Short answer: the Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 for better sound quality, the Neumi BS5 for the lower price. The Emotiva B1+ ranks higher than the Neumi BS5 (#23 vs #38 of 179 bookshelf speakers) but is discontinued. Its replacement, the Emotiva Airmotiv XB2, is rated 4.2/5 at $549; the Neumi BS5 is rated 3.8/5 at $139.99, $409.01 cheaper.
The Emotiva B1+ is the more accurate choice. Highly rated budget bookshelf speakers with a folded ribbon tweeter, now discontinued but worth buying used. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.34 against 3.60 for the Neumi BS5. The tradeoff: It needs an external amplifier and thoughtful placement.
Why pick the Neumi BS5: Budget bookshelf speakers with accurate, punchy sound that work with any ordinary receiver, an exceptional value. The tradeoff: Erin measured F3 at 64Hz, so kick-drum punch should not be mistaken for deep-bass extension.
Buy the Neumi BS5 if price matters most. For better sound quality, the Emotiva Airmotiv XB2, the replacement for the discontinued Emotiva B1+, is rated higher but costs $549.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Measured Differences
- Bass depth: the Neumi BS5 reaches 41 Hz (10 dB down) against 49 Hz for the Emotiva B1+, about half an octave deeper. You hear more of the lowest bass notes and kick drums.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Emotiva B1+ | Neumi BS5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $250 per pair Discontinued | $139.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #23 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #38 of 179 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 |
Where the Ratings Come From
- Emotiva B1+: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
- Neumi BS5: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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