Short answer: the KEF R3. It ranks #15 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.5/5) at $1,544.56 and is still sold new; the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ ranks #185 (rated 3.0/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Emotiva Airmotiv B2+’s replacement, the Emotiva Airmotiv XB2, is rated 4.2/5 at $549.
The KEF R3 is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. A three way bookshelf speaker with KEF’s coaxial driver for stable imaging across seats and very low distortion, easy to run with a modest amp. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.20 against 5.60 for the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+. Its bass reaches about 58Hz before falling 3dB, against 66Hz for the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+. The catch: The low-frequency alignment rolls gradually rather than delivering high-output sub-bass; KEF specifies 58Hz +/-3dB and Erin’s high-level data supports using an 80Hz subwoofer crossover.
The case for the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+: A discontinued bookshelf speaker with a folded ribbon tweeter, punchy midbass and a 6.5 inch woofer with good output. The catch: The replacement B2+ did not deliver the neutral upgrade Erin expected.
Buy the KEF R3. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ is no longer sold new.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
A three way bookshelf speaker with KEF’s coaxial driver for stable imaging across seats and very low distortion, easy to run with a modest amp.
A discontinued bookshelf speaker with a folded ribbon tweeter, punchy midbass and a 6.5 inch woofer with good output.
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Specifications Side By Side
| KEF R3 | Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,544.56 per pair | $449 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #15 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #185 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 58Hz (manufacturer specified; consistent with Erin’s measured roll-off) | 66Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 86-87dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 86dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal; suitable for Erin’s 4/8-ohm-rated amplifier | 4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter coaxial with 5” midrange; 6.5” woofer | 6.5” woven-fiber woofer, 32 x 25mm folded-ribbon tweeter |
| Dimensions | 16.6”H x 7.9”W x 13.2”D | 12.8”H x 8.5”W x 11.5”D (324 x 216 x 293 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear Flexible Port | ported, rear |
| Weight | 29.9 lbs (13.55 kg) each | 15.7 lbs (7.1 kg) each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.2 (spinorama.org) | 5.60 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.97 (spinorama.org) | 7.96 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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