Short answer: the Adam Audio S2V for better sound quality, the Emotiva Airmotiv 6s for the lower price. The Adam Audio S2V ranks #37 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers at $3500. The Emotiva Airmotiv 6s ranks #39 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 matters more than the price. Buy the Emotiva Airmotiv 6s if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 40 powered bookshelf speakers instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Adam Audio S2V | Emotiva Airmotiv 6s | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3500 | $400 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #37 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #39 of 40 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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- JBL 4305P vs Klipsch The Sevens
- Focal Twin6 Be vs Klipsch The Sevens
- Buchardt A10 vs Klipsch The Sevens
- JBL 306P MKII vs Adam Audio S2V
- Edifier R2850DB vs Adam Audio S2V
The Two Speakers In Full
Adam Audio S2V: $3500 Bhphotovideo
Pros: 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 350W amplifier was the first the reviewer tested that didn’t run out of power on demand, delivering over 120dB SPL per pair.
Cons: An intentional shelving curve creates a dip in the low bass response, roughly 200-500Hz. The rotary-encoder control interface is non-intuitive, and the companion PC app requires serial-number registration with settings that only take effect after a manual “write” step that takes 5-10 seconds and produces audible ticks and pops. Expensive at $3,500 per pair.
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 |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Emotiva Airmotiv 6s: $400 Discontinued
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows lots of bass energy below 300Hz and the ability to play louder than a JBL 305P MKII comparison unit. Bi-amped design with 100W (tweeter) plus 110W (woofer) drives a 6.5” AirMotiv low-frequency transducer and AMT-style tweeter.
Cons: A suckout between 300-600Hz on the listening window is followed by a peak from 600Hz up. The built-in EQ options don’t fix this - one preset has the same dip plus a 3-7kHz peak. Vertical response droops at the 2.5kHz crossover. The reviewer’s verdict: there’s no reason to buy a speaker with a suckout in the upper bass if you have a choice. 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 |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Emotiva Airmotiv 6s vs Klipsch The Sevens
- Emotiva Airmotiv 6s vs Genelec 8341A
- Emotiva Airmotiv 6s vs JBL 306P MKII
- Emotiva Airmotiv 6s vs Focal Twin6 Be
- Emotiva Airmotiv 6s vs Edifier R2850DB
- Emotiva Airmotiv 6s vs Kali Audio LP-6
- Emotiva Airmotiv 6s vs Klipsch The Nines
- Emotiva Airmotiv 6s vs Adam Audio T7V