In this review, we will be comparing Airmotiv C2+ and CS-9040, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Emotiva and Definitive Technology. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ and Definitive CS-9040 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ and Definitive CS-9040 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 C2+ and Definitive CS-9040 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Airmotiv C2+ is a 3-way design whereas the CS-9040 is a 2-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
| Driver |
Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ |
Definitive CS-9040 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
25×32 mm-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
2 x 3-inch |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
2 x 4.5-inch
|
Airmotiv C2+ features a 25×32 mm" folded ribbon Tweeter , a 3" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" woven fiber cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 350 Hz and 3200Hz. On the other hand, the CS-9040 features a 1" annealed aluminum dome Tweeter and 2 x 4.5" BDSS Woofer .
Frequency Response
Airmotiv C2+ has a frequency range of 45 Hz – 28 kHz whereas CS-9040 has a frequency range of 50-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the Airmotiv C2+ can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the CS-9040's min frequency of 50Hz.
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 Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel 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 C2+ is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the CS-9040 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 C2+ can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Airmotiv C2+ sensitivity is rated at 92 dB and the CS-9040's is rated at 89 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ a more sensitive speaker compared to Definitive CS-9040, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel 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 C2+ can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Airmotiv C2+ has a max power handling value of 150 watts RMS , 50 watts less than the CS-9040.
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 C2+ features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. CS-9040 has a 5-Way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Emotiva Airmotiv C2+'s Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ 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 C2+'s and Definitive CS-9040's external dimensions. Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ has external dimensions of 220.0 x 812.0 x 267.0mm ( 8-5/8 x 31-15/16 x 10-1/2inch) whereas Definitive CS-9040 has external dimensions of 153.0 x 529.0 x 305.0mm ( 6 x 20-13/16 x 12inch) .
Definitive CS-9040 is 283mm narrower and 67mm shorter than Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ but it is also 38mm deeper.
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 C2+ is approximately 2168.0cm2 / 336.0inch2 and base area of the Definitive CS-9040 is approximately 1613.5cm2 / 250.1inch2. The Airmotiv C2+ requires 34% more surface area than the CS-9040 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
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 C2+ weighs 16.40kg / 36.1lbs and the Definitive CS-9040 weighs 9.09kg / 20lbs. This makes the Airmotiv C2+ 80% heavier than the CS-9040.
Here is a comparison of how Airmotiv C2+ and CS-9040's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
What's in the Box of Definitive CS-9040?
Here are the items that come with the CS-9040:
Center-channel loudspeakerOwners ManualWhat Obsession Sounds Like card
 Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
 Sensitivity |
92 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
4.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
45 Hz
vs
50 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
549USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
150 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Passive Radiator |
upward firing one 8-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Height |
153mm
vs
220mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1613cm2 (529x305mm)
vs
2168cm2 (812x267mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ |
Definitive Technology CS-9040 |
| Brand |
Emotiva |
Definitive Technology |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
Up to 150 watts |
50-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
92 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
45 Hz – 28 kHz |
50-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
4.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
woven fiber cone |
BDSS |
| Tweeter Size |
25×32 mm" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
folded ribbon |
dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
3" |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
350 Hz and 3200Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
220.0mm (8.7") |
153.0mm (6") |
| Width |
812.0mm (32") |
529.0mm (20.8") |
| Depth |
267.0mm (10.5") |
305.0mm (12") |
| Weight |
16.40kg (36.1lbs) |
9.09kg (20lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass reflex |
Passive Radiator |
| Finish |
HDF |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |