Short answer: the AsciLab C6B. It ranks #6 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.7/5) at $1,145 and is still sold new; the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ ranks #185 (rated 3.0/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Emotiva Airmotiv B2+’s replacement, the Emotiva Airmotiv XB2, is rated 4.2/5 at $549.
The AsciLab C6B is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. Bookshelf speakers with very accurate sound and an unusually wide, stable soundstage, for any seating position. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.33 against 5.60 for the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+. Its bass reaches about 54Hz before falling 3dB, against 66Hz for the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+. Watch for: Bass rolls off around 50Hz in-room (F3 54Hz, F10 35Hz), so a subwoofer is needed for real extension below that.
Why pick the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+: A discontinued bookshelf speaker with a folded ribbon tweeter, punchy midbass and a 6.5 inch woofer with good output. The catch: The replacement B2+ did not deliver the neutral upgrade Erin expected.
Buy the AsciLab C6B. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ is discontinued.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Bookshelf speakers with very accurate sound and an unusually wide, stable soundstage, for any seating position.
A discontinued bookshelf speaker with a folded ribbon tweeter, punchy midbass and a 6.5 inch woofer with good output.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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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Specifications Side By Side
| AsciLab C6B | Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1145 per pair | $449 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #6 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #185 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 66Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 15.7”H x 8”W x 10.4”D (398.8 x 203.2 x 264.2 mm) | 12.8”H x 8.5”W x 11.5”D (324 x 216 x 293 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal, 2.6 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 85.6dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 86dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 6” Aluminium Ceramic Cone with cast Aluminium Chassis woofer, 1” Aluminium Ceramic Dome tweeter | 6.5” woven-fiber woofer, 32 x 25mm folded-ribbon tweeter |
| Weight | 18.5 lbs (8.4 kg) each | 15.7 lbs (7.1 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | passive radiator | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.33 | 5.60 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.28 | 7.96 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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