In this review, we will be comparing Airmotiv B1+ and SX-60, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Emotiva and Cambridge Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ and Cambridge SX-60 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ and Cambridge SX-60 speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ and Cambridge SX-60 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both Airmotiv B1+ and SX-60 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ |
Cambridge SX-60 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
25×32 mm-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Airmotiv B1+ features a 25×32 mm" folded ribbon Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" woven fiber cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2000Hz. On the other hand, the SX-60 features a 1" Silk Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Treated paper Woofer .
Frequency Response
Airmotiv B1+ has a frequency range of 48 Hz – 28 kHz whereas SX-60 has a frequency range of 41-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 41Hz, the SX-60 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Airmotiv B1+'s min frequency of 48Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Airmotiv B1+ and SX-60 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Airmotiv B1+ sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the SX-60's is at 89 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Cambridge SX-60 a more sensitive speaker compared to Emotiva Airmotiv B1+, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
Airmotiv B1+ can handle a max power of 100 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Airmotiv B1+ has a max power handling value of 70 watts RMS , 30 watts less than the SX-60.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Airmotiv B1+ has a rear firing port whereas SX-60 has a front firing ports. Cambridge SX-60's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ with its rear-firing port.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Emotiva Airmotiv B1+'s and Cambridge SX-60's external dimensions. Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ has external dimensions of 274.0 x 181.0 x 210.0mm ( 10-3/4 x 7-1/8 x 8-1/4inch) whereas Cambridge SX-60 has external dimensions of 342.0 x 202.0 x 277.0mm ( 13-7/16 x 7-15/16 x 10-7/8inch) .
Cambridge SX-60 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 21mm wider, 68mm taller and 67mm deeper than Emotiva Airmotiv B1+.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ and Cambridge SX-60 in scale.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ is approximately 380.1cm2 / 58.9inch2 and base area of the Cambridge SX-60 is approximately 559.5cm2 / 86.7inch2. The Airmotiv B1+ requires 32% less surface area than the SX-60 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is an another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ weighs 4.00kg / 8.8lbs and the Cambridge SX-60 weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs. This makes the SX-60 25% heavier than the Airmotiv B1+.
Here is a comparison of how Airmotiv B1+ and SX-60's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Cambridge SX-60?
Here are the items that come with the SX-60:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 8 Self-adhesive feet 2 Foam port inserts Installation Guide
High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
22k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Height |
274mm
vs
342mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
380cm2 (181x210mm)
vs
559cm2 (202x277mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Max Input Power |
100 watts
vs
70 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Sensitivity |
89 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
41 Hz
vs
48 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
General |
Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ |
Cambridge Audio SX-60 |
Brand |
Emotiva |
Cambridge Audio |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
Up to 70 watts |
20-100 watts |
Sensitivity |
86 dB |
89 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
48 Hz – 28 kHz |
41-22k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
5.25" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
woven fiber cone |
Treated paper |
Woofer Surround Material |
SBR |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
25×32 mm" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
folded ribbon |
Soft-Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
2000Hz |
n/a |
Firing Direction |
rear |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
274.0mm (10.8") |
342.0mm (13.5") |
Width |
181.0mm (7.1") |
202.0mm (8") |
Depth |
210.0mm (8.3") |
277.0mm (10.9") |
Weight |
4.00kg (8.8lbs) |
5.00kg (11lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
HDF |
MDF/Vinyl |
Available Colors |
Black |
Black |
Mounting Bracket |
|
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
24-26" |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
n/a |
No |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |