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Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ Review
Emotiva Airmotiv B2+

Main Features

  • 25×32 mm" folded ribbon Tweeter
  • 6.25" woven fiber cone Woofer
  • 40-28k Hz Frequency Response
  • 86 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 4ohms
  • Power Range: Up to 125watts
  • Weight:15.60 lbs / 7.10 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 12-3/4"x8-1/2"x11-1/2" / 324.0 x 216.0 x 293.0mm

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Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ Review
Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ Emotiva Airmotiv B2+
See at AMAZON

Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ is a 2-way Passive Bass reflex Bookshelf speaker by Emotiva. It features a 25×32 mm" folded ribbon Tweeter and 1 x 6.25" woven fiber cone Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 40-28k Hz and a sensitivity of 86 dB. Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ has an MSRP of 499$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldAverage
Small RoomGood
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomPoor
Very Large RoomBad

(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2. Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)

Emotiva later replaced Airmotiv B2+ with Airmotiv XB2. Follow the link to read our in-depth comparison of these speakers:
Compare Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ vs Emotiva Airmotiv XB2

Emotiva's Airmotiv Series of Loudspeakers

Airmotiv B2+ is a member of Emotiva's Airmotiv series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

Emotiva Airmotiv Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Emotiva Airmotiv B1+
Compare
48-28k Hz 86 dB8Ω 1 x 5.25"
Emotiva Airmotiv B2+
40-28k Hz 86 dB4Ω 1 x 6.25"
Emotiva Airmotiv T3+
Compare
29-28k Hz 91 dB4Ω 3 x 8"
Emotiva Airmotiv C3+
Compare
40-28k Hz 92 dB4Ω 4 x 6.5"
Emotiva Airmotiv C1+
Compare
50-28k Hz 89 dB4Ω 2 x 5.25"
Emotiva Airmotiv T-Zero+
Compare
48-28k Hz 87 dB4Ω 2 x 5.25"
Emotiva Airmotiv C2+
Compare
45-28k Hz 92 dB4Ω 2 x 6.5"
Emotiva Airmotiv T1+
Compare
37-28k Hz 88 dB4Ω 2 x 6"
Emotiva Airmotiv T2+
Compare
35-28k Hz 91 dB4Ω 2 x 8"


**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.

Frequency Response of the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ Speaker

Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ has a Frequency response range of 40-28k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of Up to 125 watts. With a minimum frequency of 40 Hz, Airmotiv B2+ delivers deep bass that will likely satisfy most listeners, especially those who enjoy music. However, movie enthusiasts and music fans who prefer a full range of sound may still benefit from adding a subwoofer.

To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with Emotiva Airmotiv B2+, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $599. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how Airmotiv B2+'s Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Emotiva Airmotiv B2+
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Emotiva Airmotiv B2+
Min
Average
Max
Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ Woofer
Emotiva Airmotiv B2+'s woven fiber cone Woofer


Crossover frequency of the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+?

The Crossover frequency of the Airmotiv B2+ is set to 2000Hz. This is the threshold frequency where the higher frequency signals over this level are sent to the tweeter and the lower-frequency signals are sent to the woofer by the crossover component.

Impedance and Sensitivity

Emotiva Airmotiv B2+'s nominal impedance level is 4 ohms and has a sensitivity of 86 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Emotiva Airmotiv B2+
Min
Average
Max

Nominal Impedance of the 4 Ohms means that the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ is a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective, make sure that you choose an amplifier than can provide 4 Ohms for this speaker.
Many AVRs (audio/video receiver) in the market may have difficulty when the speakers dip below the 4 Ohms levels (this may cause clipping or even physical damage), so we recommend to not pair the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ with an AVR but use an Integrated Amplifier instead.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 86 dB, Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with a high output if you like listening to your music at high volume levels. You may especially have a hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D amps.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+:

  • Integrated Amps under 300 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 500 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 750 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

Airmotiv B2+ has Binding post type connectors and lets bi-amping/bi-wiring. Bi-wiring can enhance the overall transparency of your loudspeakers by using separate speaker wires for the low and high-frequency drivers from a single amplifier. Bi-amping, on the other hand, involves using separate amplifiers for the high and low-frequency drivers, potentially resulting in a greater dynamic range and reduced distortion.

Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ Back View
Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ Back View

Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ External Dimensions and Weight

Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 12-3/4-inch x 8-1/2-inch x 11-1/2-inch (324.0 x 216.0 x 293.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ is approximately 632.9cm2 / 98.1inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of Emotiva Airmotiv B2+, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ Real Life Body Size Comparison
Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet to get a better idea about the size.

Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ placed next to an amplifier and turntable
Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable

Weight

The Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ weighs 7.10kg / 15.6lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Airmotiv B2+'s weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Emotiva Airmotiv B2+
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $599
Emotiva Airmotiv B2+
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ has a Bass reflex type cabinet and a HDF finish.

Speaker Feet

Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ comes with shock absorbing rubber bottom pad which you can use to secure your loudspeaker on the surface that you are putting on.

It is always recommended to use some kind of feet under all types of speakers. Besides limiting the movement of the speakers, it also compensates for non-flat surfaces and limits the contact surface area of the speaker. Rubber based feet also help isolating the vibrations within certain frequency ranges.

Port Position

Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ is a rear-firing port speaker so you have to make sure you leave enough space between the back of the speaker and wall or bookshelf so that it has room to breathe.

Emotiva Airmotiv B2+  Port
Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ Port

Available colors

Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ is available in Black.

Wall Mounting

Airmotiv B2+ doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.

Does the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ come with a Grille?

Airmotiv B2+ comes with magnetic grilles in black color choices. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible. Since the included grille of the Airmotiv B2+ is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

Emotiva Airmotiv B2+  with Grille
Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ with Grille

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+.

  • Speaker Cable and Connectors
    • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
    • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
    • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators more affordable options too.
  • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.
  • Speaker Stands: Stands bring your bookshelf speakers to ideal height (rule of thumb is to have the tweeter level with your ear in your listening position), helps stability and acoustical isolation.

User's Manual

For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for Emotiva Airmotiv B2+

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for Emotiva Airmotiv B2+

Warranty

5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Emotiva Airmotiv B1+
Compare
2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 48 Hz – 28 kHz
Emotiva Airmotiv T-Zero+
Compare
2-way 87 dB 4 ohms 48-28 kHz
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
Compare
2-way 87 dB 6 ohms 44-35k Hz
Emotiva Airmotiv T1+
Compare
3-way 88 dB 4 ohms 37 Hz – 28 kHz
SVS Prime Bookshelf
Compare
2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 48-25k Hz
Klipsch RP-600M II
Compare
2-way 94.5 dB 8 ohms 44-25k Hz
KEF Q150
Compare
2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 51-28k Hz
ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52
Compare
3-way 85 dB 6 ohms 46-35k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Emotiva Airmotiv B2+
What is the External Dimensions of Emotiva Airmotiv B2+
What is the Speaker Sensitivity of Emotiva Airmotiv B2+
is the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ an easy to drive speaker?

Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ Detailed Specifications

General
BrandEmotiva
Full Model NameEmotiva Airmotiv B2+
Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
Power RangeUp to 125 watts
Sensitivity86 dB
Impedance4 ohms
Frequency Response40-28k Hz
DRIVERS
Woofer Size6.25-inch
Woofer Compositionwoven fiber cone
Woofer SurroundSBR
Tweeter Size25×32 mm-inch
Tweeter Typefolded ribbon
Crossover freq2000Hz
Port Positionrear

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeBinding post
Biamp InputsYes
Port Positionrear
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height324.0mm ( 12-3/4-inch)
Width216.0mm ( 8-1/2-inch)
Depth293.0mm ( 11-1/2-inch)
Height324.0mm ( 12-3/4-inch)
Weight7.10kg ( 15.60 lbs)
EnclosureBass reflex
FinishHDF
Available ColorsBlack
Mounting BracketNo
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
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