Short answer: the Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ for better sound quality, the Definitive Technology BP-9020 for the lower price. The Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ ranks #22 of 56 floorstanding speakers at $999. The Definitive Technology BP-9020 ranks #31 at $500, $499 cheaper.
On the Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ side: High-value three-way tower with strong output and unusually deep usable sealed-room bass for the price. Set against that: The nominal 4-ohm system approaches 3 ohms near 100Hz in Erin’s measurement, so a high-current amplifier is preferable.
What the Definitive Technology BP-9020 gets right: Integrated powered 8” side-firing subwoofer with a 150-watt Class D amplifier provides exceptional sub-bass extension down to an F3 of 35Hz and F10 of 29Hz without requiring a standalone subwoofer enclosure. The catch: Significant high-frequency boost creates notable treble brightness and noticeable sibilance on vocal s-sounds.
Buy the Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Definitive Technology BP-9020 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ | Definitive Technology BP-9020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $999/pair | $500.00 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #22 of 56 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #31 of 56 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 62Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 35Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 32Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 29Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 89.5dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 87.7dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | Approximately 3 ohms minimum near 100Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms nominal |
| Drivers | 32mm folded-ribbon tweeter; 5.25" midrange; dual 8" woofers | 1 in. annealed aluminum dome tweeter, two 3.5 in. BDSS midrange (front), one 3.5 in. BDSS midrange (rear), 8 in. powered subwoofer |
| Dimensions | 42.7"H x 12.2"W x 12.3"D | 35.3"H x 11"W x 13"D (895.4 x 279.4 x 330.2 mm) |
| Weight | 56.9 lb each | 30 lbs / 13.6 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, slot |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Emotiva Airmotiv T2+: $999/pair Emotiva
Pros: High-value three-way tower with strong output and unusually deep usable sealed-room bass for the price. Erin measured F3 at 62Hz and F10 at 32Hz, with sensitivity just under 90dB/2.83V/1m. Dual 8-inch woven-fiber woofers relieve the 5.25-inch midrange, and the 32mm folded-ribbon tweeter provides broad horizontal coverage. Approximately +/-2.5dB response linearity, solid cabinet bracing and low compression allow substantial playback levels; the gradual low-frequency roll-off integrates well with either room gain or a subwoofer.
Cons: The nominal 4-ohm system approaches 3 ohms near 100Hz in Erin’s measurement, so a high-current amplifier is preferable. Horizontal and especially vertical directivity through the midrange/tweeter transition is less uniform than the best waveguided or coaxial designs; listener height and nearby reflections matter, and EQ cannot correct the narrowing mismatch. The large rear-ported cabinet needs placement clearance, and its deep F10 should not be confused with flat 30Hz output at cinema levels.
Full Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 32Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 62Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 42.7"H x 12.2"W x 12.3"D |
| Drivers | 32mm folded-ribbon tweeter; 5.25" midrange; dual 8" woofers |
| Impedance | Approximately 3 ohms minimum near 100Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 89.5dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 56.9 lb each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ vs JBL HDI-3600
- Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ vs Polk Audio Reserve R700
- Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ vs Q Acoustics 5040
- Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ vs KEF R11 Meta
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- Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ vs Revel F206
- See all 14 comparisons
Definitive Technology BP-9020: $500.00 Discontinued
Pros: Integrated powered 8” side-firing subwoofer with a 150-watt Class D amplifier provides exceptional sub-bass extension down to an F3 of 35Hz and F10 of 29Hz without requiring a standalone subwoofer enclosure. Forward-Focused Bipolar Array technology (dual 3.5” front midrange drivers + 1” annealed aluminum dome tweeter, plus a 3.5” rear-firing midrange driver) creates a remarkably wide, spacious soundstage with broad room envelopment. On-axis frequency response stays smooth and relatively neutral when listened to directly aligned with the tweeter. Measured average sensitivity of 87.7dB SPL (2.83V/1m) allows comfortable drive from standard multi-channel receivers.
Cons: Significant high-frequency boost creates notable treble brightness and noticeable sibilance on vocal s-sounds. Bipolar rear driver radiation creates a diffuse soundstage that compromises razor-sharp imaging focus and pinpoint instrument placement. DSP-based internal limiter aggressively compresses output below 80Hz at higher listening levels, causing lower mid-bass and sub-bass impact to diminish as volume increases. Midrange clarity shows slight ‘cuppiness’ and upper-frequency directivity irregularities due to front/rear driver interaction. Discontinued.
Full Definitive Technology BP-9020 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 29Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 35Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 35.3"H x 11"W x 13"D (895.4 x 279.4 x 330.2 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1 in. annealed aluminum dome tweeter, two 3.5 in. BDSS midrange (front), one 3.5 in. BDSS midrange (rear), 8 in. powered subwoofer |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 87.7dB (measured average, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 30 lbs / 13.6 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, slot |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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