Short answer: the Focal Aria 906 for better sound quality, the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ for the lower price. The Focal Aria 906 ranks #67 of 100 bookshelf speakers at $2199. The Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ ranks #72 at $449, $1750 cheaper.
The case for the Focal Aria 906: CEA2034 spinorama shows very flat bass response, with the reviewer rating overall performance “good.” Predicted in-room response is almost perfect prior to 1kHz. The tradeoff: 3dB dip around 2.8khz.
What the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ offers: Erin measured a useful 86dB average sensitivity and strong midbass punch around 120Hz. Watch for: The replacement B2+ did not deliver the neutral upgrade Erin expected.
Buy the Focal Aria 906 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Focal Aria 906 | Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,199.00 used, Discontinued | $449.00 |
| Ranked | #67 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #72 of 100 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 | - |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Dimensions | 15.4"H x 8.9"W x 11"D (390.0 x 225.0 x 280.0 mm) | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front | ported, rear |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Focal Aria 906: $2,199.00 used, Discontinued Amazon
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.
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) |
| Dimensions | 15.4"H x 8.9"W x 11"D (390.0 x 225.0 x 280.0 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| 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) |
| Weight | 39.9 lbs / 18.1 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front |
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- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Emotiva Airmotiv B2+: $449.00
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.
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+.
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) |
| 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) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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