Short answer: the Focal Chora 816. It ranks #13 of 56 floorstanding speakers by sound quality at $900; the Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ ranks #22 and costs $999, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
On the Focal Chora 816 side: CEA2034 spinorama shows a generally even on-axis response with nice bass extension and high sensitivity. Set against that: Some messiness appears between 500Hz-2kHz on-axis, including a dip around 550Hz.
The case for the Emotiva Airmotiv T2+: High-value three-way tower with strong output and unusually deep usable sealed-room bass for the price. The tradeoff: The nominal 4-ohm system approaches 3 ohms near 100Hz in Erin’s measurement, so a high-current amplifier is preferable.
Buy the Focal Chora 816. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Focal Chora 816 | Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $900 used, Discontinued | $999/pair |
| Ranked | #13 of 56 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #22 of 56 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 32Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 62Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 40.7"H x 11.8"W x 15.3"D (1033.8 x 299.7 x 388.6 mm) | 42.7"H x 12.2"W x 12.3"D |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (3.9 ohms minimum, measured, Audio Science Review) | Approximately 3 ohms minimum near 100Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 6.5" (16.5cm) Slatefiber woofer, 6.5" (16.5cm) Slatefiber midrange, 1" (25mm) TNF Al/Mg inverted dome tweeter | 32mm folded-ribbon tweeter; 5.25" midrange; dual 8" woofers |
| Sensitivity | 91dB (measured, Audio Science Review) | Approximately 89.5dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 40.8 lbs / 18.5 kg each | 56.9 lb each |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front | ported, rear |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Focal Chora 816: $900 used, Discontinued
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a generally even on-axis response with nice bass extension and high sensitivity. Predicted in-room response is very good aside from a peak around 8kHz. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±60 degrees is typical and fairly controlled. Distortion is very low at 86dB SPL/1m and still usable at 96dB SPL/1m.
Cons: Some messiness appears between 500Hz-2kHz on-axis, including a dip around 550Hz. Vertical directivity narrows a little, so listening height matters more than with a coincident design. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows a fair bit of resonances lingering across the midrange. Distortion rises substantially in the 1-2kHz region at 96dB SPL/1m. Minimum impedance dips to about 3.9 ohms. Discontinued.
Full Focal Chora 816 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 40.7"H x 11.8"W x 15.3"D (1033.8 x 299.7 x 388.6 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 6.5" (16.5cm) Slatefiber woofer, 6.5" (16.5cm) Slatefiber midrange, 1" (25mm) TNF Al/Mg inverted dome tweeter |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (3.9 ohms minimum, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 91dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 40.8 lbs / 18.5 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front |
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- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Emotiva Airmotiv T2+: $999/pair Emotiva
Pros: High-value three-way tower with strong output and unusually deep usable sealed-room bass for the price. Erin measured F3 at 62Hz and F10 at 32Hz, with sensitivity just under 90dB/2.83V/1m. Dual 8-inch woven-fiber woofers relieve the 5.25-inch midrange, and the 32mm folded-ribbon tweeter provides broad horizontal coverage. Approximately +/-2.5dB response linearity, solid cabinet bracing and low compression allow substantial playback levels; the gradual low-frequency roll-off integrates well with either room gain or a subwoofer.
Cons: The nominal 4-ohm system approaches 3 ohms near 100Hz in Erin’s measurement, so a high-current amplifier is preferable. Horizontal and especially vertical directivity through the midrange/tweeter transition is less uniform than the best waveguided or coaxial designs; listener height and nearby reflections matter, and EQ cannot correct the narrowing mismatch. The large rear-ported cabinet needs placement clearance, and its deep F10 should not be confused with flat 30Hz output at cinema levels.
Full Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 32Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 62Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 42.7"H x 12.2"W x 12.3"D |
| Drivers | 32mm folded-ribbon tweeter; 5.25" midrange; dual 8" woofers |
| Impedance | Approximately 3 ohms minimum near 100Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 89.5dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 56.9 lb each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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