Short answer: the Dynaudio Heritage Special for better sound quality, the Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 for the lower price. The Dynaudio Heritage Special ranks #29 of 222 bookshelf speakers, rated 4.4/5, at $7,000. The Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 ranks #48, rated 4.2/5, at $549, $6,451 cheaper.
The Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 is the more accurate option. A great value bookshelf speaker with neutral sound, an AMT ribbon tweeter, and decent bass for its size. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.65 against 4.32 for the Dynaudio Heritage Special. Watch for: Slight recessed upper-midrange around 2kHz from the tweeter-to-woofer handoff.
The Dynaudio Heritage Special is the deeper-bass choice. A limited edition bookshelf speaker with huge output for its size, robust bass, and a big, well proportioned soundstage. Its bass reaches about 52Hz before falling 3dB, against 62Hz for the Emotiva Airmotiv XB2. Watch for: At lower listening volumes, dynamic range and kick-drum punch fell short of higher-sensitivity speakers the reviewer has tested (JBL 4367, KEF Reference 1 Meta): the sheer output ceiling is impressive, but it isn’t a highly dynamic-sounding speaker at modest levels.
Buy the Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Dynaudio Heritage Special if sound quality matters more than the price.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
A great value bookshelf speaker with neutral sound, an AMT ribbon tweeter, and decent bass for its size.
A limited edition bookshelf speaker with huge output for its size, robust bass, and a big, well proportioned soundstage.
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
| Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 | Dynaudio Heritage Special | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $549 per pair | $7,000 per pair |
| Ranked | #48 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #29 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 62Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 12.8” x 8.5” x 11.5” (325 x 216 x 292 mm) | 15.2”H x 8.2”W x 12.6”D (385 x 208 x 320 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (safe with 8-ohm rated amps) | 5.1 ohms minimum, ported mode (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, Manufacturer specified) | 85dB (measured at 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1x 6” woven cone woofer, 1x 25x32mm AMT folded ribbon tweeter | 18cm MSP cone woofer, 28mm Esotar 3 dome tweeter |
| Weight | 18.1 lbs (8.2 kg) | 24.3 lbs (11 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | Bass reflex, rear ported | - |
| Frequency Response | 48Hz - 27kHz (+3/-3dB, Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.6kHz | - |
| Power Handling | 125W continuous, 200W peak | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.65 | 4.32 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.93 | 6.33 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Country | - | Denmark |
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