Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 is a 2-way Passive Bass reflex Bookshelf speaker by Emotiva. It features a 25×32 mm" folded ribbon Tweeter and 1 x 6" woven fiber cone Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 55 Hz – 27 kHz and a sensitivity of 86 dB. Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 has an MSRP of 499$ per pair.
Room Size Suitability
The size of the room where you plan to use the Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 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-field | Poor |
| Small Room | Average |
| Mid-size Room | Good |
| Large Room | Average |
| Very Large Room | Poor |
(* 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 replaced the older Airmotiv B2+ with this model. Follow the link to read our detailed comparison of these models:
Compare Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 vs Emotiva Airmotiv B2+
Emotiva's Airmotiv X Series of Loudspeakers
Airmotiv XB2 is a member of Emotiva's Airmotiv X series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.
Emotiva Airmotiv X Series Speakers
Emotiva Airmotiv X Series Speakers
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Frequency Response of the Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 Speaker
Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 has a Frequency response range of 55 Hz – 27 kHz at ±3dB and Power Range of Up to 125 watts. With a minimum frequency of 55 Hz, Airmotiv XB2 delivers moderate bass depth so depending on your use case, you might want to consider adding a subwoofer to your system.
To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with Emotiva Airmotiv XB2, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $500. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how Airmotiv XB2'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
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Emotiva Airmotiv XB2's folded ribbon Tweeter
Crossover frequency of the Emotiva Airmotiv XB2?
The Crossover frequency of the Airmotiv XB2 is set to 2600Hz. 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 XB2's nominal impedance level is
4 ohms and has a sensitivity of
86 dB.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Nominal Impedance of the 4 Ohms means that the Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 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 XB2 with an AVR but use an Integrated Amplifier instead.
Sensitivity
With a sensitivity level of only 86 dB, Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 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 XB2:
Input Type
Airmotiv XB2 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 XB2 Back View
Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 External Dimensions and Weight
Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 12.8” x 8.5” x 11.5” (325 x 216 x 292 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 XB2 is approximately 630.7cm2 / 97.8inch2.
To get a better perspective on the real life size of Emotiva Airmotiv XB2, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).
Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc
Here we place the Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 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 XB2 Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable
WeightThe Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 weighs 8.16kg / 18lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Airmotiv XB2's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $500
Cabinet type and Materials
Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 has a
Bass reflex type cabinet.
Port Position
Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 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 XB2 is available in Black.
Wall Mounting
Airmotiv XB2 doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.
Does the Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 come with a Grille?
Airmotiv XB2 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 XB2 is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.
Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 with Grille
Recommended Accessories
Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Emotiva Airmotiv XB2.
- Speaker Cable and Connectors
- 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 XB2, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for Emotiva Airmotiv XB2
Official Product Page
Official manufacturer's product page for the Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for Emotiva Airmotiv XB2
Warranty
5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.