Airmotiv E1 (surround) vs B1 (bookshelf)

[copperpipe]

I'm interested in these 2 speakers. My intent would be to use either pair as "fronts" in a music system, playing strictly music (with a sub in use for either pair).

The E1's are front ported, which is attractive since I could then put them up against the wall. The B1's are a tiny bit bigger woofer, but are rear ported so placement might be more of an issue. Given I'd be using a sub up to 80 hz, not sure the bigger woofer is an advantage.

Has anybody used the E1's as a "music speaker", and how do they sound? Are they relatively neutral? Are they harsh/boomy/flabby etc etc? Or are they designed strictly for surround duty?

Is this a bad idea?

[drtrey3]

I am not sure you would get down to 80 with those. I am guessing you would roll off at around 100 or 120. Also, against a wall, imaging would really be compromised. I have used the B1s in my big room, mostly to just enjoy that tweeter, and they imaged like champs when out in the room with space. Against the wall speakers sure look good and take up less space, but I have not been willing to accept the compromises in sound quality. Other perspectives will surely follow.

Trey

[copperpipe]

They'd be about 6 inches from the back wall, and at least a foot from the left wall/back corner. Emotiva specs say 65 hz +- 3db. Assuming that's a litlte optimistic, that should still get me to 80hz, no?

I'm not terribly worried about imaging. As long as they are neutral in sound, and not tubby/flabby. I'm not looking for pin point imaging/sound stage, they just have to "sound pretty good" with no odd sound issues that show up simply because they are too cheap or designed for surround duty.

[copperpipe]

bump; Nobody here owns a pair that could shed some light on sound quality?