Short answer: the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+. It ranks #104 of 131 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.0/5, at $449. The Klipsch RP-600M ranks #108, rated 2.9/5, at $377.99, $71.01 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
What the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ does well: Erin measured a useful 86dB average sensitivity and strong midbass punch around 120Hz. Watch for: The replacement B2+ did not deliver the neutral upgrade Erin expected.
The case for the Klipsch RP-600M: More linear horizontal dispersion than the updated RP-600M II: as you move side-to-side, the tonal character changes less, a genuine advantage for off-axis listening consistency. The catch: A strong, annoying resonance in the lower vocal range around 300Hz stands out clearly (though it can be EQ’d out).
One note: the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ is no longer in production and isn’t widely stocked new anymore.
Buy the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $71.01 with the Klipsch RP-600M does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ | Klipsch RP-600M | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.00 per pair Discontinued | $377.99 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #104 of 131 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #108 of 131 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 66Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 73Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 85.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 6.5” woven-fiber woofer, 32 x 25mm folded-ribbon tweeter | 6.5” Cerametallic cone woofer, 1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) | 8 ohms nominal, 3.5 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.60 | 3.66 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.96 | 5.61 |
| Dimensions | 12.8”H x 8.5”W x 11.5”D (324 x 216 x 293 mm) | 15.7”H x 8”W x 11.9”D (398.8 x 203.2 x 302.3 mm) |
| Weight | 15.7 lbs (7.1 kg) each | 16.1 lbs (7.3 kg) each |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ compares with other leading options:
- AsciLab C6B vs Emotiva Airmotiv B2+
- KEF R3 Meta vs Emotiva Airmotiv B2+
- KEF Q Concerto Meta vs Emotiva Airmotiv B2+
- KEF R3 vs Emotiva Airmotiv B2+
- MoFi SourcePoint 8 vs Emotiva Airmotiv B2+
Prices on this page were last checked September 29, 2026 at 3:43 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
Emotiva Airmotiv B2+: $449.00 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
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ vs Sonus Faber Sonetto II G2
- Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ vs KEF Q350
- Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ vs JBL XPL-90
- Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ vs Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator
- Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ vs Polk R200
- Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ vs Wharfedale Diamond 9.1
- Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ vs Triangle Borea BR03
- Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ vs Revel Performa M22
- See all 27 comparisons
Klipsch RP-600M: $377.99 per pair Discontinued Amazon eBay
Newer model: the Klipsch RP-600M II, ranked higher, rated 3.7/5.
Pros: More linear horizontal dispersion than the updated RP-600M II: as you move side-to-side, the tonal character changes less, a genuine advantage for off-axis listening consistency. Takes exceptionally well to EQ correction (miniDSP or similar), letting a knowledgeable owner fix its tonal shortcomings without needing to upgrade. Standard 6.5” woofer/horn-tweeter two-way design with reasonably gradual bass rolloff (F3 ~70Hz, F10 ~40Hz) rather than a steep vented-enclosure cutoff. Measured bass extension of 73Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85.2dB.
Cons: A strong, annoying resonance in the lower vocal range around 300Hz stands out clearly (though it can be EQ’d out). Overall tonal balance is notably less neutral than the newer RP-600M II, with a roughly 3-4dB suckout in the estimated in-room response. The waveguide doesn’t extend flush to the baffle edge, increasing diffraction compared to the redesigned version. Klipsch’s marketed sensitivity spec (about 96dB) is a half-space, in-room-style rating roughly 9dB above the true anechoic figure (closer to 85-86dB), which can mislead buyers comparing spec sheets. Elevated treble on-axis, similar to its successor, benefits from toe-out or careful placement. Vertical listening tolerance is limited to about ±10° from the tweeter axis. Still needs a subwoofer for real bass weight; a boost around 120Hz gives kick drums their “tambour” without the underlying “meat.”. Discontinued.
Full Klipsch RP-600M review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 73Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 15.7”H x 8”W x 11.9”D (398.8 x 203.2 x 302.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5” Cerametallic cone woofer, 1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, 3.5 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 85.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.66 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.61 |
| Weight | 16.1 lbs (7.3 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: The Truth about Klipsch’s “NEW” Sound. RP-600M Update. More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website Klipsch RP-600M
- GR-Research: We Bought The "NEW" RP-600M II Is KLIPSCH Listening?! More from GR-Research →
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Klipsch RP-600M vs Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator
- Klipsch RP-600M vs Wharfedale Diamond 9.1
- Klipsch RP-600M vs Triangle Borea BR03
- Klipsch RP-600M vs KEF Q350
- Klipsch RP-600M vs B&W 805S
- Klipsch RP-600M vs Sonus Faber Sonetto II G2
- Klipsch RP-600M vs Aperion Audio Verus V8B
- Klipsch RP-600M vs JBL XPL-90
- See all 30 comparisons