In this review, we will be comparing Airmotiv C2+ and Elysian C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Emotiva and Wharfedale. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ and Wharfedale Elysian C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ and Wharfedale Elysian C 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 Wharfedale Elysian C 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 C2+ and Elysian C are 3-way speakers.
Driver |
Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ |
Wharfedale Elysian C |
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
Tweeter
|
25×32 mm-inch
|
27 x 45mm-inch
|
Midrange
|
2 x 3-inch |
1 x 6-inch |
Woofer
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
2 x 8.5-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 Elysian C features a 27 x 45mm" Air Motion Transformer (AMT) Tweeter , a 6" Midrange and 2 x 8.5" coated fiberglass matrix Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 360Hz and 2900HZ.
Frequency Response
Airmotiv C2+ has a frequency range of 45 Hz – 28 kHz whereas Elysian C has a frequency range of 35-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 35Hz, the Elysian C can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Airmotiv C2+'s min frequency of 45Hz.
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 Elysian C which has a nominal impedance of 6 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 Elysian C's is rated at 91 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale Elysian C, 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 250 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Airmotiv C2+ has a max power handling value of 150 watts RMS , 100 watts less than the Elysian C.
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 C2+ and Elysian C features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Airmotiv C2+ and Elysian C 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 C2+'s and Wharfedale Elysian C'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 Wharfedale Elysian C has external dimensions of 321.0 x 831.0 x 370.0mm ( 12-5/8 x 32-11/16 x 14-9/16inch) .
Wharfedale Elysian C is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 19mm wider, 101mm taller and 103mm deeper than Emotiva Airmotiv C2+.
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 Wharfedale Elysian C is approximately 3074.7cm2 / 476.6inch2. The Airmotiv C2+ requires 29% less surface area than the Elysian C which gives it a small advantage 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 Wharfedale Elysian C weighs 30.23kg / 66.5lbs. This makes the Elysian C 84% heavier than the Airmotiv C2+.
Here is a comparison of how Airmotiv C2+ and Elysian C'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 Wharfedale Elysian C?
Here are the items that come with the Elysian C:
Center channel loudspeakerGrille2 Terminal-jumpersUser Manual
Sensitivity |
92 dB
vs
91 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
22k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Height |
220mm
vs
321mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
2168cm2 (812x267mm)
vs
3074cm2 (831x370mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
4995USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Max Input Power |
250 watts
vs
150 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Nominal Impedance |
6 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
Woofer Size |
8.5 inches
vs
6.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
35 Hz
vs
45 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Passive Radiator |
Foamed Rubber
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
General |
Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ |
Wharfedale Elysian C |
Brand |
Emotiva |
Wharfedale |
Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
Power Range |
Up to 150 watts |
50-250 watts |
Sensitivity |
92 dB |
91 dB |
Impedance |
4 ohms |
6 ohms |
Impedance |
n/a |
3.5 ohms |
Frequency Response |
45 Hz – 28 kHz |
35-22k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
Woofer Size |
6.5" |
8.5" |
Woofer Composition |
woven fiber cone |
coated fiberglass matrix |
Tweeter Size |
25×32 mm" |
27 x 45mm" |
Tweeter Type |
folded ribbon |
Air Motion Transformer (AMT) |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
3" |
6" |
Crossover Frequency |
350 Hz and 3200Hz |
360Hz and 2900HZ |
Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
220.0mm (8.7") |
321.0mm (12.6") |
Width |
812.0mm (32") |
831.0mm (32.7") |
Depth |
267.0mm (10.5") |
370.0mm (14.6") |
Weight |
16.40kg (36.1lbs) |
30.23kg (66.5lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
HDF |
MDF/Lacquer |
Available Colors |
Black |
Piano Black, Piano Walnut,White |
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 |