Short answer: the Focal Aria 906 on measured linearity, with the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ offering more punch. The Aria’s CEA2034 spinorama shows very flat bass and an almost perfect predicted in-room response prior to 1kHz, with a 3dB dip around 2.8kHz as the tradeoff. The B2+ measured 86dB average sensitivity and strong midbass punch around 120Hz, though the replacement did not deliver the neutral upgrade Erin expected.
Buy the Focal Aria 906 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, start with the AsciLab C6B instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Focal Aria 906 | Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,199.00 per pair used, Discontinued | $449 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #97 of 134 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #107 of 134 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 66Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (4.8 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 86.5dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 86dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 26mm tweeter + 165mm mid-woofer | 6.5” woven-fiber woofer, 32 x 25mm folded-ribbon tweeter |
| Weight | 39.9 lbs (18.1 kg) | 15.7 lbs (7.1 kg) each |
| Dimensions | 15.4”H x 8.9”W x 11”D (390.0 x 225.0 x 280.0 mm) | 12.8”H x 8.5”W x 11.5”D (324 x 216 x 293 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.64 | 5.60 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.00 | 7.96 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Focal Aria 906 compares with other leading options:
- Focal Aria 906 vs AsciLab C6B
- KEF R3 Meta vs Focal Aria 906
- KEF Q Concerto Meta vs Focal Aria 906
- Focal Aria 906 vs KEF R3
- MoFi SourcePoint 8 vs Focal Aria 906
Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 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
Focal Aria 906: $2,199.00 per pair used Discontinued Amazon eBay
Newer model: the Focal Aria Evo X N°1. It’s likely to perform similarly, though we don’t have measurements to confirm that yet.
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows very flat bass response, with the reviewer rating overall performance “good.” Predicted in-room response is almost perfect prior to 1kHz. Horizontal dispersion of about ±60 degrees is good and stays even out to about -12dB before getting erratic. Woofer distortion is quite low at 86dB SPL/1m. Measured bass extension of 63Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86.5dB.
Cons: 3dB dip around 2.8kHz. Some resonance around 800Hz, small directivity error around 7kHz. A dip in the upper midrange also shows up in the predicted in-room response. Distortion becomes problematic at 96dB SPL/1m, with a notable peak around 1.3-1.5kHz alongside broader midrange elevation. Discontinued.
Full Focal Aria 906 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 15.4”H x 8.9”W x 11”D (390.0 x 225.0 x 280.0 mm) |
| Drivers | 26mm tweeter + 165mm mid-woofer |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (4.8 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 86.5dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.64 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.00 |
| Weight | 39.9 lbs (18.1 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Emotiva Airmotiv B2+: $449 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Emotiva Airmotiv XB2, ranked higher, rated 4.2/5.
Pros: Erin measured a useful 86dB average sensitivity and strong midbass punch around 120Hz. The folded-ribbon tweeter provides very broad upper-treble radiation, and the speaker can create a spacious presentation when positioned carefully. Response and directivity remain reasonably orderly below the roughly 2kHz crossover region. The 6.5-inch woofer offers more output capability than compact 5-inch competitors, while F3/F10 of 66/43Hz leave adequate overlap for a conventional 80Hz subwoofer crossover. Horizontal directivity data makes the broad baffle-step trend amenable to partial EQ below the crossover. Measured bass extension of 66Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86dB.
Cons: The replacement B2+ did not deliver the neutral upgrade Erin expected. A baffle-step loss around 500Hz depresses the lower midrange while the AMT’s much wider radiation above crossover injects excess room energy, yielding a bright, forward balance and false impression of cymbal detail. The directivity discontinuity near 2kHz cannot be completely equalized. Erin measured F3 at 66Hz and F10 at 43Hz, so meaningful kick-drum fundamentals and low bass still need a subwoofer. Vertical listening tolerance is roughly +/-10 degrees, with best results between the top of the woofer and tweeter axes. Broad lateral treble energy may require careful toe-out and sidewall absorption. Despite a large cabinet, it offers limited deep-bass advantage and was not Erin’s hoped-for successor to the more linear B1+. Discontinued.
Full Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 66Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 12.8”H x 8.5”W x 11.5”D (324 x 216 x 293 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5” woven-fiber woofer, 32 x 25mm folded-ribbon tweeter |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.60 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.96 |
| Weight | 15.7 lbs (7.1 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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