Audio Video News

Emotiva Audio has announced the availability of two new high-power subwoofers and a compact Class D monoblock power amp priced just under $300.

The Airmotiv S12 and Airmotiv S15 subwoofers join the $599 Airmotiv S10, at $799 and $1,199, respectively. Both models combine a 12- or 15-inch down-firing driver, high-excursion passive radiator, and high-output amplifier in a heavily braced cabinet made of acoustically inert high-density fiberboard (HDF) with integral shock absorbing feet and removable grilles.

The S12 is equipped with a 12-inch active driver and 500-watt amplifier, while the S15 boasts a 15-inch active driver and 650 watt amplifier. The drivers in both models have non-pressed treated-paper cones, reinforced with aramid fibers for “excellent rigidity and optimal internal acoustic damping,” and feature a rugged motor assembly with 3-inch voice coil and double-stacked ferrite magnet. Other common features include forced air cooling and a vented pole piece.

Front bezels are finished with multiple coats of black lacquer, while the sides and rear are covered in durable, textured vinyl.

“The Airmotiv speaker series is our response to anyone who thinks audiophile-grade sonics and rugged construction are only available at unnecessarily high prices,” said Dan Laufman, Emotiva president and CEO. “But if I say so myself, we outdid ourselves with the new Airmotiv subs, especially the S15. Nothing in their price class comes remotely close to the level of accuracy and refinement achieved by these subwoofers.”

The newest member of Emotiva’s X Series Stealth line, the Stealth PA-1 monoblock amplifier ($299) is rated to deliver 140 watts RMS into 8 ohms from a chassis that’s less than 2 inches tall, 8.5 inches wide, and 9 inches deep, making it ideal for use with desktop systems and custom setups. Output into 4 ohms is 300 watts RMS.

At the core of the PA-1 is an ICEpower 300ASC module featuring its own built-in switch mode power supply for “consistently reliable performance.” The amplifier is said to run on any line voltage between 100 and 264 volts and accepts a balanced input using either an XLR or balanced quarter-inch connector. Protection circuitry guards against faults without disrupting operation, and automatically resets itself when the fault is removed.

On the outside, the PA-1 features a heavy duty steel chassis, solid milled aluminum faceplate, and top-shelf components throughout. Emotiva backs up the PA-1 with a five year warranty.

“Millions of music lovers prefer monoblock amplifiers for their clarity, definition, and overall authoritative sound, but until the PA-1 came along, the size and weight of most monoblocks made integration with desktop and custom systems a challenge,” Laufman said. “The PA-1 is designed to be the most flexible high-performance monoblock on the market.”

For more information on the subwoofers, visit emotiva.com. For more on the PA-1, click here.