In this review, we will be comparing Airmotiv B1+ and Debut 2.0 B6.2, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Emotiva and ELAC. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ and ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ and ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 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 ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 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 Debut 2.0 B6.2 are 2-way speakers. 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 Debut 2.0 B6.2 features a 1" Cloth Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Woven Aramid-Fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2200Hz.
Frequency Response
Airmotiv B1+ has a frequency range of 48 Hz – 28 kHz whereas Debut 2.0 B6.2 has a frequency range of 44-35k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 48Hz, the Airmotiv B1+ can go slightly deeper then the Debut 2.0 B6.2's min frequency of 44Hz.
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+ is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the Debut 2.0 B6.2 which has a nominal impedance of 6 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Airmotiv B1+ sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the Debut 2.0 B6.2's is rated at 87 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 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 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Airmotiv B1+ has a max power handling value of 70 watts RMS , 50 watts less than the Debut 2.0 B6.2.
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 Debut 2.0 B6.2 has a front firing ports. ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2'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.
Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ 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 ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2'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 ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 has external dimensions of 375.0 x 195.0 x 268.0mm ( 14.7 x 7.6 x 10.5inch) .
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 14mm wider, 101mm taller and 58mm deeper than Emotiva Airmotiv B1+.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ and ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 in scale.
Comparison image of Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ and ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 Size and External Dimensions
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 ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 is approximately 522.6cm2 / 81.0inch2. The Airmotiv B1+ requires 27% less surface area than the Debut 2.0 B6.2 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:
Size Comparison image of Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ and ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 on a Media Console
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 ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 weighs 7.40kg / 16.3lbs. This makes the Debut 2.0 B6.2 85% heavier than the Airmotiv B1+.
Here is a comparison of how Airmotiv B1+ and Debut 2.0 B6.2's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2?
Here are the items that come with the Debut 2.0 B6.2:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 GrillesOperating Instructions
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Height |
274mm
vs
375mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
380cm2 (181x210mm)
vs
522cm2 (195x268mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
299USD
vs
400USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
120 watts
vs
70 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
87 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 |
44 Hz
vs
48 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
| General |
Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ |
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 |
| Brand |
Emotiva |
ELAC |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
Up to 70 watts |
up to 120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86 dB |
87 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
6 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
48 Hz – 28 kHz |
44-35k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
woven fiber cone |
Woven Aramid-Fiber |
| 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 |
2200Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
274.0mm (10.8") |
375.0mm (14.8") |
| Width |
181.0mm (7.1") |
195.0mm (7.7") |
| Depth |
210.0mm (8.3") |
268.0mm (10.6") |
| Weight |
4.00kg (8.8lbs) |
7.40kg (16.3lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass reflex |
Ported |
| Finish |
HDF |
MDF/Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
|
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
24-28" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
n/a |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
3 Years |