 4 ohms 40 Hz – 27 kHz
Emotiva Airmotiv XT1
Compare
3-way 89 dB 4 ohms 45 Hz – 27 kHz
Emotiva Airmotiv XB2
Compare
2-way 86 dB 4 ohms 55 Hz – 27 kHz
Emotiva Airmotiv XT3
Compare
3-way 91 dB 4 ohms 30 Hz – 27 kHz
Emotiva Airmotiv XA2
Compare
2-way 86 dB 4 ohms 75 Hz – 27 kHz
Frequently Asked Questions about Emotiva Airmotiv XC1
What is the External Dimensions of Emotiva Airmotiv XC1
What is the Speaker Sensitivity of Emotiva Airmotiv XC1
is the Emotiva Airmotiv XC1 an easy to drive speaker?

Emotiva Airmotiv XC1 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandEmotiva
Full Model NameEmotiva Airmotiv XC1
Speaker Type3-way Center Channel
Power RangeUp to 120 watts
Sensitivity88 dB
Impedance4 ohms
Frequency Response50 Hz – 27 kHz
DRIVERS
Woofer Size5.25-inch
Woofer Compositionwoven fiber cone
Woofer SurroundSBR
Tweeter Size25×32 mm-inch
Tweeter Typefolded ribbon
Midrange Size4.5-inch
Crossover freq620 Hz, 3.1 kHz
Port Positionrear

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeBinding post
Biamp InputsYes
Port Positionrear
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height190.0mm ( 7.5-inch)
Width660.0mm ( 26-inch)
Depth241.0mm ( 9.5-inch)
Height190.0mm ( 7.5-inch)
Weight11.30kg ( 25.00 lbs)
EnclosureBass reflex
Available ColorsBlack
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
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