Short answer: the Adam Audio S2V for better sound quality, the Emotiva Airmotiv 6s for the lower price. The Adam Audio S2V ranks #13 of 67 powered bookshelf speakers at $3500. The Emotiva Airmotiv 6s ranks #48 at $400, $3100 cheaper.
The case for the Adam Audio S2V: CEA2034 spinorama shows excellent driver blending through an imperceptible crossover between the 7” woofer and AMT tweeter, with distortion measured 70dB down at 1kHz. The tradeoff: An intentional shelving curve creates a dip in the low bass response, roughly 200-500Hz.
What the Emotiva Airmotiv 6s gets right: CEA2034 spinorama shows lots of bass energy below 300Hz and the ability to play louder than a JBL 305P MKII comparison unit. The catch: A suckout between 300-600Hz on the listening window is followed by a peak from 600Hz up.
Buy the Adam Audio S2V if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the Emotiva Airmotiv 6s if the price is the priority over sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Adam Audio S2V | Emotiva Airmotiv 6s | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3500 per pair | $800 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #13 of 67 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #48 of 67 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 85Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 72Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | not published by manufacturer | - |
| Frequency Response | 35Hz - 50kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 42Hz - 25kHz (+0/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | not published by manufacturer | 24.9 lbs / 11.3 kg each |
| Drivers | 7" woofer, S-ART AMT tweeter | 6.5" AirMotiv low-frequency transducer, 60x32mm AirMotiv tweeter |
| App | Yes | No |
| EQ | No | Yes (built-in presets) |
| DSP | Yes | No |
| Output Power | 350W total (300W woofer Class D, 50W tweeter Class A/B) | 210W total (100W tweeter, 110W woofer) |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 11, 2026 at 8:40 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Adam Audio S2V: $3500 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: A 7.22 ideal-subwoofer score and relatively even listening-window response support a strong role as a subwoofer-assisted studio monitor. The review’s low-distortion findings add useful evidence beyond amplifier ratings, and onboard DSP permits tailored adjustment.
Cons: Measured -3dB extension is 52.7Hz, so the large cabinet does not automatically deliver the deepest bass here. The native balance rises toward the treble, with some lower-midrange unevenness. DSP can improve that balance, but an EQ-optimized result is not its unadjusted performance.
Full Adam Audio S2V review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 85Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | not published by manufacturer |
| Drivers | 7" woofer, S-ART AMT tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 35Hz - 50kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 350W total (300W woofer Class D, 50W tweeter Class A/B) |
| Weight | not published by manufacturer |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Emotiva Airmotiv 6s: $800 per pair Discontinued eBay
Pros: ASR measured 49.1Hz -3dB bass extension and a 5.75 ideal-subwoofer score. The review found useful output capability, making it a credible option for ordinary nearfield playback with additional bass support when needed.
Cons: The 3.0dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz includes lower-midrange unevenness that can change vocal weight. Treble peaks also prevent a fully neutral balance. Equalization may help, but the substantially higher EQ-optimized score is not its native performance. Discontinued.
Full Emotiva Airmotiv 6s review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 72Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 6.5" AirMotiv low-frequency transducer, 60x32mm AirMotiv tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (built-in presets) |
| Frequency Response | 42Hz - 25kHz (+0/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 210W total (100W tweeter, 110W woofer) |
| Weight | 24.9 lbs / 11.3 kg each |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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