In this review, we will be comparing Airmotiv B1+ and RP-500M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Emotiva and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ and Klipsch RP-500M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ and Klipsch RP-500M 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 Klipsch RP-500M 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 RP-500M are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ |
Klipsch RP-500M |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
25×32 mm-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 5.25-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 RP-500M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500Hz.
Frequency Response
Airmotiv B1+ has a frequency range of 48 Hz – 28 kHz whereas RP-500M has a frequency range of 48-25k Hz.
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 RP-500M 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 RP-500M's is at 93 dB. This 7 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-500M 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 75 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Airmotiv B1+ has a max power handling value of 70 watts RMS , 5 watts less than the RP-500M.
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
Both Airmotiv B1+ and RP-500M have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
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 Klipsch RP-500M'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 Klipsch RP-500M has external dimensions of 343.0 x 173.0 x 241.0mm ( 13.5 x 6.8 x 9.4inch) .
Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ is 69mm shorter and 31mm less deeper than Klipsch RP-500M but it is also 8mm wider.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ and Klipsch RP-500M in scale.
Comparison image of Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ and Klipsch RP-500M 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 Klipsch RP-500M is approximately 416.9cm2 / 64.6inch2. The Airmotiv B1+ requires 9% less surface area than the RP-500M 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 Klipsch RP-500M 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 Klipsch RP-500M weighs 5.40kg / 11.9lbs. This makes the RP-500M 35% heavier than the Airmotiv B1+.
Here is a comparison of how Airmotiv B1+ and RP-500M's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-500M?
Here are the items that come with the RP-500M:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles (installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet User Manual Important Safety Instructions Warranty Information
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
274mm
vs
343mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
380cm2 (181x210mm)
vs
416cm2 (173x241mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
299USD
vs
579USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
75 watts
vs
70 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
93 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
| General |
Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M |
| Brand |
Emotiva |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
Up to 70 watts |
up to 75 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86 dB |
93 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
48 Hz – 28 kHz |
48-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
woven fiber cone |
Cerametallic |
| Woofer Surround Material |
SBR |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
25×32 mm" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
folded ribbon |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2000Hz |
1500Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
274.0mm (10.8") |
343.0mm (13.5") |
| Width |
181.0mm (7.1") |
173.0mm (6.8") |
| Depth |
210.0mm (8.3") |
241.0mm (9.5") |
| Weight |
4.00kg (8.8lbs) |
5.40kg (11.9lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
HDF |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Ebony, Walnut, Piano Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
|
Keyhole |
| Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
28-30" |
| 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 |