Short answer: the KEF Q350 for directivity, the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ for sensitivity. The Q350’s Uni-Q coaxial gives a reasonably flat on-axis response with excellent directivity, though two resonances at 700Hz and 1.2kHz show up on-axis alongside an upper-bass boost. Erin measured the B2+ at a useful 86dB average sensitivity with strong midbass punch around 120Hz, but found the replacement did not deliver the neutral upgrade he expected.
Buy the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ or the KEF Q350, whichever you find used in better condition; both are discontinued. For a new speaker, start with the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ | KEF Q350 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449 per pair Discontinued | $699.00 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #107 of 134 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #109 of 134 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 38Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 66Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 86dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 6.5” woven-fiber woofer, 32 x 25mm folded-ribbon tweeter | 25mm tweeter + 165mm woofer |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) | 4 ohms |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.60 | 5.25 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.96 | 7.12 (spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 12.8”H x 8.5”W x 11.5”D (324 x 216 x 293 mm) | 14.1”H x 8.3”W x 12”D (358.0 x 210.0 x 306.0 mm) |
| Weight | 15.7 lbs (7.1 kg) each | 29.5 lbs (13.4 kg) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 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
Emotiva Airmotiv B2+: $449 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Emotiva Airmotiv XB2, ranked higher, rated 4.2/5.
Pros: Erin measured a useful 86dB average sensitivity and strong midbass punch around 120Hz. The folded-ribbon tweeter provides very broad upper-treble radiation, and the speaker can create a spacious presentation when positioned carefully. Response and directivity remain reasonably orderly below the roughly 2kHz crossover region. The 6.5-inch woofer offers more output capability than compact 5-inch competitors, while F3/F10 of 66/43Hz leave adequate overlap for a conventional 80Hz subwoofer crossover. Horizontal directivity data makes the broad baffle-step trend amenable to partial EQ below the crossover. Measured bass extension of 66Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86dB.
Cons: The replacement B2+ did not deliver the neutral upgrade Erin expected. A baffle-step loss around 500Hz depresses the lower midrange while the AMT’s much wider radiation above crossover injects excess room energy, yielding a bright, forward balance and false impression of cymbal detail. The directivity discontinuity near 2kHz cannot be completely equalized. Erin measured F3 at 66Hz and F10 at 43Hz, so meaningful kick-drum fundamentals and low bass still need a subwoofer. Vertical listening tolerance is roughly +/-10 degrees, with best results between the top of the woofer and tweeter axes. Broad lateral treble energy may require careful toe-out and sidewall absorption. Despite a large cabinet, it offers limited deep-bass advantage and was not Erin’s hoped-for successor to the more linear B1+. Discontinued.
Full Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 66Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 12.8”H x 8.5”W x 11.5”D (324 x 216 x 293 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5” woven-fiber woofer, 32 x 25mm folded-ribbon tweeter |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.60 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.96 |
| Weight | 15.7 lbs (7.1 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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KEF Q350: $699.00 per pair Discontinued Amazon eBay
Newer model: the KEF Q3 Meta, ranked higher, rated 3.4/5.
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a reasonably flat on-axis response with excellent directivity, aided by the coaxial Uni-Q driver. Vertical directivity is better than most non-coaxial two-way speakers, another benefit of the concentric design. Measured bass extension of 70Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86dB.
Cons: Two resonances at 700Hz and 1.2kHz show up on-axis, alongside an upper-bass boost. Predicted in-room response looks a bit boomy as a result. Distortion climbs substantially in the 100Hz-1kHz range at 96dB SPL/1m, with a distinct resonance-driven peak around 900Hz-1kHz at both test levels. Discontinued.
Full KEF Q350 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 14.1”H x 8.3”W x 12”D (358.0 x 210.0 x 306.0 mm) |
| Drivers | 25mm tweeter + 165mm woofer |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.25 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.12 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 29.5 lbs (13.4 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons