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  1. Home
  2. Emotiva Speakers
  3. Passive Surround Speakers
  4. Emotiva Airmotiv XA2
Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 Review
Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 25×32 mm" folded ribbon Tweeter
  • 5.25" woven fiber cone Woofer
  • 75 Hz – 27 kHz Frequency Response
  • 86 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 4ohms
  • Power Range: Up to 80 watts
  • Weight: 22.00 lbs / 10.00 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 12.5"x7.15"x8.5" / 317 x 182 x 216 mm
MSRP: $499 (list price)
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Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 Review
Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 Emotiva Airmotiv XA2
Check price atAmazon›

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

Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 is a 2-way Passive Bass reflex Surround speaker by Emotiva. It was released in February 2024. It features a 25×32 mm" folded ribbon Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" woven fiber cone Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 75 Hz – 27 kHz and a sensitivity of 86 dB. Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 has an MSRP of 499$.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 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-fieldGood
Small RoomGood
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomPoor
Very Large RoomNo way

(* 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's Airmotiv X Series of Loudspeakers

Airmotiv XA2 is a member of Emotiva's Airmotiv X series of Passive speakers. The Airmotiv X range are Emotiva's affordable passive bookshelf and tower speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

See all 9 Emotiva Airmotiv X models compared »

Emotiva Airmotiv X Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Emotiva Airmotiv XB2
Compare
55-27k Hz 86 dB4Ω 1 x 6"
Emotiva Airmotiv XT3
Compare
30-27k Hz 91 dB4Ω 3 x 8"
Emotiva Airmotiv XT1
Compare
45-27k Hz 89 dB4Ω 3 x 5.25"
Emotiva Airmotiv XT2
Compare
40-27k Hz 90 dB4Ω 3 x 6"
Emotiva Airmotiv XC3
Compare
45-27k Hz 90 dB4Ω 4 x 6"
Emotiva Airmotiv XC2
Compare
40-27k Hz 89 dB4Ω 2 x 6"
Emotiva Airmotiv XC1
Compare
50-27k Hz 88 dB4Ω 2 x 5.25"
Emotiva Airmotiv XA2
79-27k Hz 86 dB4Ω 1 x 5.25"
Emotiva Airmotiv XB1
Compare
65-27k Hz 82 dB4Ω 1 x 4"
Emotiva Airmotiv X Series Speakers
Emotiva Airmotiv X Series Speakers

Frequency Response of the Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 Speaker

Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 has a Frequency response range of 75 Hz – 27 kHz and Power Range of Up to 80 watts. With a minimum frequency of 79 Hz, it is hard to expect a strong bass response from Airmotiv XA2 so depending on your use case, using a subwoofer will significantly help to widen the response range.

Here we have a comparison of how Airmotiv XA2's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Surround Speakers
Emotiva Airmotiv XA2
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the Emotiva Airmotiv XA2?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 79 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $500 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 Tweeter
Emotiva Airmotiv XA2's folded ribbon Tweeter

Crossover frequency of the Emotiva Airmotiv XA2?

The crossover frequency of the Airmotiv XA2 is set to 3200Hz. 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 XA2 driver frequency bands79-3.2kWoofer 5.25"3.2k-27kTweeter20501002005001k2k5k10k20k40kHz, log scale

Impedance and Sensitivity

Emotiva Airmotiv XA2's nominal impedance level is 4 ohms and has a sensitivity of 86 dB.

Sensitivity
Surround Speakers
Emotiva Airmotiv XA2
Min
Average
Median

Nominal Impedance of the 4 Ohms means that the Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 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 XA2 with an AVR but use an Integrated Amplifier instead.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 86 dB, Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 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 XA2 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 XA2 need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 38–80 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 XA2 features Binding post type connectors.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 Back View
Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 Back View

Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 External Dimensions and Weight

Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 12.5” x 7.15” x 8.5” (317 x 182 x 216 mm ).

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 XA2 is approximately 393.1cm2 / 60.9inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of Emotiva Airmotiv XA2, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 Real Life Body Size Comparison
Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

Weight

The Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 weighs 10.00kg / 22lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Airmotiv XA2's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Surround Speakers
Emotiva Airmotiv XA2
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Surround Speakers under $500
Emotiva Airmotiv XA2
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 has a Bass reflex type cabinet.

Port Position

Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 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.

Available colors

Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 is available in Black.

Does the Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 come with a Grille?

Airmotiv XA2 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 XA2 is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

Emotiva Airmotiv XA2  with Grille
Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 with Grille

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Emotiva Airmotiv XA2.

  • 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.

User's Manual

For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Emotiva Airmotiv XA2, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for Emotiva Airmotiv XA2

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for Emotiva Airmotiv XA2

Warranty

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

Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 Alternatives in Passive Surround Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Emotiva Airmotiv XB2
Compare
2-way 86 dB 4 ohms 55 Hz – 27 kHz
Emotiva Airmotiv XT3
Compare
3-way 91 dB 4 ohms 30 Hz – 27 kHz
Emotiva Airmotiv XT1
Compare
3-way 89 dB 4 ohms 45 Hz – 27 kHz
Emotiva Airmotiv XT2
Compare
3-way 90 dB 4 ohms 40 Hz – 27 kHz
Emotiva Airmotiv XC2
Compare
3-way 89 dB 4 ohms 40 Hz – 27 kHz
Emotiva Airmotiv XC1
Compare
3-way 88 dB 4 ohms 50 Hz – 27 kHz
Emotiva Airmotiv XC3
Compare
3-way 90 dB 4 ohms 45 Hz – 27 kHz
SVS Prime Satellite
Compare
2-way 85 dB 8 ohms 69-25k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Emotiva Airmotiv XA2

What amplifier do you need for the Emotiva Airmotiv XA2?

Emotiva rates the Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 for Up to 80 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 XA2 easy to drive?

The Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 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 XA2 need a subwoofer?

The Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 reaches down to 79Hz (full range 75 Hz – 27 kHz). That leaves the lowest octaves out, so a subwoofer will make a clear difference for films and bass-heavy music.

What drivers does the Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 use?

The Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 is a 2-way design using a 25×32 mm" folded ribbon tweeter and a 5.25" woven fiber cone woofer.

Is the Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 sealed or ported?

The Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 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 XA2 be wall mounted?

Yes. The Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 includes a wall-mount bracket.

Does the Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 come with grilles?

Yes. The Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 comes with removable grilles (black).

How big and heavy is the Emotiva Airmotiv XA2?

The Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 weighs 10.00kg / 22lbs each and measures 12.5” x 7.15” x 8.5” (HxWxD).

How much does the Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 cost?

The Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $499 per pair.


Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandEmotiva
Full Model NameEmotiva Airmotiv XA2
Speaker Type2-way Surround
Power RangeUp to 80 watts
Sensitivity86 dB
Impedance4 ohms
Frequency Response75 Hz – 27 kHz
Release DateFebruary 2024
DRIVERS
Woofer Size5.25-inch
Woofer Compositionwoven fiber cone
Woofer SurroundSBR
Tweeter Size25×32 mm-inch
Tweeter Typefolded ribbon
Crossover freq3200Hz
Port Positionrear

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeBinding post
Port Positionrear
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height317.0mm ( 12.5-inch)
Width182.0mm ( 7.15-inch)
Depth216.0mm ( 8.5-inch)
Height317.0mm ( 12.5-inch)
Weight10 kg (22 lbs)
EnclosureBass reflex
Available ColorsBlack
Mounting BracketYes
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
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