Short answer: the JBL XPL-90, since the B2+ disappointed. The Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ measures a useful 86dB average sensitivity with strong midbass punch around 120Hz, but Erin found the replacement did not live up to the neutrality he expected. The XPL-90 stays nearly ruler-flat on-axis to 1kHz with even horizontal directivity until it beams above 10kHz, its flaws being crossover peaking near 3kHz and treble peaking above 10kHz.
Buy the JBL XPL-90 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.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL XPL-90 | Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,298 per pair used (vintage, late 1980s), Discontinued | $449 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #104 of 134 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #107 of 134 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 6.5” bass/mid driver, 1” titanium dome tweeter | 6.5” woven-fiber woofer, 32 x 25mm folded-ribbon tweeter |
| Dimensions | 15.5”H x 9.5”W x 9.8”D (394 x 241 x 248 mm) | 12.8”H x 8.5”W x 11.5”D (324 x 216 x 293 mm) |
| Weight | 20.1 lbs (9.1 kg) each | 15.7 lbs (7.1 kg) each |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 86dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Power Handling | 100W nominal, 400W max | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 66Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 48.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.7 (spinorama.org) | 5.60 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.31 (spinorama.org) | 7.96 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported, rear |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL XPL-90: $1,298 per pair used (vintage, late 1980s) Discontinued eBay
Pros: Nearly ruler-flat on-axis response up to 1kHz with even horizontal directivity until the tweeter beams above 10kHz. The reviewer found real strength with vocals and simpler instrumentation, calling it “the first speaker I have liked that has some clear response errors” and “an enjoyable speaker” despite the flaws. Titanium tweeter and internal Monster cable wiring reflect JBL’s higher-end late-1980s engineering. Measured bass extension of 77.6Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.
Cons: Crossover region peaking around 3kHz and treble peaking above 10kHz color the top end, and poor vertical directivity means the tweeter needs to be at ear level. Distortion rises at 96dB SPL, especially around 3kHz. Long discontinued; only available on the used market.
Full JBL XPL-90 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 48.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 15.5”H x 9.5”W x 9.8”D (394 x 241 x 248 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5” bass/mid driver, 1” titanium dome tweeter |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Power Handling | 100W nominal, 400W max |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.7 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.31 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 20.1 lbs (9.1 kg) each |
- 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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