SpeakerDecision
  • SPEAKERS
    • By Type
      Passive Bookshelf Speakers Passive Floor-standing Speakers Passive Center Channel Speakers Passive In-wall Speakers All Passive Speakers Powered Subwoofers Powered Stereo Speakers
      By Feature
      HDMI Input Room Correction Subwoofer Output Front Firing Port Handheld Remote Roon Ready
      By Brand
      Acoustic Energy Aperion ATC Audio-Technica Audioengine Bluesound Bowers Wilkins Buchardt Cambridge Audio Canton DALI Definitive Technology Dynaudio ELAC Emotiva Fluance Focal Fyne Audio Genelec GoldenEar Harbeth Jamo JBL Kanto KEF KLH Klipsch Leak Mackie Magnepan MartinLogan McIntosh Mission MoFi Monitor Audio Nuvo Onkyo OSD Paradigm Perlisten Polk Audio PS Audio PSB Q Acoustics REL Revel Russound Sennheiser Sonos Sonus faber Sony Spendor SVS Tannoy Technics Triangle Velodyne Victrola Wharfedale Wilson Audio Yamaha
  • AMPLIFIERS
    • By Type
      All Amplifiers Integrated Amplifiers Stereo Receivers Streaming Amplifiers Power Amplifiers Compact Amplifiers
      By Power
      Up to 60 watts 61 to 90 watts 91 to 120 watts 121 to 180 watts Over 180 watts
      By Feature
      HDMI Input Room Correction Subwoofer Output Handheld Remote Roon Ready
      Home Theater
      All Home Theater Receivers Anthem ARCAM Denon Integra JBL Marantz McIntosh NAD Onkyo Sony Yamaha
      Headphone Amps
      All Headphone Amplifiers Cambridge Audio iFi Audio McIntosh Naim Pro-Ject Rotel Schiit Audio Sennheiser Yamaha
      Multi-Zone
      All Multi-Zone Amplifiers JBL McIntosh OSD Rotel Russound Sonos
      By Brand
      Accuphase Advance Paris Anthem Arcam Audio Research AudioControl Audioengine Audiolab Bluesound Bose Buchardt Cambridge Audio Cayin Denon Devialet ELAC Emotiva Eversolo FiiO Fosi Audio Hegel HiFi Rose Integra JBL Layer Audio Design LEAK Luxman Marantz Mark Levinson McIntosh Michi MISSION MOON Musical Fidelity NAD Naim Onkyo OSD Parasound Pass Labs Peachtree PrimaLuna Primare PS Audio Rega Rogue Audio Roksan Rotel Schiit Audio Sonos Sony SVS T+A TEAC Technics Vincent WiiM Yamaha
  • SMART FIND
  • TOOLS
  • BLOG
  1. Home
  2. Emotiva Speakers
  3. Passive Bookshelf Speakers
  4. Emotiva Airmotiv B2+
Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ Review
Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ - Front View

Compare To

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 125 watts
  • 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
MSRP: $499 (list price)
x
Add a Speaker for comparison
Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ Review
Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ Emotiva Airmotiv B2+
Check price atAmazon›

Made by Emotiva · United States · since 2003 · factory-direct only

Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ is a 2-way Passive Bass reflex Bookshelf speaker by Emotiva. It was released in 2020. 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. The Airmotiv range are Emotiva's powered studio-style speakers, known for high value and folded-ribbon tweeters. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

See all 9 Emotiva Airmotiv models compared »

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"
Emotiva Airmotiv Series Speakers
Emotiva Airmotiv Series Speakers

Frequency Response of the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ Speaker

Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ has a Frequency response range of 40-28k Hz 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.

Here we have a comparison of how Airmotiv B2+'s Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Emotiva Airmotiv B2+
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 40 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $500 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget
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.

Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ driver frequency bands40-2kWoofer 6.25"2k-28kTweeter20501002005001k2k5k10k20k40kHz, log scale

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
Median

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. Work out how loud the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ plays in your room →

Running more than one pair from a single amplifier? Check the load it would present →

What amplifier does the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 38–125 W per channel into 4 ohms. Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery - not just watts.

Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $500, or every amplifier we cover.

