In this review, we will be comparing Airmotiv B2+ and Diamond 220, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Emotiva and Wharfedale. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ and Wharfedale 220 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ and Wharfedale 220 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 Wharfedale 220 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 B2+ and Diamond 220 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ |
Wharfedale 220 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
25×32 mm-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.25-inch
|
1 x 5-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 Diamond 220 features a 1" Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Woven Kevlar Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2200Hz.
Frequency Response
Airmotiv B2+ has a frequency range of 40-28k Hz whereas Diamond 220 has a frequency range of 56-20k 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 Diamond 220's min frequency of 56Hz.
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 Diamond 220 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.
On the other hand, they have the same sensitivity of 86 dBdB.
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 Diamond 220 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 25 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
Both Airmotiv B2+ and Diamond 220 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
Emotiva Airmotiv B2+'s Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Wharfedale 220's Post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Airmotiv B2+ has a rear firing port whereas Diamond 220 has a bottom firing ports. Wharfedale 220's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ with its rear-firing port.
Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ 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 B2+'s and Wharfedale 220'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 Wharfedale 220 has external dimensions of 315.0 x 174.0 x 255.0mm ( 12.4 x 6.8 x 10.0inch) .
Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 42mm wider, 9mm taller and 38mm deeper than Wharfedale 220.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ and Wharfedale 220 in scale.
Comparison image of Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ and Wharfedale 220 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 B2+ is approximately 632.9cm2 / 98.1inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale 220 is approximately 443.7cm2 / 68.8inch2. The Airmotiv B2+ requires 43% more surface area than the Diamond 220 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:
Size Comparison image of Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ and Wharfedale 220 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 B2+ weighs 7.10kg / 15.6lbs and the Wharfedale 220 weighs 5.32kg / 11.7lbs. This makes the Airmotiv B2+ 33% heavier than the Diamond 220.
Here is a comparison of how Airmotiv B2+ and Diamond 220's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Wharfedale 220?
Here are the items that come with the Diamond 220:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles (pre-installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet User's Manual Installation Guide
 Max Input Power |
125 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Woofer Size |
6.25 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
40 Hz
vs
56 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Height |
315mm
vs
324mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
443cm2 (174x255mm)
vs
632cm2 (216x293mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
249USD
vs
499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ |
Wharfedale Diamond 220 |
| Brand |
Emotiva |
Wharfedale |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
Up to 125 watts |
25-100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86 dB |
86 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
n/a |
4.1 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
40-28k Hz |
56-20k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.25" |
5" |
| Woofer Composition |
woven fiber cone |
Woven Kevlar |
| Woofer Surround Material |
SBR |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
25×32 mm" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
folded ribbon |
Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2000Hz |
2200Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
324.0mm (12.8") |
315.0mm (12.4") |
| Width |
216.0mm (8.5") |
174.0mm (6.9") |
| Depth |
293.0mm (11.5") |
255.0mm (10") |
| Weight |
7.10kg (15.6lbs) |
5.32kg (11.7lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
HDF |
MDF/Wood veneer |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Black, White, Walnut |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
24" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
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