Short answer: the Neumi BS5, if you are buying new. The Emotiva B1+ ranks higher than it (#17 vs #22 of 88 bookshelf speakers, 4.1/5 vs 3.8/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Neumi BS5 is still sold new at $139.99.
Why pick the Emotiva B1+: Emotiva B1+ uses 5.25” woven fiber cone with SBR surround woofer, 25x32 mm Airmotiv folded ribbon tweeter in a conventional wired-speaker design. The catch: It needs an external amplifier and thoughtful placement.
Why pick the Neumi BS5: Exceptional budget value: Erin measured approximately +/-1.5dB on-axis linearity through most of the mid/treble, 84dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity and a manageable 4.6-ohm minimum. The tradeoff: Erin measured F3 at 64Hz, so kick-drum punch should not be mistaken for deep-bass extension.
Buy the Neumi BS5 new; the Emotiva B1+ is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Emotiva B1+ | Neumi BS5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $250 per pair Discontinued | $139.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #17 of 88 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #22 of 88 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 41.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 64Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 10.8”H x 7.1”W x 8.3”D (274 x 181 x 210 mm) | 10.6”H x 7.2”W x 8.5”D (269.2 x 182.9 x 215.9 mm) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 4.6 ohms minimum; approximately 6 ohms nominal (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 84dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 5.25” woven fiber cone with SBR surround woofer, 25x32 mm Airmotiv folded ribbon tweeter | 1” silk-dome tweeter; 5” fiberglass woofer |
| Weight | 8.8 lbs (4.0 kg) each | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, front |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.34 (spinorama.org) | 3.60 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.86 (spinorama.org) | 6.12 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 30, 2026 at 2:57 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 B1+: $250 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Emotiva Airmotiv XB2, rated 4.2/5.
Pros: Emotiva B1+ uses 5.25” woven fiber cone with SBR surround woofer, 25x32 mm Airmotiv folded ribbon tweeter in a conventional wired-speaker design. Its form factor and driver layout make it a sensible match for a properly chosen amplifier and room. Measured bass extension of 70Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.
Cons: It needs an external amplifier and thoughtful placement. Speaker performance will depend heavily on the partnering electronics and room acoustics. Discontinued.
Full Emotiva B1+ review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 10.8”H x 7.1”W x 8.3”D (274 x 181 x 210 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25” woven fiber cone with SBR surround woofer, 25x32 mm Airmotiv folded ribbon tweeter |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.34 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.86 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 8.8 lbs (4.0 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Neumi BS5: $139.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Exceptional budget value: Erin measured approximately +/-1.5dB on-axis linearity through most of the mid/treble, 84dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity and a manageable 4.6-ohm minimum. The 5-inch fiberglass woofer and 1-inch silk dome provide good horizontal directivity for the price; a mild upper-bass rise adds punch, and ordinary modern AVRs can generally drive the mostly six-ohm load at sensible levels. Measured bass extension of 64Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 84dB.
Cons: Erin measured F3 at 64Hz, so kick-drum punch should not be mistaken for deep-bass extension. Output around 90dB began to reveal distortion and compression, limiting farfield/high-volume use. A narrow dip near 800Hz, port/cabinet resonances and imperfect crossover directivity remain visible; the tweeter itself is approximately four ohms even though the system is sold as nominal six ohms. A subwoofer is strongly preferred.
Full Neumi BS5 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 10.6”H x 7.2”W x 8.5”D (269.2 x 182.9 x 215.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” silk-dome tweeter; 5” fiberglass woofer |
| Impedance | 4.6 ohms minimum; approximately 6 ohms nominal (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 84dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.60 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.12 |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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