Short answer: the Emotiva B1+ for better sound quality, the Neumi BS5 for the lower price. The Emotiva B1+ ranks #7 of 34 bookshelf speakers at $250. The Neumi BS5 ranks #11 at $110, $140 cheaper.
What the Emotiva B1+ offers: Its documented strengths make it a credible option in this class. Watch for: Resonance and peak from 1-2khz.
What the Neumi BS5 offers: 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. Watch for: Erin measured F3 at 64Hz, so kick-drum punch should not be mistaken for deep-bass extension.
Buy the Emotiva B1+ if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Neumi BS5 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Emotiva B1+ | Neumi BS5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $250 Discontinued | $110/pair |
| Ranked | #7 of 34 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #11 of 34 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49Hz (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) | - |
| 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 |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Weight | 8.8 lbs / 4.0 kg each | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, front |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Klipsch RP-500M II vs Neumi Silk 4
- Klipsch RP-500M II vs Sony SS-CS5 M2
- Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod) vs Wharfedale Diamond 12.1
- Neumi BS5 vs Neumi Silk 4
- Emotiva B1+ vs Neumi Silk 4
The Two Speakers In Full
Emotiva B1+: $250 Discontinued
Cons: Resonance and peak from 1-2khz. A little bright up top. Not great vertically off-axis. 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) |
| Dimensions | 10.8"H x 7.1"W x 8.3"D (274 x 181 x 210 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| 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) |
| Weight | 8.8 lbs / 4.0 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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Neumi BS5: $110/pair Amazon
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.
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 (-3dB) | 64Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| 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) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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