Short answer: the KEF R11 Meta for better sound quality, the Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ for the lower price. The KEF R11 Meta ranks #19 of 56 floorstanding speakers at $3499.99. The Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ ranks #22 at $999, $2500.99 cheaper.
What the KEF R11 Meta gets right: CEA2034 spinorama shows a generally flat on-axis response with good directivity and very deep bass extension (F10 of 30Hz). The catch: A dip around 1-1.2kHz on-axis is attributed to a diffraction effect, and shows up as a smaller dip in the predicted in-room response.
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 KEF R11 Meta if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| KEF R11 Meta | Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,499.99 | $999/pair |
| Ranked | #19 of 56 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #22 of 56 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 31Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 32Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 62Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 51"H x 12.2"W x 15.1"D (1295.4 x 309.9 x 383.5 mm) | 42.7"H x 12.2"W x 12.3"D |
| Impedance | 4 ohms | Approximately 3 ohms minimum near 100Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 4 x 165 mm (6.5 in.) hybrid aluminium cone woofers, 125 mm (5 in.) aluminium cone midrange, 25 mm (1 in.) vented aluminium dome with MAT tweeter | 32mm folded-ribbon tweeter; 5.25" midrange; dual 8" woofers |
| Sensitivity | 89.5dB | Approximately 89.5dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 80.5 lbs / 36.5 kg each | 56.9 lb each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
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The Two Speakers In Full
KEF R11 Meta: $3,499.99 Amazon
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a generally flat on-axis response with good directivity and very deep bass extension (F10 of 30Hz). Predicted in-room response is very smooth aside from the small 1-1.5kHz dip. The coaxial Uni-Q driver gives excellent, symmetric vertical directivity, unusual for a tower speaker. Distortion is incredibly low even down to 30Hz at 86dB SPL/1m, and stays low even at 96dB and 102dB SPL/1m - the reviewer found essentially no audible tonality change across that whole output range.
Cons: A dip around 1-1.2kHz on-axis is attributed to a diffraction effect, and shows up as a smaller dip in the predicted in-room response. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±40 degrees is on the narrower side, though the transition from wide to constant directivity is smooth. Minimum impedance dips to 3.2 ohms around 580Hz, calling for an amplifier comfortable with a demanding load. 4-ohm nominal impedance overall.
Full KEF R11 Meta review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 31Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 51"H x 12.2"W x 15.1"D (1295.4 x 309.9 x 383.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 4 x 165 mm (6.5 in.) hybrid aluminium cone woofers, 125 mm (5 in.) aluminium cone midrange, 25 mm (1 in.) vented aluminium dome with MAT tweeter |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 89.5dB |
| Weight | 80.5 lbs / 36.5 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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- Links
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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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