In this review, we will be comparing Airmotiv XB2 and Aria Evo X No1, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Emotiva and Focal. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 and Focal Aria Evo X No1 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 and Focal Aria Evo X No1 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 XB2 and Focal Aria Evo X No1 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 XB2 and Aria Evo X No1 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 |
Focal Aria Evo X No1 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
25×32 mm-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Airmotiv XB2 features a 25×32 mm" folded ribbon Tweeter and 1 x 6" woven fiber cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2600Hz. On the other hand, the Aria Evo X No1 features a 1" Al/Mg inverted dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Flax Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2800 Hz.
Frequency Response
Airmotiv XB2 has a frequency range of 55 Hz – 27 kHz whereas Aria Evo X No1 has a frequency range of 55-30kHz.
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 XB2 is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the Aria Evo X No1 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 XB2 can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Airmotiv XB2 sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the Aria Evo X No1's is rated at 89.5 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the Focal Aria Evo X No1 a more sensitive speaker compared to Emotiva Airmotiv XB2, 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 XB2 can handle a max power of 125 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Aria Evo X No1 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS, 5 watts less than the Airmotiv XB2.
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 XB2 and Aria Evo X No1 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
Emotiva Airmotiv XB2's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Airmotiv XB2 has a rear firing port whereas Aria Evo X No1 has a front firing ports. Focal Aria Evo X No1's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 with its rear-firing 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 XB2's and Focal Aria Evo X No1's external dimensions. Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 has external dimensions of 325 x 216 x 292 mm ( 12.8” x 8.5” x 11.5”) whereas Focal Aria Evo X No1 has external dimensions of 39 x 22.5 x 28 cm ( 15-3/8 x 8-⅞ x 11) .
Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 is 9mm narrower and 66mm shorter than Focal Aria Evo X No1 but it is also 12mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 and Focal Aria Evo X No1 in scale.
Comparison image of Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 and Focal Aria Evo X No1 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 XB2 is approximately 630.7cm2 / 97.8inch2 and base area of the Focal Aria Evo X No1 is approximately 630.0cm2 / 97.7inch2. The Airmotiv XB2 requires 0% more surface area than the Aria Evo X No1 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 XB2 weighs 8.16kg / 18lbs and the Focal Aria Evo X No1 weighs 8.50kg / 18.7lbs. This makes the Aria Evo X No1 4% heavier than the Airmotiv XB2.
Here is a comparison of how Airmotiv XB2 and Aria Evo X No1's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
 Max Input Power |
125 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Height |
325mm
vs
391mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
2398USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 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 |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
6 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 High Frequency Response |
30k Hz
vs
27k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
 Base Surface Area |
630cm2 (225x280mm)
vs
630cm2 (216x292mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 |
Focal Aria Evo X No1 |
| Brand |
Emotiva |
Focal |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
Up to 125 watts |
25-120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86 dB |
89.5 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
n/a |
4.6 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
55 Hz – 27 kHz |
55-30kHz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
woven fiber cone |
Flax |
| Woofer Surround Material |
SBR |
TMD |
| Tweeter Size |
25×32 mm" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
folded ribbon |
inverted dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2600Hz |
2800 Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
325.0mm (12.8") |
391.0mm (15.4") |
| Width |
216.0mm (8.5") |
225.0mm (8.9") |
| Depth |
292.0mm (11.5") |
280.0mm (11") |
| Weight |
8.16kg (18lbs) |
8.50kg (18.7lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Black High Gloss, Prime Walnut, Moss Green High Gloss |
| Mounting Bracket |
|
No |
| 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 |