Quoting:  bob archer on 05/16 at 09:46 AM

I have been told the company’s products are good, but I don’t recall seeing them exhibit at a show like CES, CEDIA or EHX.
End Quote

It may be for the same reason that I choose not to represent my company at trade shows:

They are expensive

You see 30 like vendors of sameness product all telling the same basic thing: We are the best

Emotiva/Outlaw have for better or worse staked their claim on the power of the internet and the communities it builds. If you as a consumer aren’t smart enough to get out there and research your options, you may need to buy from something you only knew about via a trade show.

Hi PMX13 like I said the products chosen in this were done so randomly.

I can appreciate the value of Emotiva and as a direct to consumer company it is essential for them to be responsive to consumer inquiries so that doesn’t surprise me.

I cannot say with any convection however that it stacks up to these companies that have years of experience in the design and engineering of a product.

I also would never discount the value of a dealer network. A good dealer can be overlooked with the ability to educate, demonstrate and service a client after the sale.

I have had an “entry level” Emotiva system for over two years.  For under $900, I replaced systems by Onkyo & Yamaha with an Emotiva 6x125 watts & a matching pre/pro that has been fantastic to hear.  While I appreciate the quality & reputation of the manufacturers on this list, to me, they are not esoteric so much as boutique (Where’s McKintosh???).  Emotiva & Outlaw are two up and coming companies that do not play the multi-tier distribution network mark-up game.  Both are prime players for enthusiasts looking for Mustang 5.0 or Camaro 6.0 performance without paying Mercedes AMG pricing.

For a DIY’er, Emotiva still focuses on customer service. If you send them an email, you will get a personal response from their customer service manager within 24 hours.  Their forum is also available to tap into their owner base.  (Sales questions are much faster.)  I didn’t want to ship my unit back for a (complementary) firmware upgrade, so they sent me the cable I needed and walked me through the process

Does anyone know how much it costs to participate at Cedia???

AT AUDIOHOLICS.COM:
“The [Emotiva] XPA-2 is not only the most powerful that has come across my test bench, but it represents the best value in consumer two-channel amplification that I’ve ever seen.”

Awards at Hometheaterhifi.com for Secrets of Home Theater & High Fidelity for 2008.

Hi Psmo, I wouldn’t say there’s anything esoteric about the brands in this story.

All of these brands have long histories of producing quality products, they cover a range of price points and they are all widely distributed within the electronics market.

I would say that Emotiva needs to do more outreach to consumers and dealers.

I am very leery of buying anything whether it’s an amp, a guitar or anything else site unseen.

How did you compare your Emotiva amp to others?

A trip to a dealer allows you to compare NAD to Bryston, Rotel to Classe, etc.

I make the same comparisons at trade events or visiting dealers.

Like I said too I am aware of the brand and it does come recommended as a value proposition, but keep in mind that these brands are no more Esoteric than Emotiva.

Maybe you should stay away from the esoteric side of the events and branch out a little. http://emotiva.com/news.shtm
while at their web site maybe you could read some of the reviews, you know, to brush up. Just a thought.