In this review, we will be comparing Airmotiv B2+ and R-41M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Emotiva and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ and Klipsch R-41M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ and Klipsch R-41M 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 B2+ and Klipsch R-41M compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both Airmotiv B2+ and R-41M are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ |
Klipsch R-41M |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
25×32 mm-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 6.25-inch
|
1 x 4-inch
|
Airmotiv B2+ features a 25×32 mm" folded ribbon Tweeter and 1 x 6.25" woven fiber cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2000Hz. On the other hand, the R-41M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 4" Copper-spun IMG Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1730Hz.
Frequency Response
Airmotiv B2+ has a frequency range of 40-28k Hz whereas R-41M has a frequency range of 68-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 40Hz, the Airmotiv B2+ can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-41M's min frequency of 68Hz.
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 B2+ is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the R-41M which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Airmotiv B2+ can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Airmotiv B2+ sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the R-41M's is rated at 90 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-41M a more sensitive speaker compared to Emotiva Airmotiv B2+, 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 B2+ can handle a max power of 125 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-41M has a max power handling value of 50 watts RMS, 75 watts less than the Airmotiv B2+.
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.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Airmotiv B2+ features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. R-41M has a Single Gold Plated Binding Posts which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Airmotiv B2+ and R-41M 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.
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 B2+'s and Klipsch R-41M's external dimensions. Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ has external dimensions of 324.0 x 216.0 x 293.0mm ( 12-3/4-inch x 8-1/2-inch x 11-1/2-inch) whereas Klipsch R-41M has external dimensions of 287.0 x 146.0 x 200.0mm ( 11.2 x 5.7 x 7.8inch) .
Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 70mm wider, 37mm taller and 93mm deeper than Klipsch R-41M.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ and Klipsch R-41M 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 B2+ is approximately 632.9cm2 / 98.1inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-41M is approximately 292.0cm2 / 45.3inch2. The Airmotiv B2+ requires 117% more surface area than the R-41M which gives it a small disadvantage 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 B2+ weighs 7.10kg / 15.6lbs and the Klipsch R-41M weighs 3.20kg / 7lbs. This makes the Airmotiv B2+ 122% heavier than the R-41M.
Here is a comparison of how Airmotiv B2+ and R-41M'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 R-41M?
Here are the items that come with the R-41M:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles (installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Quick Setup Guide Important Safety Instructions Warranty Information
Max Input Power |
125 watts
vs
50 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Woofer Size |
6.25 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
40 Hz
vs
68 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
Height |
287mm
vs
324mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
292cm2 (146x200mm)
vs
632cm2 (216x293mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
229USD
vs
499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ |
Klipsch Reference R-41M |
Brand |
Emotiva |
Klipsch |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
Up to 125 watts |
50 watts |
Sensitivity |
86 dB |
90 dB |
Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
40-28k Hz |
68-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
6.25" |
4" |
Woofer Composition |
woven fiber cone |
Copper-spun IMG |
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 |
1730Hz |
Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
324.0mm (12.8") |
287.0mm (11.3") |
Width |
216.0mm (8.5") |
146.0mm (5.7") |
Depth |
293.0mm (11.5") |
200.0mm (7.9") |
Weight |
7.10kg (15.6lbs) |
3.20kg (7lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
HDF |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
Available Colors |
Black |
Black |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
Keyhole |
Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
26-31" |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
No |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |