EMP EW30 Conclusion
The EW30s sound their best when mated with a good subwoofer and bass
managed to 80Hz. They simply cannot
deliver, nor should they be expected to, the bass impact of todays movies or
multi channel music mixes without the supplement of a subwoofer. Placing the tweeter as close to ear level as
possible will result in the most accurate tonal balance possible for the
speakers. They are moderately efficient
and a relatively easy load for even a modestly powered $400 A/V receiver to
drive, but don’t be afaid to pump some quality power into them as they can
certainly take it.
The EW30s sounded as good as they looked. I didn’t walk away disappointed or floored by their performance either. They simply did the job they were designed too, quite well I might add, and perhaps were among the best on-wall type speakers I have heard. Their ability to portray a wide soundstage with plenty of detail in the top end and never sounding bright was a definite plus as I have heard far too many speakers in this genre with unacceptable coloration in the mids and highs.
So before you shell out big money to an installer to setup an all inceiling speaker system (which I call a fancy intercom system) for your theater room, consider one of the new on-wall speaker systems from EMP. They look great, blend in well with today’s flat panel displays and deliver the sonic goods allowing a discerning listener with a mindful eye on aesthetics to have their proverbial cake and eat it too.
EMP Loudspeakers
http://www.emptek.com
382 Marshall Way
Layton, Utah 84041
801-991-1308
phone
801-543-3300 fax
The Score Card
The scoring below is based on each piece of equipment doing the duty it is designed for. The numbers are weighed heavily with respect to the individual cost of each unit, thus giving a rating roughly equal to:
Performance × Price Factor/Value = Rating
Audioholics.com note: The ratings indicated below are based on subjective listening and objective testing of the product in question. The rating scale is based on performance/value ratio. If you notice better performing products in future reviews that have lower numbers in certain areas, be aware that the value factor is most likely the culprit. Other Audioholics reviewers may rate products solely based on performance, and each reviewer has his/her own system for ratings.
Audioholics Rating Scale




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— Very Good


— Good

— Fair
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| Bass Extension | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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TOADSKI;371993
I have to say listing to audio at various levels in all stereo mode there isn't any real difference in sound quality.If you are comparing the 35" EMP to the 30" EMP, I will agree whole heartedly, but as for comparing the EMP to the RBH (if that's what you had meant), they are not comparable at all.
If you have heard EMP's beside WM's from RBH, you'd have to be alll but completely tone deaf to not hear the massive, IMMENSE difference in sound etween teh two. They are nto even remotely similar osunding in ANy way at all.
I have both right behind my in my soundroom, the 24" RBH dances circles around the 35" EMP in every aspect of sound reproduction.
To be fair they are also not even comparable in price though, with a pair of EMP's now being sold for less than the cost of one RBH on wall. The EMP's are nice for a budget priced, entry level on-wall that has a fantastic mouting kit and supplied bubble level. They are a great value for money considering some of the junk available in retail outlets today, but they are not even in the same league as RBH, EMP is the little sister to RBH, designed for affordable, online sales.
gsendek;415251
I was looking for in wall speakers they are all CRAP
No they are not all crap at all, perhaps the ones you found in local retailer's were but in-walls can be as good as freestanding models when properly built.
http://rbhsound.com/mc884.shtml [rbhsound.com]
http://www.rbhsound.com/si6000r.shtml [rbhsound.com]
Mind you, you do need quite the budget for Signature Reference Series but the MC series is more than affordale and backed with a 25 YEAR warranty, top that with a floorstanding model.
jnmfox;327338
These appear to be very similar to the RBH WM-24. The WMs have four 4" aluminum drivers and the EW have two 5.25" carbon fiber drivers. I know they are both built by RBH and two different people did the reviews but what other differences are there between the two? Specifically would one be recommended over the other and why or why not?
Thanks
The EMP's are a decent, entry/mid level product, in fact I think the best part is the installation level they include that NOBODY else does. It makes them a breeze to mount in just a couple of minutes.
As for sound, there really is no comparisson at all, between RBH and the EMP onwalls, especially when it comes to price.
The EMP's sound great when balanced with a decent sub, like even the small MS8.1 from RBH. But as far as actual tonal difference, the RBH offer much better lower midrange and are much more spacious.
Mind you, when you compare price, with EMP blowing out the whole W line at ridiculously low prices, they areoffering a fantastic value fo rmoney.
EMP is putting out a nice product with an installation package that isn't even included with top end on-wall products.
gsendek;415251
so are the emp 30's as good or better than the axiom audio w3's. As my search for wall speakers goes on, I have been looking for 2 years, and before i hack big holes in my walls that have new dry wall on them i have to make sure. I was looking for in wall speakers they are all CRAP, so i want on wall, if any one can help, thank you geo
I recently bought some RBH WM-30 (they make emp). During the break in I just left them unmounted until I was sure I liked them enough to start drilling holes.
The manual says 8 holes per speaker, so not too big of a mess.
http://www.emptek.com/EW_Manual.pdf [emptek.com]
gene;327509
The RBM WM24's are likely a better speaker overall, though they are considerably more expensive ($999/pair vs $640/pair for the EMP EW30s which will be available at our e-store soon). The RBH's are more efficient, making them an easier load for a receiver to drive at high SPL levels and also likely have better tonal balance in the midrange. But, both speakers do quite well for what they are so its really a matter of taste, aesthetics and budget.
so are the emp 30's as good or better than the axiom audio w3's. As my search for wall speakers goes on, I have been looking for 2 years, and before i hack big holes in my walls that have new dry wall on them i have to make sure. I was looking for in wall speakers they are all CRAP, so i want on wall, if any one can help, thank you geo