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.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

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

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →  ·  Work out where they should sit in the room →

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
Median
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $500
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 are our favorite isolators but you may find 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 XB2
Compare
2-way 86 dB 4 ohms 55 Hz – 27 kHz
Emotiva Airmotiv T-Zero+
Compare
2-way 87 dB 4 ohms 48-28 kHz
Emotiva Airmotiv T1+
Compare
3-way 88 dB 4 ohms 37 Hz – 28 kHz
Klipsch RP-600M II
Compare
2-way 94.5 dB 8 ohms 44-25k Hz
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
Compare
2-way 87 dB 6 ohms 44-35k Hz
SVS Prime Bookshelf
Compare
2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 48-25k Hz
KEF Q150
Compare
2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 51-28k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Emotiva Airmotiv B2+

What amplifier do you need for the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+?

Emotiva rates the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ for Up to 125 watts of amplifier power. It is a 4-ohm speaker, a demanding load that wants an amplifier rated to drive 4 ohms - many budget receivers are not.

Is the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ easy to drive?

The Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ has a sensitivity of 86 dB. That is on the low side, so it needs more amplifier power than average to reach the same volume.

Does the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ need a subwoofer?

The Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ reaches down to 40Hz (full range 40-28k Hz). That is deep enough that many listeners will not feel the need for a subwoofer with music.

What drivers does the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ use?

The Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ is a 2-way design using a 25×32 mm" folded ribbon tweeter and a 6.25" woven fiber cone woofer.

Is the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ sealed or ported?

The Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ uses a Ported enclosure. A ported design uses a tuned vent to get more low-end output from the same driver, but it wants some breathing room behind it.

Can the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ be bi-wired or bi-amped?

Yes. The Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ has two sets of terminals, so it can be bi-wired or bi-amped: bi-wiring runs separate cable to the treble and bass sections, bi-amping gives each its own amplifier channel. It uses Binding post terminals.

Can the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ be wall mounted?

The Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ does not include a wall-mount bracket or keyhole, so it is designed to sit on a stand, shelf or the floor.

Does the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ come with grilles?

Yes. The Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ comes with removable grilles (black).

How big and heavy is the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+?

The Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ weighs 7.10kg / 15.6lbs each and measures 12-3/4-inch x 8-1/2-inch x 11-1/2-inch (HxWxD).

How much does the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ cost?

The Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $499 per pair.


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
Release Date2020
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)
Weight7.1 kg (15.6 lbs)
EnclosureBass reflex
FinishHDF
Available ColorsBlack
Mounting BracketNo
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
Was this review useful?
Tell us what is missing or wrong and we will fix it.
Thanks. Anything you would add?
Optional, and it goes straight to the person who maintains this page.
Thanks - noted.
LATEST BLOG POSTS

TAD's New Class D Amplifier Weighs 29 kg. Only One of the 72 We List Is Heavier.
The Marantz MCR 60n Has a CD Player, a Phono Stage and HDMI eARC. Nothing Else We List Has All Three.
Kanto Replaced the TUK With Two Speakers. Neither Has the Phono Stage.
A Triode Switch Used to Start at 3,495 Dollars. The Cayin Jazz 70 Is 1,399.
A 1,499 Dollar 300B Amplifier, and What Ten Watts Can Actually Drive
Triangle's Solstice Range Replaces the Esprit, and Every Cabinet Got Bigger


Latest Passive Bookshelf Speakers
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-5103M
Klipsch RP-5103M
2-way Bookshelf | 92 dB | 8 ohms
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-6103M
Klipsch RP-6103M
2-way Bookshelf | 94.5 dB | 8 ohms
Triangle Solstice 3
Triangle Solstice 3
2-way Bookshelf | 90 dB | 8 ohms
Wharfedale Denton 1S
Wharfedale Denton 1S
2-way Bookshelf | 88 dB | 8 ohms
Revel Performa4 M146
Revel Performa4 M146
2-way Bookshelf | 85.5 dB | 6 ohms
Revel Performa4 M145
Revel Performa4 M145
2-way Bookshelf | 85 dB | 6 ohms
DALI SONIK 3
DALI SONIK 3
2-way Bookshelf | 87 dB | 6 ohms
DALI SONIK 1
DALI SONIK 1
2-way Bookshelf | 86 dB | 6 ohms
Klipsch Heritage Rebellion
Klipsch Heritage Rebellion
2-way Bookshelf | 95 dB | 8 ohms
Monitor Audio Silver 50 8G
Monitor Audio Silver 50 8G
2-way Bookshelf | 86.5 dB | 8 ohms


This site contains affiliate links. We may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through one of them. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Copyright © 2026 by SpeakerDecision
About Privacy Contact US Camera Decision