Short answer: the Edifier R2850DB for better sound quality, the Emotiva Airmotiv 6s for the lower price. The Edifier R2850DB ranks #32 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers at $424.99. The Emotiva Airmotiv 6s ranks #39 at $400, $24.99 cheaper.
On the Edifier R2850DB side: 3 way speaker. Set against that: Quite large and heavy.
The case for the Emotiva Airmotiv 6s: CEA2034 spinorama shows lots of bass energy below 300Hz and the ability to play louder than a JBL 305P MKII comparison unit. The tradeoff: A suckout between 300-600Hz on the listening window is followed by a peak from 600Hz up.
Buy the Edifier R2850DB 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
| Edifier R2850DB | Emotiva Airmotiv 6s | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $424.99 | $400 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #32 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #39 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 18.1"H x 10.1"W x 12.4"D (459.7 x 256.5 x 315 mm) | - |
| Frequency Response | 42Hz-20KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 42Hz - 25kHz (+0/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | - |
| Weight | 50.7 lbs / 23 kg | 24.9 lbs / 11.3 kg each |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) woofer | 6.5" AirMotiv low-frequency transducer, 60x32mm AirMotiv tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | No | Yes (built-in presets) |
| DSP | No | No |
| Output Power | 75w RMS Per Speaker | 210W total (100W tweeter, 110W woofer) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 72Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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- Edifier R2850DB vs JBL 306P MKII
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The Two Speakers In Full
Edifier R2850DB: $424.99 Amazon
Pros: 3 way speaker. Deeper bass and more of a fun listen compared to the neutral sound of the HS8. Shockingly close to the HS8 at half the price.
Cons: Quite large and heavy
Full Edifier R2850DB review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 18.1"H x 10.1"W x 12.4"D (459.7 x 256.5 x 315 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 42Hz-20KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Output Power | 75w RMS Per Speaker |
| Weight | 50.7 lbs / 23 kg |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Edifier R2850DB vs Focal Twin6 Be
- Edifier R2850DB vs JBL 306P MKII
- Edifier R2850DB vs Kali Audio LP-6
- Edifier R2850DB vs Klipsch The Nines
- Edifier R2850DB vs Genelec 8341A
- Edifier R2850DB vs Adam Audio S2V
- Edifier R2850DB vs Adam Audio T7V
- Edifier R2850DB vs Klipsch The Sevens
- See all 19 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 Adam Audio S2V
- Emotiva Airmotiv 6s vs Genelec 8341A
- Emotiva Airmotiv 6s vs JBL 306P MKII
- Emotiva Airmotiv 6s vs Focal Twin6 Be
- Emotiva Airmotiv 6s vs Kali Audio LP-6
- Emotiva Airmotiv 6s vs Klipsch The Nines
- Emotiva Airmotiv 6s vs Adam Audio T7V