CES 2017

Emotiva Audio has announced that it will introduce more than a dozen new models at CES 2017, including the first speakers in the BasX line, additions to the Airmotiv speaker series, a new line of lifestyle products called Emersa, and a new flagship AV processor.

Topping the list is the RMC-1 ($4,999), hailed as a no-holds-barred AV processor that supports 4K UHD video, high-speed video switching, and Dolby Atmos and DTS-X object-based surround-sound processing. The 7.3.6-channel processor features 16 balanced channels—each with its own AKM Verita 32-bit DAC—an analog preamplifier section, Dirac Live automated room correction, DSD audio decoding, eight HDMI inputs, dual HDMI outputs, and support for HDMI 2.0b and HDCP 2.2.

Introduced in early 2016, the BasX value line will be expanded with its first five speakers, including the two-way BasX LCR ($149 each) and BasX Sat ($99 each) models, each featuring a 1-inch silk dome tweeter and 4-inch long-throw midbass driver in a ported enclosure that can be placed vertically or horizontally. The line will also include three new subwoofers: the Sub8, Sub10, and Sub12, featuring 8-, 10-, and 12-inch mineral-filled polypropylene drivers at $199, $299, and $399, respectively. The subwoofers are currently available.

The company will also demonstrate the new BasX MC-700 surround-sound processor ($599), which “best illustrates how audiophile-grade performance can be achieved at a bare bones price.” The processor shipped last week.

Emotiva is adding six models to the Airmotiv speaker series introduced at CES 2016: The three-way Airmotiv T2 tower ($449 each), featuring dual 8-inch woofers; the Airmotiv E2 ($199 each), a wall-mountable dipole/bipole featuring dual 1-inch folded-ribbon tweeters and a 5.25-inch woven-fiber woofer; the Airmotiv C2 ($399) center-channel speaker, featuring two 6.5-inch woven-fiber woofers, a 6-inch midrange driver, and two 1-inch folded-ribbon tweeters; and the S10 ($499), S12 ($699), and S15 ($899) subwoofers. Each sub mates a forward firing passive radiator with a 10-, 12-, or 15-inch down firing driver powered by a 350-, 500-, or 650-watt Class AB amplifier. All models feature black faceted baffles, critically-braced MDF cabinets, and grille covers that attach magnetically.

Described as the “ultimate blending of performance, aesthetics, and convenience,” the new Emersa lifestyle line will kick off with three models, slated to ship in late March: the EPA-1 stereo preamp/DAC ($599), EPI-1 stereo integrated amplifier ($799), and the EDA-2 2x150-watt power amplifier ($599). Highlights include a slim-chassis design with easy-to-read OLED displays, and the same “powerful yet easy to use operating system” developed for the company’s flagship XMC-1 processor.